Becoming an HVAC Technician

Skilled HVAC technicians are relied on nationwide to keep our homes and buildings running in a reliable and efficient manner. If you're interested in becoming an HVAC technician, with the right training and education, you'll find yourself entering an in-demand career path. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for HVAC technicians will increase 5 percent by 2031, which equates to an additional 40,100 job openings every year nationwide.

Read on for a look at an extensive list of HVAC licensing and certification requirements, how they vary by state, and to learn more about the field.

Check your local HVAC school listings.

What is HVAC?

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. HVAC technicians work on these systems, in addition to refrigerants, that control temperature and air quality in both residential and commercial buildings. Some technicians may specialize in certain systems, some in residential homes, and some in buildings. There are a variety of paths to take as an HVAC technician, certain certifications and licenses can help you get to where you'd like to be in the long run.

Take one of our many HVAC practice tests

What Does an HVAC Tech Do?

HVAC technicians provide service to residential and commercial buildings' climate control systems: heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning units. An HVAC technician may be needed to repair, replace, or install the components that supply the heating and cooling to buildings. Technicians must be certified and follow regulations that are set in place by the government and the heating and cooling industry itself.

HVAC technicians are trained to use a variety of different work-related tools and equipment. They have a more traditional toolbox filled with the basics such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and hammers. More sophisticated tools that are part of the HVAC technician's work life are carbon monoxide testers, torches, combustion analyzers, and voltmeters. All of the tools and their workings will become second nature through training and experience.

Check out our interview with an industry expert here: Career Talk with Joey

HVAC Tech Skill Set

There are a few soft skills that can make an HVAC technician stand out in the job market. They are as follows:

• Being a Techie: Technicians need to be able to decipher and understand blueprints, schematics, specs, and other technical data that goes along with repairing, maintaining, and installing HVAC equipment. Being savvy with computers, mathematics, and software programs will give you an edge working in HVAC. The processes of water heating, steam heating, air conditioning, and water cooling should be second nature.

• Being a Trouble Shooter: The job requires you to be a good troubleshooter and a strong problem solver. Whether it's with adjusting faulty equipment, or issues that occur during a call, a properly trained HVAC technician should be able to identify any issues and solve problems.

• Being Personable: An HVAC technician should be a good communicator. While technicians themselves are mainly very knowledgeable, the ability to communicate issues with customers in a way they can understand will be invaluable. If you are a decent writer, you will also find that documenting service reports will be made much easier— and more helpful.

• Being Dedicated: Depending on your state and requirements, HVAC technicians may be required to take continuing education courses. Remaining motivated to learn about industry advancements and expand your skill set will work to your advantage.

How to Become an HVAC Tech

Listed below are some general steps to take if you wish to become an HVAC technician.

1. You must have your high school diploma or GED
2. Pass a very basic math test
3. Pass a drug screening
4. Have a valid driver’s license
5. Either attend a trade school or find a formal apprenticeship for HVAC
6. Earn your license (each state has different requirements)
7. Get your EPA certifications
8. Get yourself a job as an HVAC technician

After you receive your high school diploma or GED, you have to either apply for an apprenticeship program or attend trade school. An apprenticeship program is a part paid, part training position that lasts between 3-5 years. You must have 2,000 experience/work hours plus 144 hours of coursework per apprenticeship year.

It’s a great way to start earning money and learn a trade, at the same time. The best bet for apprenticeships is to apply through your local chapter of a trade organization. Some examples would be:

• Air Conditioning Contractors of America
• Mechanical Contractors Association of America
• Sheet Metal Workers International Association
• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association

Through these apprenticeship programs, you’ll be learning how to read and use blueprints, best job safety practices, the use and care of the tools, and ventilation and air-conditioning system designs.

Some technicians receive postsecondary education from a technical/trade school or a community college. These programs can last between 6 months to 2 years, leading to either a certificate or associate degree. Trade schools take around 6 months before you can get your certificate, while community colleges will take 2 years.

In both instances, you’ll take courses in classrooms, as well as be exposed to hands-on, practical learning. It’s a very well-rounded education where you’ll learn the fundamentals of electricity, the properties of gas, solid fuel and oil boilers, furnaces, ducts and piping, work-site safety practices, and control systems.

HVAC School Time and General Cost

Some states will require you to have completed an apprenticeship or have 2-5 years worth of work experience before you can be licensed. There is also an additional certification that the Environmental Protection Agency requires if you’re handling refrigerants and that would be an additional $40-$240.

The reason for the price discrepancies between education, licensing, and certification costs is due to varying requirements and regulations for each state. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify, and options should be discussed with the financial aid department of the institution you’ll be attending.

Learn more about trade school financial aid here.

HVAC Training

There are a couple different options when it comes to getting your HVAC technician degree or certificate. Programs will provide a combination of classroom and hands-on experience. You may also be able to attend a hybrid program, which consists of classroom and online learning.

If you are still in high school and are considering HVAC for your future career, load up on math, physics, chemistry, shop, mechanical drawing, and any other courses your high school may offer that fit the industry.

Common HVAC Courses:

• Principles of refrigeration: Students learn the basics and applications of refrigeration systems, along with the chemical and physical laws of refrigeration
• Residential gas heating: This course teaches students about gas-fired appliances, along with troubleshooting and repairs of the systems
• HVAC building systems: Here the students will learn to design and construct comfort control/climate control systems for commercial buildings
• Load calculations for heating and cooling systems: Mathematics is a key principle when it comes to effectively heating and cooling a building of any size — this course will teach students how to apply sizing calculations to climate control
• Other courses: Theory, design, electronics, and equipment construction, how to use and care for commonly used tools, on the job safety, how to read blueprints, and the theory and design behind all HVAC equipment are taught

Read: What's An HVAC Training Program Like?

Types of HVAC Certifications

Certification is extremely different than licensing. The license proves you’ve successfully completed your training and have the basic knowledge and skills to effectively do your job as an HVAC technician. Certifications, on the other hand, are a step above the licensing aspect. With certifications, you prove you have broadened your HVAC horizons and you can choose to specialize in a few areas.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires anyone handling refrigerants to be certified, meaning that at the very least, HVAC technicians need an EPA 608 Certification, as well as a NATE Certification.

There are 4 levels to an EPA 608 Certification:

• Type 1 allows an HVAC tech to handle smaller appliances that contain less than 5 pounds of refrigerants (like a refrigerator)
• Type 2 will allow the HVAC professional to deal with high pressure refrigerants
• Type 3 allows the handling of low pressure refrigerants
• Universal will include all three: Type 1, 2, and 3

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification: This is one of the highest achievements for HVAC professionals. The NATE Certification is not required, however, it’s nationally recognized and highly respected. The NATE Certification is obtained through an exam and can be earned in areas such as air-conditioning, air distribution, and gas furnaces. Click this link to take the NATE Certification practice test.

HVAC Excellence Certification: To be eligible to earn the Professional level HVAC Excellence Certification, you must have a minimum of 2 years on-the-job experience, and have passed the knowledge-based exam. You can also receive a Master level HVAC Excellence Certification. There is a minimum of 3 working years required before you can take portion of the knowledge-based exam.

The more certifications you have under your belt, the more desirable of an employee you make yourself! Certifications give you even more work credibility because it reinforces to employers and clients that, not only do you know your stuff, but you know it exceptionally well.

HVAC Tech Salary Info

HVAC is considered to be one of the best-paid skilled labor careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average pay for HVAC technicians in 2022 was $57,460. The top 10 percent of HVAC technicians earned $82,630.

Wages vary by location and industry. HVAC apprentices earn about half of what their licensed counterparts make. But, the more the apprentice learns and gains in terms of experience, the more competitive they can become later in their careers.

Top Paying States for HVAC Technicians in 2021

HVAC Licensing Requirements

In order to become licensed, you must attend some sort of formal training, whether it’s through an apprenticeship, a trade school, or a community college. Once your formal education has been completed, you will take the knowledge-based licensing exam.

The test content and length varies by state, as well as testing location. The exam will test you on every aspect of HVAC installation and repairs. All HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants are required to take a licensing exam called the Section 608 Technician Certification. Also, if you choose to work as an HVAC contractor, there is another test you’ll need to take, as well.

The licensing exam is given through the International Code Council. Each state has its own location where the exam is given.

There are a few requirements necessary to be eligible to get your HVAC technician license once you’ve completed your training:

• You must be a minimum of 18 years of age
• You must be fluent in English
• You must have four years of warm heating experience

State by State Licensing Requirements

+-Alabama

How You Qualify
Good character, must have an eighth grade education, must have 2 years of on the job experience, and pass a state exam.