During the summer, 2018 the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) reviewed its Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) program rules for re-adoption, revision, or possible repeal. The TDLR is heavily focused on streamlining administration of the programs it regulates. The agency was tasked with determining if cause for re-adopting the ACR Rules existed by asking three questions of each rule:
- Is it obsolete?
- Does it reflect current legal and policy considerations?
- Is it in alignment with the current procedures of the Department?
The TDLR ultimately decided to re-adopt the ACR Rules with amendments and additions. The full ACR Rules are codified under 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 75, which can be viewed here.
As of September 1, 2018, the Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Law on certified technicians has changed. No changes were made to the requirements or fees for registered technicians. The following Rules are in effect for certified technicians:
- The ACR application for certified technicians must be submitted by physical mail, along with all necessary supporting documents. Applications can no longer be submitted online.
- Applicant must comply with the TDLR’s examination requirements to become a certified technician. 16 Tex. Admin. Code, § 75.121.
- The application fee to become a certified technician is now $50.00 and the certification renewal fee is $35.00.
- Applicants for certification must meet specific education or work experience requirements. Eligibility requirements can be found on the ACR certified technician application instructions included with the application.
- An applicant must have at least 24 months of air conditioning and refrigeration-related work, performed under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor.
- Military experience that included training in or performing air conditioning and refrigeration-related work as part of your military occupational specialty may be combined with or used as part of the required length of experience.
- Alternatively, an applicant must have completed a TDLR-approved Certification training program within the previous 48 months.
- ACR technicians who became certified under the previous laws may continue to renew their certification.
It is necessary for anyone performing air conditioning and refrigeration work to hold the proper ACR program license, registration, or certification from the TDLR. Failure to comply with the Texas state laws or the TDLR’s Rules may subject you to sanctions, administrative penalties, or both. 16 Tex. Admin. Code, § 75.90.
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