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Idaho HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical License Requirements

Last updated 2026. Requirements may change — always verify with your state licensing board.

HVAC
Renewal
3-year cycle
CE hours
8 hours (journeyman) / 16 hours (contractor) per 3-year cycle
Initial cost
~$135 initial
License types
Apprentice → Journeyman → HVAC Contractor
Experience
8,000 hours for journeyman
Exam
State exam required
Bond
$2,000 compliance bond
Insurance
Workers' comp required with employees; general liability recommended
Reciprocity
No formal reciprocity — verify with board
Board
Idaho Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses (DOPL)
Plumbing
Renewal
3-year cycle
CE hours
None as of October 2023 (rule change removed CE requirement)
Initial cost
~$135
License types
Apprentice → Journeyman → Master / Contractor Plumber
Experience
8,000 hours for journeyman
Exam
State plumbing exam
Bond
Not required at state level
Insurance
Workers' comp required with employees; general liability recommended
Reciprocity
No formal reciprocity — verify with board
Board
Idaho DOPL — Plumbing Board
Notes
As of October 2023, Idaho plumbers no longer need CE for renewal.
Electrical
Renewal
3-year cycle
CE hours
24 CE hours per 3-year cycle
Initial cost
~$135
License types
Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Electrician → Electrical Contractor
Experience
8,000 hours for journeyman
Exam
NEC-based state exam
Bond
Not required at state level
Insurance
Workers' comp required with employees; general liability recommended
Reciprocity
No formal reciprocity — verify with board
Board
Idaho DOPL — Electrical Board

Idaho licenses all three trades through the Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses (DOPL). The state runs a 3-year renewal cycle with relatively low initial fees (~$135) but varying CE expectations between trades.

A 2023 rule change eliminated the CE requirement for Idaho plumbers — they now renew without CE. HVAC contractors still need 16 hours per 3-year cycle and electricians 24 hours, so the requirement isn't uniform across trades.

TradesIQ tracks Idaho license renewals, CE hours, bonds, and insurance certificates in one dashboard — with automated reminders before anything lapses.

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Renewal cycles, CE hours, fees, and licensing board links.

HVAC
Renewal
3-year cycle
CE
8 hours (journeyman) / 16 hours (contractor) per 3-year cycle
Cost
~$135 initial
Board
Idaho Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses (DOPL)
Plumbing
Renewal
3-year cycle
CE
None as of October 2023 (rule change removed CE requirement)
Cost
~$135
Board
Idaho DOPL — Plumbing Board
Electrical
Renewal
3-year cycle
CE
24 CE hours per 3-year cycle
Cost
~$135
Board
Idaho DOPL — Electrical Board

Requirements may change. Always verify with your state licensing board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Idaho plumbers still need continuing education?
No. As of October 2023, Idaho removed the CE requirement for plumber license renewal. HVAC and electrical CE requirements remain in place.
How long is an Idaho contractor license valid?
Three years. Idaho operates on a 3-year renewal cycle for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical licenses.

Other states