Georgia requires a Conditioned Air Contractor license for HVAC work, with two tiers based on system size. The 7-hour open-book exam and 4-hour annual CE requirement reflect a rigorous licensing standard.
Class I: 4 years documented experience. Class II: 5 years documented experience (commercial and residential components). Both require board-approved heat loss/gain and duct design coursework.
Yes — open-book, 100 weighted questions, 7-hour time limit (split into two 3.5-hour halves). 70% passing score. Exam fee: $267.
4 hours per year
Yes — Georgia has reciprocity with Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas
Reciprocity agreements can change. Always verify current status directly with Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors — Conditioned Air division before relying on reciprocity for licensure.
Georgia requires a $10,000 cash or surety bond in the county of operation. Application fee: $110. Georgia licenses contractors only — individual technicians working under a licensed contractor do not need a separate state license.
EPA 608 Certification — Required in All 50 States
Regardless of Georgia's state licensing rules, any technician who purchases, handles, or works with regulated refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. This is a federal requirement under the Clean Air Act that no state law can waive. EPA 608 Universal (covering Type I, II, and III) is the most versatile credential for most HVAC roles.
Browse EPA 608 Universal jobs in GeorgiaGeorgia's Conditioned Air Contractor exam is one of the most demanding in the Southeast: 100 weighted questions split across two 3.5-hour halves with a 70% passing score and an exam fee of $267. The exam is open-book and emphasizes Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes, load calculation procedures, and heat loss/gain coursework that candidates must complete before they can even sit for the exam. Class I (restricted) and Class II (unrestricted) exams test the same core content but Class II adds commercial systems and larger equipment scope.
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Last verified: 2026 · Always confirm current requirements with your state licensing board before starting work or submitting an application.
Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors — Conditioned Air division (under the Secretary of State)
Visit official board websiteApproximate first-attempt pass rate: Approximately 55% first-attempt pass rate; the mandatory pre-exam coursework requirement filters candidates but the exam itself remains challenging