Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor License in California
Quick Answer
California's C-20 HVAC contractor license requires 4 years of journeyman experience, passing business/law + trade exams, fingerprinting, and a license bond. Application $450, initial license $200-$350, renewal $450-$700 biennial — approximately $1,100 to start.
- Exam
- California C-20 Contractor Exam (business/law + trade)
- Total Cost
- $1,100 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4+ years (journeyman experience)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor license in California
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $450
- Renewal Fee
- $450
- Total Estimated Cost
- $1,100
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.
Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor Salary in California
Entry Level
$46,980
Median
$65,290
Experienced
$107,600
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor in California.
- 1
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$450.
- 2
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4+ years (journeyman experience).
Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor Licensing in California: What to Know
California licenses HVAC under 'Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor' (Class C-20). Application $450. Initial License: Sole Owner $200/2yr, Non-sole owner $350/2yr. Must have 4 years of journeyman-level experience, be 18+. Two exams required: business/law and trade. Computerized exams daily at 20 sites statewide. Re-exam fee $100. Additional requirements: fingerprinting, license bond(s), workers' comp proof. Renewal (sole owner): Active $450/2yr, Delinquent $675/2yr. Inactive: $300/4yr. Study guides and video presentations available at CSLB website. The Contractors State License Board oversees licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor license cost in California?
- The estimated total cost is $1,100, including application fees, and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor license in California?
- The process typically takes 4+ years (journeyman experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor license in California?
- You need to pass the California C-20 Contractor Exam (business/law + trade). N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.