Massachusetts HVAC License Renewal

Renewal Dates Vary by Trade Board

Massachusetts HVAC licenses do not all renew on the same schedule. Each trade board sets its own cycle and deadline, and missing a renewal can mean more than a lapse — some boards require you to restart the application process entirely.

Here is how renewals work for every HVAC-related credential.

Refrigeration Licenses (OPSI — MyLicenseOne)

Refrigeration Technician licenses renew biennially, timed to the licensee's birth month. Refrigeration Contractor licenses also renew biennially. There is no continuing education requirement. Renewal fees: $50 for technicians, $75 for contractors. Submit through the MyLicenseOne portal at madpl.mylicenseone.com.

Refrigeration Apprentice licenses renew biennially for $20 but are limited to two renewal cycles unless otherwise approved by the Bureau. If you have not completed your technician requirements by then, you need to work with OPSI to extend or re-apply.

OPSI has fully transitioned to digital licenses. You will not receive a paper card — retrieve your active license through the portal and display it on a mobile device or as a self-printed copy when inspectors request it.

Sheet Metal Licenses (Board of Sheet Metal Workers — eLIPSE)

Individual sheet metal licenses renew biennially on the 28th day of the licensee's birth month. There is currently no continuing education requirement for sheet metal renewals — the board has deferred mandatory CE to a future regulatory cycle.

Renewal fees: $40 (apprentice), $80 (journeyperson), $100 (master). The Sheet Metal Business license renews on the anniversary of its issue date, not the birth month, for $225.

Submit through the eLIPSE portal at elicensing21.mass.gov.

Gas Fitter Licenses (Board of Plumbers and Gas Fitters — eLIPSE)

Gas fitter renewals fall on May 1st of even-numbered years for all tiers. Renewal fees: $40 (apprentice), $52 (journeyman), $97 (master), $225 (plumbing/gas corporation). Also through the eLIPSE portal.

Construction Supervisor License (OPSI — MyLicenseOne)

The CSL renews biennially and is the one HVAC-adjacent license that does require continuing education. Unrestricted CSL holders need 12 hours of approved CE per cycle; restricted license holders need 10 hours. At least six hours must cover the state building code (780 CMR). Renewal fee: $100.

HIC Registration (OCABR — MA Contractor Hub)

Renews biennially through the MA Contractor Hub at contractorhub.mass.gov. No continuing education required. Renewal fee: $100 (separate from the initial Guaranty Fund contribution). Start the renewal process 30 to 60 days before expiration — if your registration lapses, you re-register as a new applicant at full cost.

Tracking Multiple Renewal Dates

With credentials spread across three or four boards, each on its own renewal cycle, it is easy to let something lapse. The Massachusetts HVAC License Guide includes a renewal calendar template that tracks every license type, portal, fee, and deadline in one place.

See more Massachusetts guides →