How to Renew Your Texas A/C & Refrigeration Contractor License (2026)
To renew a Texas air conditioning & refrigeration contractor license, you must complete 8 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education (CE) each year (including at least 1 hour of Texas law & rules) then renew and pay your state fee at TDLR. Here's exactly how it works, and how to knock out the CE part online today.
The 3 steps
1Complete your 8 hours of continuing education
Take a TDLR-approved 8-hour ACR contractor CE course, for example, online at HVACRenewal.com. It's self-paced with no exam and includes the required 1 hour of Texas law & rules.
2Your provider reports the completion to TDLR
An approved provider reports your CE completion directly to TDLR, so it's on file when you renew. Keep your certificate of completion for at least one year.
3Renew your license and pay the state fee at TDLR
Log in at tdlr.texas.gov to complete your license renewal, keep your certificate of insurance current, and pay the state renewal fee (verify the current fee at tdlr.texas.gov). The CE is a prerequisite; the renewal itself is handled by the state.
Do your 8-hour CE now, online
HVACRenewal.com offers the 8-hour ACR contractor course online: self-paced, mobile-friendly, no exam, and we report your completion to TDLR for you.
Start your 8-hour CE courseTechnicians: you don't need this course
TDLR's continuing education requirement applies to licensed contractorsonly. If you hold a registered technician or certified technician card, you renew your registration each year with no CE requirement. You're welcome to take the course for your own knowledge, but the state doesn't require it for a technician renewal.
Frequently asked questions
How many continuing education hours do Texas A/C contractors need?
Licensed Texas air conditioning and refrigeration contractors must complete 8 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education each year to renew their license, including at least 1 hour on Texas law and rules (16 TAC 75.25). Confirm current requirements with TDLR.
How often do I have to renew my Texas ACR contractor license?
Texas air conditioning and refrigeration contractor licenses are renewed annually through TDLR. The 8-hour continuing education must be completed before your license expires.
Do registered or certified technicians need continuing education?
No. TDLR's continuing education requirement applies to licensed A/C and refrigeration contractors (Class A and Class B). Registered technicians and certified technicians renew their registration without any CE requirement, technicians should not purchase a CE course for a technician registration renewal.
Do I take an exam to complete the continuing education?
No. The 8-hour CE course is self-paced instruction with no exam. Once you finish the material your certificate is issued.
Does HVACRenewal.com report my completion to TDLR?
Yes. Completions are reported directly to TDLR (typically within 7 days), so your renewal isn't held up. Your certificate is available to download as soon as the one-time course fee is paid. Keep your certificate of completion for at least one year.
Can I take the course on my phone?
Yes. The course is fully online and mobile-friendly, and your progress saves automatically across phone, tablet, and computer.
Which Texas ACR license types need continuing education?
All licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractors renewing with TDLR, Class A and Class B, with the environmental air, commercial refrigeration/process cooling or heating, or combined endorsement, must complete the 8 hours of continuing education each year, including 1 hour of Texas law and rules. Registered and certified technicians do not have a CE requirement. Always confirm the requirement for your specific license with TDLR.
What topics does the 8-hour course have to cover?
TDLR requires at least 1 hour of instruction on the Texas laws and rules that regulate ACR contractors (Occupations Code Chapter 1302 and 16 TAC Chapter 75). The remaining 7 hours cover approved subjects such as applicable codes, ethics, business practices, and the technical requirements of the trade. This course includes the A2L refrigerant transition, EPA 608 refrigerant management, electrical safety, airflow and sizing, heat pumps and efficiency standards, and combustion safety.
Do I have to pay before I finish the course?
No. You can start and complete the course first and pay the one-time fee any time, before, during, or after. Your certificate downloads and your completion is reported to TDLR as soon as payment is made.
When should I complete my continuing education?
Complete it before your annual TDLR license expiration date rather than waiting until the deadline, so your completion is on file with TDLR when you renew. The course is self-paced and most people finish it across a few sittings.
How much does the Texas ACR contractor CE course cost?
It's a single one-time fee for the full 8-hour course, no subscription and no hidden charges. The exact price is shown before checkout and your price is locked once you enroll. TDLR's state license renewal fee is separate and paid to TDLR (verify the current renewal fee at tdlr.texas.gov).
The state license renewal and renewal fee are handled by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at tdlr.texas.gov (verify current fees there). Continuing education is a prerequisite for renewal. Always confirm current requirements for your license type with TDLR.