Ohio requires an HVAC Contractor License with 5 years of documented experience, a two-part open-book exam, and one of the more demanding CE requirements nationally (8 hours/year or 24 hours/3 years).
5 years of documented HVAC experience. Acceptable evidence includes: permits from worked jobs (at least one per year), a valid journeyman's card, or proof of completion of an Ohio- or U.S. DOL-approved apprenticeship program.
Yes — Trade exam plus Business and Law exam, administered by PSI. Open-book, 100 questions, 4-hour limit. 70% passing score.
8 hours per 1-year renewal (up to 4 hours online) or 24 hours per 3-year renewal (up to 12 hours online)
Yes — Ohio recognizes licenses from Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Verify current status with OCILB before applying.
Reciprocity agreements can change. Always verify current status directly with Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board before relying on reciprocity for licensure.
Ohio's CE requirement is relatively demanding at 8 hours per year or 24 hours per 3-year cycle. The 5-year experience requirement with per-year documentation is also rigorous. Ohio contractors need to maintain renewal cadence carefully.
EPA 608 Certification — Required in All 50 States
Regardless of Ohio'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 OhioOhio's OCILB HVAC exam is administered by PSI and consists of two open-book sections: a Trade Exam and a Business and Law Exam, both with 100 questions and a 4-hour time limit each with a 70% passing score required. The trade exam draws from the Ohio Mechanical Code (based on the IMC with Ohio amendments) and ASHRAE standards. Because both exams are open-book, organization and tab placement in your references is critical.
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Last verified: 2026 · Always confirm current requirements with your state licensing board before starting work or submitting an application.
Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) — Ohio Department of Commerce
Visit official board websiteApproximate first-attempt pass rate: Approximately 60% first-attempt pass rate across both exam sections based on industry estimates
