Want to Start a Career in the Trades, But Don’t Know Where to Begin? Are you wondering how to become a licensed HVAC tech or plumber in Massachusetts, but feel overwhelmed by training requirements, school options, or what it actually takes to get started?
You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. At Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors, we’ve trained and hired hundreds of apprentices who’ve gone on to become journeymen, foremen, and even project managers. We know the exact steps it takes to build a rewarding career in the trades, and how to make sure those steps don’t feel confusing.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to launch your HVAC or plumbing career in Massachusetts. We’ll walk you through the education and apprenticeship options, explain the licensing requirements, and share practical tips for passing your state exam, plus, you’ll learn about the in-house opportunities we offer through the Harold Brothers Training Institute.
In Massachusetts, you can become licensed in either:
Each requires a combination of classroom hours and paid work experience (also called on-the-job training). Here’s what that looks like.
To begin your career in plumbing, pipefitting, or HVACR, you’ll need to enroll in a state-approved trade school or apprenticeship program. Many programs offer flexible schedules, with both daytime and evening classes, ideal if you’re working full time while pursuing your license. For the latest pay and certification trends, see our Massachusetts skilled-trades outlook.
Some Great Options Are:
Located in Woburn, Gould offers plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC-related education with strong industry ties. The school is affiliated with ABC Massachusetts and provides board-approved training that qualifies students for state licensing and registered apprenticeship programs.
HBTI is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Professional Licensure and the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers & Gas Fitters. They offer in-person Tier I–V Apprentice Plumbing programs, mandatory continuing education for licensed plumbers, as well as OSHA 10- & 30-hour Construction Safety training online. Originally established to upskill Harold Brothers employees, HBTI now welcomes apprentices and licensed tradespeople from across the South Shore, delivering real-world, contractor-led instruction.
Based in Watertown, The Plumbing Academy specializes in preparing students for Massachusetts plumbing licensing exams. They offer flexible scheduling, board-approved curriculum, and a focused environment for aspiring plumbers.
Located in Springfield, STCC offers HVAC/R certificate and associate degree programs, as well as plumbing and pipefitting courses that meet state Tier I–V requirements. With both day and evening classes, it's a strong choice for working adults looking to enter the trades.
Tip: Make sure your school or apprenticeship is approved by the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters or the Board of Pipefitters and Refrigeration Technicians, depending on your career path. Only approved programs count toward licensing requirements.
Before you can sit for your license exam in Massachusetts, you’ll need to complete both classroom training and an apprenticeship. Think of it as learning the trade from two sides—books and boots.
In the classroom, you’ll study everything from code compliance to safety procedures and system design. At the same time, you’ll be working under the supervision of a licensed professional, gaining the real-world experience that brings those lessons to life.
Most programs run side by side, so you’ll be logging hours on the job during the day and hitting the books at night or on weekends. Together, these two paths prepare you not just to pass your exam, but to step onto any job site with confidence.
|
Trade |
Classroom Hours |
Work Hours |
Additional Requirements |
|
Plumbing (Journeyman) |
550 hours over 5 Years |
6,800 hours as a registered apprentice under a licensed plumber |
Must begin education within 9 months of registering as an apprentice |
|
Refrigeration Technician (Before Nov 9, 2026) |
250 hrs |
2,000 work hours in refrigeration work |
Must have EPA Section 608 Universal Certification |
|
Refrigeration Technician (After Nov 9, 2026) |
450 hours (Board-approved program) |
6,000 hours in refrigeration work |
Must have EPA Section 608 Universal Certification |
|
Pipefitter (Unrestricted) (Before Nov 9, 2026) |
300 hrs |
6,000 work hours |
Must be under licensed supervision |
|
Pipefitter (Unrestricted) (After Nov 9, 2026) |
450 classroom hours (Board-approved program) |
6,000 hours on pressurized systems |
The board will require formal documentation from your employer |
Most trade schools and apprenticeships will help you accurately track and submit these hours.
Curious how these skills translate to real building savings? Check out the yearly cost of running commercial HVAC.
The Massachusetts state exam is a mandatory step on the path to becoming a licensed plumber, pipefitter, or refrigeration technician, and it’s no walk in the park. These exams are designed to ensure you fully understand the codes, safety procedures, and technical skills required to work legally and safely in the field.
Many tradespeople say the test is one of the toughest parts of getting licensed, but it’s doable with the right preparation. Taking board-approved courses, studying codebooks in advance, attending review classes, and practicing test-style questions can make a big difference.
With focus, support from your instructors, and a little extra effort, you can absolutely pass on your first try and take a major step forward in your career.
Remember, if you don’t pass the first time, don’t worry. The state allows you to retake the exam after a waiting period, and many schools and training programs offer refresher courses to help you sharpen your skills.
Plenty of successful tradespeople needed more than one attempt. What matters most is sticking with it until you’re licensed and on the job.
You now know the roadmap: enroll in a Board-approved school or apprenticeship, stack class hours with paid job-site training, and prep early for the state exam. Those three milestones—education, experience, and licensure—turn “someday” dreams into day-one paychecks.
Following that path swaps uncertainty for a clear, step-by-step plan. By the time you pass your exam, you’ll already have thousands of paid hours and the confidence that comes from real-world work. That’s how beginners become licensed pros—and how licensed pros keep Massachusetts buildings running safely every single day.
Ready to put your plan in motion?
At Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors, we don’t just staff job sites; we build careers. Through our Harold Brothers Training Institute, contractor-led classes pair with on-the-job coaching, so you can earn, learn, and advance—whether your goal is journeyman status or project management. Click the link above, apply today, and start the trade career that rewards skill, commitment, and curiosity for decades to come.