Cryan, Sweeney Bill Clarifying HVACR Contractor Training Requirements Signed by Governor

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph Cryan and Senate President Steve Sweeney that would clarify the training requirements for qualification as a Master HVACR contractor under “The State Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contracting License Law” was signed into law by Governor Murphy today.

The law, A-3704/S-2550, will require applicants looking to become licensed Master HVARC contractors to spend four to five years in a HVACR apprenticeship or a training program approved by the United States Department of Labor in order to qualify for the license.  The approved programs include, but are not limited to, steamfitter, pipefitter, or sheet metal apprenticeship programs.

“It is extremely important for those performing licensed HVACR work to be well-trained individuals,” said Senator Cryan (D-Union).  “This law will ensure that those performing the work have met the requirements necessary to do so under the tutelage of well-trained HVAC Master Contractors”

The law defines a HVACR apprentice as a person enrolled in a HVACR apprenticeship or another approved training program who engages in the installation, alteration, repair, service or renovation of HVACR systems under the supervision of a Master HVACR contractor.

“When someone is performing HVACR work on your property, you want them to be well trained,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland).  “This new law provides confidence to the consumer and employers that they have reliable professionals working on expensive equipment.”

Previously, Master HVACR contractor hopefuls needed four to five years of experience working in the HVACR contracting business, four to five years spent as a HVACR apprentice in order to qualify for a license, or other training programs approved by the United States Department of Labor.

The law amends the definition of “Master HVACR contractor” and “HVACR journeyperson” to clarify that the individual has studied and performed the majority of HVACR, as defined in current law.