Texas requires separate contractor and technician licenses through TDLR, with Class A (unlimited) and Class B (limited size) contractor tiers. It's one of the largest HVAC markets nationally with active enforcement.
Contractor: 48 months of practical ACR experience under a licensed contractor within the past 72 months; or 12 months with Technician Certification plus 36 months supervised experience. Technician: experience required for certification.
Yes — open-book, computer-based, administered by PSI. 70% passing score. Different exams for Class A vs. Class B.
Contact TDLR for current CE requirements for technicians and contractors
Yes — Texas has reciprocity with Georgia (Class II → TX Class A) and South Carolina. Must have held out-of-state license for at least 1 year.
Reciprocity agreements can change. Always verify current status directly with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation before relying on reciprocity for licensure.
Texas requires separate licensing for AC work vs. refrigeration (different endorsements). The Class A vs. Class B distinction mirrors Florida's system. Application fee: $115; licenses valid for 1 year. Texas is one of the largest HVAC markets in the US with active licensing enforcement.
EPA 608 Certification — Required in All 50 States
Regardless of Texas'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 TexasThe Texas TDLR ACR exam is a computer-based, open-book test administered by PSI with a 70% passing score required. Class A covers unlimited system sizes while Class B is limited to systems up to 25 tons cooling and 1.5 million BTU/hour heating. Both exams draw from Texas administrative rules, refrigeration principles, and electrical safety standards.
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Last verified: 2026 · Always confirm current requirements with your state licensing board before starting work or submitting an application.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Advisory Board
Visit official board websiteApproximate first-attempt pass rate: Approximately 60–65% first-attempt pass rate based on industry estimates
