An HVAC technician can enjoy a variety of benefits including job stability and a practical career field. As you complete your HVAC training, make sure you get the right certification and license to get you on the right path to success.
Just follow these 4 easy steps:
- Complete an HVAC training program.
- Take your HVAC certification, license, or exams.
- Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship.
- Apply for entry-level HVAC technician jobs.
1. Complete an HVAC training program.
Enroll in an HVAC training program at a local HVAC training school. You can usually complete these programs in less than 2 years. Some colleges may even award you an associate’s degree in the process.
2. Take your HVAC certification or licensing exams.
Licensing in Colorado
Some states will require HVAC mechanics and installers to be licensed, others will not. Colorado happens to be one of the states that allows licensing for HVAC technicians to be handled at the county level. Each county may or may not require a license through their respective building departments. However, it is a good idea to research it if it is available, in order to do work that requires permits.
For details on how to obtain your Heating Mechanic IV license in El Paso County, for example, visit the Contractor Licensing and Registration page on the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Pikes Peak RBD) website.
HVAC Certification
If you choose to work in refrigeration, you will need to be EPA 608 certified, as required by federal law. For this you must pass a specific written exam for the types of equipment and refrigerants you will handle. Most quality HVAC training programs include training and preparation for federal EPA 608 certification.
Being certified in the HVAC field can allow for higher paying jobs. In the HVAC Excellence program there are several certification exams to choose from for students just starting out. Professional level certifications are also available and require employment verifications and basic tests to advance your career. Look at them!
15 HVAC Job Readiness Certifications
- Electrical – Suggested prerequisite for all other certifications in the HVAC Excellence program
- light commercial air conditioning
- Air-conditioning
- Basic cooling and charging procedures
- Electric heating
- Gas Heating Certification
- oil heat
- Residential and Light Commercial Hydronic Heat
- heat pump
- Carbon monoxide
- System diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures
- fuel oil combustion
- Natural gas combustion analysis
- Combustion and carbon monoxide analysis
- light commercial refrigeration
Take advantage of what’s available, like specialized HVAC training schools, hands-on training, and a multitude of certifications. Now that you know what to do and where to do it, you can be on your way to a new career as an HVAC technician.
3. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship.
After you complete your HVAC training, you can choose an apprenticeship as your next step. Simply apply or enroll in an apprenticeship program with an experienced HVAC organization in your area. Learn everything they have to offer you and put it into practice. Your apprenticeship can last between 6 and 36 months.
4. Apply for entry-level HVAC technician jobs.
You can also enter the HVAC field directly after completing a training program and receiving your degree and/or certifications. Many HVAC contractors and employers often hire entry-level HVAC technicians to “train” at their organizations.
Many HVAC programs offer career placement assistance for graduates. Contact your local HVAC training school today and you can be on your way to a rewarding career in HVAC with a good transcript and a healthy resume.
Sources
- Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Contractors Licensing and Registration, pprbd.org/contfiles/ContLicensing.aspx
- HVAC Excellence, Technician Certification, hvacexcellence.org/EmploymentReady.aspx
- US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition, bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm