HVAC

To start a career in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) field, you will either need to have a high school diploma or a GED. If you take classes such as math, shop and physics, it can help accelerate your training within the HVAC field.

Post-high school, a training program will be required. This can be fulfilled in as little as 10 months. Most individuals will attend a community college/vocational school for a two-year associate's degree or four-year bachelor's degree. If you go the college route, the education will be more general while a certificate program will focus more strictly on HVAC knowledge and skills.

Most employers prefer HVAC technicians to complete an apprenticeship following their training, but it is not required. Most apprenticeships last three to five years and individuals can receive pay for doing on-site work and observing senior level professionals. Some apprenticeships can serve as a substitute for training programs. 

Being licensed is the last part in becoming an HVAC technician. The interesting part is that each state varies slightly in the specific licenses and certifications. With that, there is one certification that is required by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) that is consistent in all states – Section 608 Technician Certification. 

This certification allows technicians to work with refrigerators and there are three levels.:

• Type 1 certification covers small appliances

• Type 2 covers high pressure heating and cooling units

• Type 3 certification covers low-pressure heating and cooling units

There is a 25 question exam for each certification and you need to answer 18 questions correctly in order to pass. Once that is complete a technician can receive a universal certification.