The following information will assist you in preparing for your Journeyman Refrigeration Mechanics, Refrigeration Operating Engineers, or Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Contractors License.
Applying for a License
Obtaining a license begins by filling out the application and affidavit forms below (see instructions):
- Journey Refrigeration Mechanic License
Application (PDF | Word), Affidavit (PDF | Word) - Refrigeration Operating Engineer License
Application (PDF | Word), Affidavit (Not Required) - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors License
Application (PDF | Word), Affidavite (Not Required)
After reviewing your application, we will call you to scdedule an exam. For additional information, call our Licensing Technician at (206) 684-5174.
Journey Refrigeration Mechanic License
Anyone engaged in the actual installation, repair, or alteration of refrigeration or air conditioning equipment must have a Journeyman Refrigeration Mechanic License suitable for the type of refrigerant that they will work with. Below are the three types of licenses for refrigeration licenses:
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Class "A" ~ limited to working with equipment using Freon type refrigerant and includes Methyl Chloride or Sulfur Dioxide
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Class "B" ~ limited to working with equipment using Ammonia as the refrigerant but may include Carbon Dioxide
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Class "C" ~ covers all types of equipment and refrigerants listed in both class "A" and "B". The examination covers both Freon and Ammonia. A passing grade of 70% is required for both of the exams covering these types of refrigerants
Applicants for a Class A, B or C license must show proof of one of the following in order to take the licensing exam:
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Three years of experience in the field of refrigeration repair and installation, as an apprentice to or as a Journeyman Refrigeration and/or Air Conditioning Mechanic, OR
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Two years of training in a recognized School of Technology plus one year of actual experience in the refrigeration trade.
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Two years full-time experience in the refrigeration trade and graduation from a recognized Trade School of refrigeration technology.
For proof, you may use the affidavit form or other documentation showing dates of employment and the types of work performed. These documents can be signed by a person familiar with your experience and be active in the refrigeration industry.
You will need to be familiar with the Refrigeration Chapter of the Seattle Mechanical Code.
Refrigeration Operating Engineer License
There are three types of licenses for this category. They are issued to a person who is a full-time employee spending a substantial portion of his/her time in the maintenance and operation of refrigeration or air conditioning systems, in buildings used for the manufacturing, processing or storage of materials or products.
The license limits the person to working only on refrigeration or air conditioning systems within specific buildings that are under the control of one owner or operator.
The prescribed application form must be completed but a signed affidavit is not required.
You will need to be familiar with the Refrigeration Chapter of the Seattle Mechanical Code.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors License
Anyone engaged in the business of installation, repair, or the alteration of refrigeration or air conditioning equipment must have a Contractor’s license. This includes the planning, engineering, and supervision of such products.
The applicant must include the name of a person appointed as the Designated Artisan who is currently employed by the applicant. This person can also be the applicant as long as they have the specified Journeyman Refrigeration Mechanic license. Should the Designated Artisan leave the employment of the Contractor, another must be immediately appointed who has a Journeyman Refrigeration Mechanic license rating equal or higher than shown on the Contractor’s license.
The Exam
Our goal is to ensure the safe operation of refrigeration and A/C systems in the City of Seattle. To do this, we want you to be familiar with refrigeration regulations of the Seattle Mechanical Code and understand safe care, operation, and the maintenance of these systems.
Fees
The exam fee is currently $36.00, this fee is in addition to the cost of a license which is an annual fee of $80.00(Contractor’s licenses are $177.00 to $283.00, depending on refrigerant, and no exam is required). NOTE: New customers have a 90 day grace period to pay for your license. If within 90 days from the date you passed your exam, you do not purchase your license, we require that you retest and you will be charged an additional testing fee of $36.00 before issuance of a license.
- Seattle Refrigeration Licensing Law (SMC 6.410)
- "Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning" – Althouse, Turnquist and Bracciano
- "Basic Refrigeration" – Guy R. King
- "Refrigeration Regulations from the Seattle Mechanical Code"
Books in print are available at the University Book Store. Check your local library and used book stores for the others.
