Massachusetts Refrigeration Technician License Renewal

At a glance

Who needs it

Anyone who works as a refrigeration technician in Massachusetts: refrigeration means the installation, repair, replacement or maintenance of any refrigerant containing part of any refrigerant system of a ten ton capacity, or greater. The licensing provisions don't apply to a person regularly employed by an industrial plant, public or private utility company, firm, corporation, hospital, school or college installing, replacing, maintaining or altering air conditioning or refrigeration systems on that employer's premises or property. OPSI's application page words the scope differently, as refrigeration work having a capacity over 10 tons in the aggregate: if your systems are each under 10 tons, check with OPSI

License types

Refrigeration apprentice, journeyman refrigeration technician, and master refrigeration technician/refrigeration contractor. A license is classified and limited to the maximum size of refrigerating system the holder is familiar with installing or servicing, though anyone found qualified can be licensed for all sizes

Renews every

Two years (biennial renewal)

Expires

On your birthday. A license is in force until the licensee's birthday occurring more than twelve months but not more than twenty-four months after the date of the license. A license expiring in an even year renews to the next birthday in an even year, and one expiring in an odd year to the next birthday in an odd year. A license of someone born on February 29 expires on March 1

Renewal notice

OPSI sends renewal notices by email and by mail to the addresses on record 60 days before the license expires. They contain your registration code, which you can use to renew online, and the mailed notice includes a hard-copy renewal application. The statute requires a notice at least thirty days before

Renewal fee

$50 for a journeyman/technician, $75 for a master/contractor, $20 for an apprentice

Renew

Online through OPSI's My License portal, paying by debit or credit card, or by mailing the completed hard-copy renewal application with the fee to the Division of Occupational Licensure, Office of Public Safety and Inspections, One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02110-2012, ATTN: Refrigeration Contractor License, as the renewal page gives it

Documents

OPSI's renewal page says that, apart from sprinkler fitter contractors (who submit a certificate of liability insurance), the Bureau's licenses need no further documentation for renewal

After you renew

OPSI emails a confirmation once the renewal is processed, and the physical license arrives by mail in 2-3 weeks

Not renewed?

A license not renewed at its expiration date becomes void, and after one year it can be reinstated only by reexamination of the licensee

Military service

A licensee on active duty with the U.S. armed forces keeps a valid license until released from active duty and for at least 90 days after that release, provided the discharge is honorable, general or under other than honorable conditions (528 CMR 11.05)

Apprentices

An apprentice license can be renewed only a limited number of times unless the Bureau approves more (528 CMR 11.03(1) names a documented hardship and enrollment in an educational program to complete the apprenticeship): OPSI's renewal page and 528 CMR 11.03(1) give different limits, so check with OPSI before counting on another renewal

Masters and contractors

A master refrigeration technician/refrigeration contractor with a regular place of business must prominently display their license number on all commercial vehicles, offers, invoices, installation drawings and business stationery

Working unlicensed

A fine of $10 to $100 for a first offense, and $50 to $500, six months in the house of correction, or both, for a later offense

Contact

Office of Public Safety and Inspections, Division of Occupational Licensure, One Federal Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02110-2012. (617) 727-3200, Monday to Friday, 8:45 am to 5:00 pm, or OPSI-info@mass.gov (put your full OPSI license number, including prefix, in the subject line when looking for a status update on a renewal)

OPSI's renewal page offers a Request for Duplicate Renewal Form if you need another copy of your renewal notice, and OPSI has a form to change the name or address on your license.

Refrigeration licenses are separate from the pipefitter and sprinkler fitter licenses the same Bureau issues, and from the Massachusetts plumber, gas fitter and electrician licenses issued by their own boards.

How to renew

1. Check the expiration date on your license: it's your birthday, every two years. OPSI emails and mails a renewal notice with your registration code 60 days ahead.
2. Renew online in OPSI's My License portal with your registration code, paying by debit or credit card, or mail the hard-copy renewal application from the notice with your fee.
3. Pay $50 for a journeyman/technician license, $75 for a master/contractor license or $20 for an apprentice license.
4. Watch for the confirmation email; the physical license arrives by mail in 2-3 weeks.

Deadline checklist

• 60 days outLook for OPSI's renewal notice by email and mail: it has your registration code.
• 30 days outRenew online in the My License portal or mail the hard-copy application, and pay $50 (journeyman/technician), $75 (master/contractor) or $20 (apprentice).
• Expiration dateYour license expires on your birthday (March 1 if you were born on February 29): a license not renewed at its expiration date becomes void.
• One year lateAfter a year, a void license can be reinstated only by passing the exam again.

Put this renewal in your calendar

Know your expiration date? Download a free calendar file with reminders before it, no sign-up needed. It's made in your browser: nothing you type is sent to us (your browser keeps it only if you follow the sign-up link, for your new ledger). A Google Calendar button sends just that one event to Google.

The file covers one date: once you renew, make a new one. How to add it to your calendar

Frequently asked questions