The heating, ventilating and air conditioning industry (HVAC) continues to grow in size and scope. Air conditioners and furnaces that malfunction need to be repaired or replaced regardless of the overall economy. Unlike other construction related jobs, qualified HVAC technicians remain in high demand.
The Paths to Certification
Although an air conditioning tech is required to have extensive knowledge relating to the refrigeration cycle, there are no formal HVAC training requirements. Many senior technicians began their careers working for an air conditioning contracting company in a non skilled capacity. This method of training involves installing air distribution components such as duct work, registers and running refrigeration tubing. Through the repetition of these basic tasks, the technical aspects of a furnace or air conditioner can be better understood.
A formal education in HVAC is available from a variety of vocational schools and community colleges. There are usually two separate levels of certification. The curriculum for the HVAC installation technician is more basic and will encompass areas such as proper removal of equipment, setting connections, blower operations and the process of equipment cycling . More advanced courses for the HVAC service technician include recognizing and diagnosing equipment failures, independent cycling of equipment through all designed applications, and the ability to recognize appropriate measures to initiate and repair equipment.
Apprenticeship programs are available through the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) as well as the National Alliance of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors (NAPHCC). Employers are usually eager to sponsor promising employees in furthering their HVAC education.
NATE Certification
The North American Technician Excellence organization is the ultimate industry authority for the testing and certification of qualified heating and air conditioning technicians. NATE offers certification in core installation, core service and the advanced senior technician. A NATE certification ensures that the HVAC tech has the appropriate knowledge and skill to properly complete specific jobs that fall under the scope of the testing criteria.
Service technicians with a formal HVAC education and NATE certification generally command higher salaries than those with only job training. The best path to a career in HVAC remains a combination of education, certification and job related experience.
To qualify, you may need to attend hvac workshops and training which provide you with professional certification. There are a few HVAC institutions that may help you to obtain the above certification.
You can find HVAC certification requirements at http://www.ehow.com/about_5548643_hvac-certification-requirements.html. You can also get information about the training and classes at http://www.hvaccertification.net/. Requirements can vary by state.
Here is a website that covers training options in Wyoming: http://education-portal.com/heating,_ventilation,_and_air_conditioning_courses_in_wy.html They offer online training as well as hands on classroom instruction and preparation for the state certification exam.
There is currently continuing demand for HVAC technicians in various parts of the United States. One place you could for information on training would be http://www.remingtoncollege.edu/hvac-technician-training-school/
You cannot just easily purchase a HVAC certification. You have to earn your certificate by taking the proper training if you need it and then pass a HVAC exam.
There are a few places you can get an online hvac certification. The most reliable would be the gatlineducation website. Once on this site you will need to select the hvac certification tab.
No, HVAC certification is not the same from state to state. Most HVAC certification is granted on a local basis and each state has different requirement for obtaining it.
There are several places in order for one to get certification to apply for HVAC jobs. However, most of people try to get a certification from a university before applying for HVAC jobs.
To obtain your hvac certification you first go to any online or campus that has the hvac program. The school has to be accreditied. Once you have your certification you can start practiceing.
free HVAC training Topic: Question Summary: Are there any free HVAC training options? Question Long-Form: HVAC contractors are extremely expensive in my area. Can I get free HVAC training? Is free HVAC training available online?
A lot of the training comes from on the job experience while working under an HVAC installer who has experience. However in order to install or repair any of the HVAC elements you must be certified.
You will need to attend both classroom traing and hands on training. You may also be rewuired to work as an apprentice.