TDLR proposes continuing education for A/C contractors

The TDLR has published a proposed rule that would impose, for the first time, a continuing education requirement on Texas A/C contractors.

The rule proposal would require a licensed contractor to complete eight hours of continuing education in Department-approved courses to renew a license. The continuing education hours must include two hours of instruction in Texas state law and rules that regulate the conduct of licensees. The continuing education hours must be completed during the term of the current license or, in the case of a late renewal, within the one-year period prior to the date of renewal.

Note that this proposed rule relates to A/C contractors only, and is not directed at A/C technicians. However, it is a reasonable guess that if the bill requiring registration of A/C technicians passes, that the TDLR would then propose a rule for continuing education for technicians.

Pending Texas legislation - Air Conditioning Technicians

SB 686 - This bill would require registration of all air conditioning technicians.

Currently, the TDLR licenses air conditioning contractors, not individual A/C workers. Existing law provides for a state-wide air conditioning contractor's license.