Virginia licenses both individual tradesmen and contractors through DPOR, with a new Residential HVAC Tradesman credential added in April 2025 for residential-only practitioners. Virginia updated to the 2021 IMC effective May 2025.
Journeyman: 2 years of practical HVAC experience plus associate degree in a related field (among other qualifying options). Master: must hold journeyman or higher license plus additional experience.
Yes — administered by PSI. Journeyman exam: open-book, 85 questions, 210 minutes, $100 fee, 70% passing score. Master exam: $125 fee.
Contact DPOR for current CE requirements
Delaware lists Virginia as a limited/endorsement reciprocity partner. Contact DPOR for full reciprocity list.
Reciprocity agreements can change. Always verify current status directly with Virginia Board for Contractors — Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation before relying on reciprocity for licensure.
Virginia updated to the 2021 International Mechanical Code effective May 1, 2025. The new Residential HVAC Tradesman credential (started April 2025) creates a separate pathway for residential-only practitioners. Contact DPOR at (804) 367-8511.
EPA 608 Certification — Required in All 50 States
Regardless of Virginia'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 VirginiaVirginia's DPOR HVA (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) exam is administered by PSI and is open-book. The Journeyman HVA exam consists of 85 questions with a 210-minute time limit and a $100 exam fee, requiring a 70% passing score. Virginia updated to the 2021 International Mechanical Code effective May 2025, so candidates must study the 2021 IMC edition rather than older versions. The new Residential HVAC Tradesman credential (as of April 2025) uses a separate, narrower exam focused on residential systems.
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Last verified: 2026 · Always confirm current requirements with your state licensing board before starting work or submitting an application.
Virginia Board for Contractors — Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
Visit official board websiteApproximate first-attempt pass rate: Approximately 65% first-attempt pass rate for the Journeyman HVA exam based on DPOR historical data trends
