How to Get HVAC Certified?

According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the USA will generate 46,300 new HVAC technicians jobs by 2028. Hence, a great chance for the one who is planning to get into HVAC technicians as it will open the gate of opportunities. But along with the opportunity, complexity in the HVAC system is also increasing.

HVAC technicians are required to enhance their skills to match this rising demand. A certified HVAC technician will be more preferable and it will help to build up their skill professionally. In this blog, we will discuss how to get HVAC certified?

What is an HVAC Certification License?

HVAC certification license is a certified course, program, or training for HVAC technicians. If you are trained to qualify to perform installing and repairing heater, air condition, ventilator, and refrigerator as professionals. A theoretical and practical test is conducted to know your knowledge and to pass the test, the candidate needs to meet the passing criteria.

Thus, let us understand the steps that need to be followed to be an HVAC certified technician.

Steps To Be A Certified HVAC Technician

1. High School Diploma

   

   To become an HVAC technician, it is essential to have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). You will also need mathematics and physics subjects for a better understanding of the HVAC industry. It will take approximately four years to finish the diploma.

2. HVAC Apprenticeship

   If you have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, you can get into HVAC apprenticeship programs. The program is sponsored by union organizations and agencies, collaborating with technical or community colleges. It will take three to five years to finish the program.

   The requirements for the apprenticeship program are:

   • Should be 18 or above age
   • Valid driving license
   • Pass drug screening test
   • Clear basic mathematics test

3. Accredited HVAC Program

   A candidate who has a bachelor’s degree or certification can apply for an accredited HVAC program. There are accredited trade schools that offer these programs with theoretical and practical tests.

   Air distribution, vocational training, ventilation, and air conditioning, repair refrigeration, and piping systems, type of work are included in an HVAC program.

4. Other Professional Certification

   There are other agencies and associations which offer certification to become certified HVAC technicians. The existing HVAC technicians who want to upskill their talent can go for professional certification.

   The technicians association/ organizations that offer you an HVAC certification license are :

   • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
   • North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
   • Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI)
   • Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)

5. On the Job Training

   

   Numerous companies offer on-the-job training to the employees to improve their performance. HVAC training depends from company to company because every business has its own working method and formal training.

   The HVAC business assigns simple tasks like installing and repairing HVAC systems to the employees for better understanding.

   There is no such rule but some countries and states made HVAC licence mandatory for the HVAC technician. An HVAC engineer requires certification to show HVAC businesses, HVAC contractors and needs to get the certification of the code of Federal Regulations Section 608 of the Clean Air Act from the federal government to get an official verified license.

Four Types of Certification Under Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed four types of certification under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. EPA HVAC certification is useful and mandatory for HVAC techs with refrigerators background to have an HVAC career and get an HVAC license.

1. Type I Certification – Small Appliances Service

   If your work is to install and repair small appliances, type I certification is for you. The certification is good for technicians who want to specialize in serving small applications.

   Topics that will be covered in type I certification are:

   • Equipment that is used in the small system
   • Learning about safety precautions while handling refrigerants
   • Different types of gas recovery techniques
   • Handling heating ventilation and air unit containing less 5 kg
   • The candidate will perform a core section test

2. Type II Certification – High-Pressure Systems Service

   

   For performing tasks involving a high-pressure system, you will require EPA type II certification. Professionals who want to perform medium pressure systems can also pursue it.

   Topics that will be covered in type II certification are:

   • Recovering techniques of medium-high pressure system
   • Recognizing leaks in the high-pressure system
   • Safety test on equipment
   • Conducting leak test before repairing or recharging
   • Understanding on the operation of medium- high-pressure system

3. Type III Certification – Low-Pressure Systems Service

   Another type of EPA certification under the 680 section of the clean air act is for low-pressure systems. If you want to learn to repair, install, and recover systems of low-pressure service can obtain this one. Vacuum service is one of the examples of a low-pressure system.

   Topics that will be covered in type III certification are:

   • Managing Compressor which is lower than the outside atmospheric pressure
   • Learning how to perform a leak test and pressurization
   • Understanding techniques on handling pressurization
   • Safety test on boiling points
   • Practice on pressure-temperature relations

4. Universal Certification

   If you want to obtain a certification of all types, you can, but by following universal certification. The technicians who will pass all three certifications will get the universal certification. It will allow you to work on all projects and make a way to achieve certification accepted everywhere.

   The universal certification will be of 100 questions in total and chances of becoming an HVAC efficiency analyst increase.

Conclusion

Becoming an HVAC technician is not an easy task, but there are several ways to overcome challenges. The HVAC industry is growing at a rapid pace and there are plenty of opportunities for upcoming HVAC technicians. If you are HVAC certified your chances will increase more.

HVAC certifications are mandatory in Texas, Alaska, and Connecticut. We have mentioned online training programs to become qualified HVAC technicians.

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