How to get a license

Contact the EPA and ask for this information. Or your local air conditioning supply house.

Most state and community colleges offer HVAC and exam prep courses for HVAC certification and electrician's licensing. Usually a prerequisite electrician's course is required. HVAC courses typically are in two parts, introductory and preparation for EPA certification exam. Many schools now offer on-campus exams, eliminating the need to go to a regional state testing facility. The courses are Continuing Education classes, evening classes can last about 3 months, 2-3 nights a week and will cost around $150 per course. In Texas, the Workforce Commission can provide financial assistance for these kind of courses, most other states probably do as well.
Search Google for "Pennsylvania College of Technology" for courses offered in your area.

I highly recommend taking these courses for anyone who owns a home or has rental property!

Do you want to get this license for use in automobile work or for use in the cooling and ventilating business. There are two separate license, and on top of that you have to be certified to handle freon or equipment that has freon in it. When I took the test we had several questions about boilers and also some about café kitchen fire retardant equipment over the grill.

Most automobiles now use R134a which does not require a certification since R134a is a petroleum based refrigerant. Walmart has it on their shelves for anyone to buy.

"Google" ACCA. Air Conditioning Contractors of America. In order to purchase refrigerants that contain CFCs (includes R12 & R22), HCFCs and the new composite blends, ONLY proof of the proper EPA certification is required by federal law. But, most suppliers will refuse to sell ANY refrigerants to anyone who cannot produce proof of certification and usually will still refuse if the person is not a licensed contractor that they are not familiar with. It's more politics than legality.

Even though there are little-known loopholes in the law which do allow farmers to buy R12 for their tractors and combines and allow homeowners to buy R22 for their own residence, without having EPA certification, good luck in trying to convince a store owner based on what the law allows! Store owners still have the right to choose whether to sell or not sell their merchandise to anybody who walks in!

As for the certifications required, you are a bit off. When you work for hire, certifications are almost always required. To do work on structural A/C, you must have at least a Type III certification PLUS an electrician's license since A/C systems always involve wiring that exceed 50VAC. For car A/C you must have at least a Type II certification PLUS automotive certifications just to pop the hood!

Sad but true, it's a changing world.. . even truck drivers are now required to have federal DOT certifications in addition to the state issued CDL.

The laws must be different in Texas then other states, a home owner is not allowed to purchase R-22 if he is not certified, even if it is for his own use and in Calif. An electricians lic. Is not required or a prerequisite for obtaining a certification or contractors lic.
An air conditioning person can also do the line voltage wiring on any of the air conditioning
Componets. The only reason I mention this is to show that the laws differ from state to state and any one wanting EPA certification should inquire from the source (EPA) and be well informed as to there states regulations involving the purchase and handling of refrigerants.