Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Exams

The City of Fargo proctors the State of North Dakota Reciprocity Exams for both Master and Journeyman HVAC licenses. A successfully completed exam is valid in all participating jurisdictions within the State of North Dakota. However, a mechanical, fuel gas, or dual license must be obtained in each jurisdiction employed.

Please note: An exam fee is separate than a license fee.

Exams are offered on an individual basis by appointment at 701.241.1561.

Journeyman Exams

The City of Fargo offers the journeyman mechanical exam and the journeyman fuel gas exam. Exam applicants must submit proof of at least 6,000 hours of practical experience in the following format:

Professional letter of qualifications from employer containing the following requirements:

• Must be on company letterhead
• Signed by an employer or Master
• List the type of work experience
• List the date range of employment
• List the exact number of hours worked

Or

A certificate of education along with a Degree Audit Report/Transcript

• (Note that education can only account for half of the required hours. You would still need proof of hands-on experience.)

The fees for the journeyman exams are $40.00. (Fees are charged per exam appointment; so, if both exams are taken in the same day, then the total due will remain $40.00. If exams are taken on separate days, then you will have to pay for each appointment.)

Master Exams

The City of Fargo offers the master mechanical exam and the master fuel gas exam. Master exam applicants must submit proof of at least 6,000 hours of journeyman experience and 4,000 hours of practical experience for a total of 10,000 hours experience. Proof should be presented as the following:

Professional letter of qualifications from employer containing the following requirements:

• Must be on company letterhead
• Signed by an employer or Master
• List the type of work experience
• List the date range of employment
• List the exact number of hours worked

Please note: Proof of hours will be reviewed by the examiner on a case-by-case basis. For questions about alternative credentials, please call 701.241.1561.

The fees for the master exams are $125.00. (Fees are charged per exam appointment; so, if both exams are taken in the same day, then the total will remain $125.00. If exams are taken on separate days, then you will have to pay for each appointment.)

Additional Exam Information

• Exams are open book. The City of Fargo does not provide or sell code books. Code books can be purchased online through either the International Code Council or Barnes and Noble.
  
  As of January 1, 2023, the exams will be based solely off of the 2021 code books:
  2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) Item: 3300S21
  2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) Item: 3600S21
• Each exam is allowed four hours for completion.
• Cell phones must be handed in to the front desk before beginning an exam.
• Upon test failure, 30 days must expire before an applicant will be eligible for a retest.

To view a current list of people who have passed the journeyman and/or master reciprocity exams, please visit the North Dakota Building Official Association website.

License Information

-After receiving your exam results, you may apply for your license online at Permits.FargoND.gov.
-For renewal instructions, click here
-All licensing is processed through the Audit Department. For further questions, reach out to them at 701-241-8108