Section 34-31-28 Examination for Certification; Registration; Eligibility; Further Testing, Etc., by Localities Prohibited; Exemptions.

(a) All prospective certified contractors in this state seeking to qualify in accordance with this chapter shall be required to stand for a written examination before the board. Any applicant failing to pass his or her first examination for a certificate may take any subsequent examination, either written or, upon request of the applicant, a practical examination which is equivalent to the written examination, to be held within six months from the date of his or her unsuccessful examination. (b) The board shall examine the character, fitness, and qualifications of every individual who applies for a certified heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration contractor license upon forms prescribed by the board and upon payment of all prescribed fees. (c) An applicant for examination for a heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration certified contractor license shall be eligible to stand for the examination if the applicant has completed 3,000 hours of work experience, as defined by the board , or is a graduate of an approved heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration curriculum. (d) Counties, municipalities, or other local entities are prohibited from requiring any further local testing or satisfaction of other requirements by certified contractors, subject to the payment of any applicable local privilege, license, or business fees or charges. (e) Individuals licensed by the Alabama Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board are exempt from this chapter pertaining to heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration when: (1) Engaged in the installation, repair, or replacement of a liquefied petroleum gas appliance so long as the appliance is not connected to a refrigeration system, provided that the individuals may engage in the replacement or repair of a liquefied petroleum gas central heating unit when it is combined with an air conditioning unit. (2) Engaged in the installation of a venting system required for a vented-type liquefied petroleum gas appliance. (f) This chapter does not apply to any of the following : (1) An authorized employee of the United States, this state , or any municipality, county, or other political subdivision, if the employee does not hold himself or herself out for hire or otherwise engage in contracting except in accordance with his or her employment. (2) Any mobile home or manufactured structure that is installed, inspected, or regulated by the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission; however, the repair, servicing of a heating and air conditioning system, or the installation of a new heating and air conditioning system in a previously inspected manufactured structure is subject to this chapter. (3) Individuals performing work on motor vehicles, residential refrigerators, or ice machines. (4) Household appliances. (5) Farm equipment. (6) Poultry operations whether engaged in hatching, primary processing, or further processing of chicken, turkey, or other fowl.