HVAC/R Unlimited Mechanical Journeyman

Oklahoma HVAC/R Unlimited Mechanical Journeyman License

The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) issues the HVAC/R Unlimited Mechanical Journeyman license — the credential that lets you perform any mechanical HVAC/R field work in Oklahoma, across any system size, while working under a licensed contractor.

No Tonnage or BTU Ceiling: Full Scope at the Journeyman Level

The Unlimited designation matters: it authorizes work on cooling systems of any capacity, heating equipment at any heat input, refrigeration systems, process piping, natural gas piping, and sheet metal — the complete mechanical trade scope defined by OAC Title 158. Journeymen holding only a Limited license are capped at 25 tons cooling and 500,000 BTU/h heating; the Unlimited license removes those caps entirely.

This license authorizes field installation, alteration, modification, service, maintenance, and repair. Journeymen may not contract for work independently — that requires the HVAC/R Unlimited Mechanical Contractor license.

Three Years of Mechanical Experience and a Passing Exam Score

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate one of these experience pathways (OAC 158):

• 3 years (6,000 hours) of verifiable mechanical trade experience while employed by a licensed contractor, OR
• 1 year experience plus an associate degree or vocational diploma of 1,000+ hours from a CIB-approved school, OR
• 2 years experience plus a 500-hour vocational program, OR
• Equivalent verifiable experience gained during U.S. military service in the mechanical trade

All pathways require passing the HVAC/R Unlimited Journeyman technical exam administered through a CIB-approved third-party vendor.

$75 Application Fee, $75 Annual Renewal Due by Last Day of Birth Month

• Application fee: $75
• Renewal: $75 annually, due by the last day of your birth month
• Continuing education: 6 hours within the preceding 36 months from CIB-approved providers, completed before license expiration
• No bond or insurance required at the journeyman level — those obligations belong to the contractor license holder

Performing Mechanical Work Without a License Risks a $500–$1,000 Fine

Unlicensed mechanical work in Oklahoma carries fines of $500 for the first violation and $1,000 for each subsequent offense under the Oklahoma Mechanical Licensing Act (59 O.S. § 1850 et seq.). The CIB enforces licensing actively and may refer cases to the district attorney.