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Beginning November 1, 2012, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) contractor license applicants are required to have at least 48 months of practical experience in air conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed ACR contractor in the preceding 72 months. Prior to November 1, applicants were required to have 36 months of practical experience in the preceding 60 months.

The practical experience requirement can be satisfied in the following ways:

  • If you have completed a four year degree or diploma in air conditioning engineering or technology, or mechanical engineering, it is equivalent to 24 months of practical experience.
  • If you have completed a two year associate’s degree, a two year diploma, or a two year certification program primarily focused on air conditioning and refrigeration-related work, it is equivalent to 12 months of practical experience.
  • If you have completed a one year certification program or a program of at least two semesters in air conditioning and refrigeration-related work, it is equivalent to 6 months of practical experience.
  • If you have another related degree, diploma, or certification, it will be considered the equivalent to the amount of practical experience as determined by TDLR on a case-by-case basis.

A degree, diploma or certification can be used no matter how long ago they were earned. Applicants holding a degree earned outside the United States can submit a transcript or curriculum documentation, along with their application, for review and consideration.

Military experience, on-the-job training in an apprenticeship program, industrial work experience, or government experience can also apply to the practical experience requirement in the following ways:

  • Every 2,000 hours (per year maximum) of on-the-job training in an apprenticeship program is equivalent to 12 months of practical experience;
  • Verified military service in which you were trained in or performed air conditioning and refrigeration-related work as part of your military occupational specialty will count towards the 48 month requirement;
  • Four or more years experience performing air conditioning and refrigeration-related work in the following areas will qualify you to take the Texas exam: (1) Regulated electric or gas utility; (2) Licensed engineer who engages in air conditioning and refrigeration contracting work in connection with the business in which he is employed but not for the public; (3) Industrial work including chemical plants, petrochemical plants, refineries, natural gas plants, or a natural gas treating plant, and performing process cooling or heating work for the operation; or (4) Performing air conditioning and refrigeration-related work while employed by a governmental entity.