HVAC/R Technician (Voucher Included)

Become an HVAC/R Technician

HVAC/R is one of the most constant industries for new jobs, so there’s no better time to join. This course will prepare you for an entry-level role in the HVAC/R field. You’ll understand the basic requirements needed to earn a “work ready” certificate and start an apprenticeship.

A tool belt with HVAC tools on it.

Job Outlook for HVAC/R Technicians

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment of HVAC/R technicians is expected to grow 13% during the next few years, which equals 46,300 new jobs.

The BLS also states that the average salary for these developers is just under $49,000 per year with top earners making nearly $78,000.

Course Objectives

  • Understand basic components of the vapor-compression and refrigeration cycles, functions and characteristics of system refrigerants, piping operations.
  • Learn proper installation and operation of HVAC systems.
  • Understand EPA laws related to safe handling and transport of refrigerants.
  • Learn proper recovery, recycling, and retrofitting of refrigerants.

Prerequisites and Requirements

This course is designed for students with little-to-no background in HVAC/R, so are no prerequisites to take this course. However, we recommend having a high school diploma or GED.

This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

  • Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) technicians, also called installers or mechanics, work on the systems that control the temperature, humidity, and quality of the air in our homes, workplaces, and all other types of buildings.

  • To become an HVAC/R technician, you will first have to work as an apprentice under a licensed technician for up to 2,000 hours. However, apprenticeships are competitive, so having formal training and a “work ready” certificate significantly improve your chances of success.

  • Yes. This HVAC/R Technician Certification course will prepare you for entry-level work ready certificates:

    • HVAC Excellence “Employment Ready” Certificate
    • NATE “Ready to Work” Certificate
  • Yes. For job seekers just entering the HVAC/R field, a work ready certificates show prospective employers that you have a fundamental understanding of HVAC/R systems, maintenance and troubleshooting.

  • Safety, Tools and Equipment, and Shop Practices

    Learn general safety practices as well as how to care for and use all the tools you will come across on the job.  

    Automatic Controls

    Understand automatic control components and applications including troubleshooting for basic through more advanced systems.  

    Electric Motors

    Gain a full understanding of electric motors including types, applications, controls, and troubleshooting techniques.

    Commercial Refrigeration

    Learn the ins and outs of commercial refrigeration components including evaporators, condensers, compressors, expansion devices, ice machines, special applications and systems, and more  .

    Air-Conditioning (Cooling)

    Understand comfort and psychometrics, air distribution and balance, installation, energy auditing, common conditions, troubleshooting techniques, and more.

    All-Weather Systems

    Learn about the heat gains and losses that occur in various structures as well as detailed information on both air source and geothermal heat pumps.

    Domestic Appliances

    Get detailed information on domestic appliances including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners.

    Commercial Air-Conditioning and Chilled-Water Systems

    Learn the ins and out of cooling towers, pumps, and chilled-water systems.

    Simulation Challenge Mode – I

    Virtual, hands-on simulation of troubleshooting an HVAC/R system.

    Simulation Challenge Mode – II

    Hands-on virtual simulation of routing electricity to an HVAC/R system.

Instructors

Mike Baker

Mike Baker has been an instructor since 2011. He was previously an HVAC Program Director at both Virginia College and Vista College. Baker was a HVAC technician for several decades and has experience hiring, training, and managing HVAC Technicians. He holds numerous HVAC Excellence certifications, several Green Mechanical Council certifications, an EPA 608 Universal certification, and Emerson Climate Technology certifications. He has served as both an HVAC Excellence Instructor and Exam Proctor.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online.

Start any time with 12 months to complete.

HVAC/R Technicians FAQs

  • Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) technicians, also called installers or mechanics, work on the systems that control the temperature, humidity, and quality of the air in our homes, workplaces, and all other types of buildings.

  • Many states require that HVAC/R technicians have a license before they are able to work independently. NATE and HVAC Excellence certifications are widely recognized both in the field and by customers seeking service.

  • Yes. This HVAC/R Technician Certification course will prepare you for the HVAC Excellence Core and Professional Technician certifications exams, the NATE Core and Specialty Test certification exams, and the EPA Section 608 certification exam.

  • This Certified HVAC/R Technician course can be completed in 12 months or less and it will help you:

    • Build a strong foundation of HVAC/R service, repair, and maintenance
    • Prepare to sit for the NATE certification exams
    • Prepare to sit for the HVAC Excellence certification exams
    • Prepare to sit for the EPA 608 Refrigerant Handling exam
  • Safety, Tools and Equipment, and Shop Practices

    Learn general safety practices as well as how to care for and use all the tools you will come across on the job.  

    Automatic Controls

    Understand automatic control components and applications including troubleshooting for basic through more advanced systems.  

    Electric Motors

    Gain a full understanding of electric motors including types, applications, controls, and troubleshooting techniques.  

    Commercial Refrigeration

    Learn the ins and outs of commercial refrigeration components including evaporators, condensers, compressors, expansion devices, ice machines, special applications and systems, and more.  

    Air-Conditioning (Cooling)

    Understand comfort and psychometrics, air distribution and balance, installation, energy auditing, common conditions, troubleshooting techniques, and more.

    All-Weather Systems

    Learn about the heat gains and losses that occur in various structures as well as detailed information on both air source and geothermal heat pumps.

    Domestic Appliances

    Get detailed information on domestic appliances including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners.  

    Commercial Air-Conditioning and Chilled-Water Systems

    Learn the ins and out of cooling towers, pumps, and chilled-water systems including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for commercial, packaged rooftop, variable refrigerant flow, and variable air volume systems.

    Simulation Challenge Mode: HVAC

    Simulation Challenge Mode: Electricity for HVAC