Moving to Maryland as a master HVAC technician: every state's rule

1. 1Trade exam. Pass the destination's trade exam. Maryland Master HVACR Contractor examination administered by PSI: 100 questions, 240 minutes, open book, 70% to pass.
2. 2Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($150). PSI examination fee, paid with the exam application; valid for one attempt within 90 days, nonrefundable, and due again for each retake (master restricted exams $50 per area; limited contractor $150).
3. 3License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($94.50). Master license fee, nonrefundable, paid when you register the license with the Department of Labor within 1 year of passing the exam (master restricted $31.50 per area, capped at three areas; limited $94.50).
4. 4Insurance. Carry the required insurance. Certificate of insurance if you own an HVACR business or will sign or approve HVACR contracts: general liability at least $300,000 and property damage at least $100,000 (combined at least $400,000), with your name, the policy number and expiration date, and the State Board of HVACR Contractors named as certificate holder (Bus. Reg. §9A-402). Contracting without it is a misdemeanor..
5. 5Background check. Complete a background check. Report any felony or misdemeanor conviction on the application with a true-test copy from the clerk of the court where it was entered. The Board weighs the nature of the crime, its relevance to HVACR work, the time since the conviction and your conduct before and after it (Bus. Reg. §9A-310); failing to disclose a conviction can be treated more severely than the conviction itself..

Published fees on this path total $244.50, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.