HVAC licensing in Oregon

Oregon is a split answer, and the split is the whole story — ask what the tech will actually touch. MECHANICAL HVAC installation runs through CONTRACTOR licensing (CCB), with no state journeyman card — nothing for a worker to transfer. But the CONTROLS side is individually licensed: the Limited Energy Technician Class A covers electrical systems under 100 volt-amperes INCLUDING specialized HVAC control systems, and if the job includes low-voltage controls work, that personal license is required.

And it does not transfer: BCD's reciprocity list, read in full, covers plumber and electrician classes only — none of the HVAC-relevant licenses (LEA, LEB, LHR, CRE) appears on it, from any state.

Not established — whether BCD permits work while a Limited Energy Technician application or exam is pending was not captured. This is one of the few HVAC states where the question genuinely bites, because the controls side IS individually licensed — do not assume.

The company-side credentials are quantified: the Restricted Energy Contractor (CRE) takes two years (4,000 hours) of HVAC-related experience; the Limited Maintenance Specialty HVAC/R (LHR) takes two years (4,000 hours) of installation experience plus approved specialized training from a manufacturer, school, apprenticeship program or on-the-job training.

LEA/LEB hour requirements were not captured — confirm with BCD. Your personal floor is EPA 608.

Not established for the HVAC/limited-energy path — Oregon runs registered apprenticeships and the LHR route expressly accepts apprenticeship training as qualifying, but no walk-up apprentice card was found.

The state agencies govern statewide — the split is by AGENCY (CCB for the business, BCD for the controls license), not by city.

Two agencies, one placement question: the CCB licenses the business doing HVAC work; BCD licenses the individual on controls. A tech swinging mechanical tools under a CCB-licensed contractor needs no personal card; the moment the scope includes low-voltage controls, the LEA/LEB license is theirs to hold.