HVAC certificate programs are the most popular education option for students seeking to become HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technicians. HVAC certificate programs focus on core courses designed to teach the fundamentals of HVAC maintenance, repair and installation, as well as that of other industrial systems.
HVAC Certificate Program Curriculum
Certificate programs in HVAC offer a more condensed curriculum than associate’s degree programs, as they are designed to be taken on top of an existing degree. These programs focus on the core elements of an HVAC career, covering subjects like:
- Heating Systems
- Refrigeration
- Air Purification
- Commercial Ventilation Systems
- Residential Climate Systems
For example, the certificate program at Branford Hall Career Institute located in New York and Massachusetts covers refrigeration concepts, indoor air quality and hydronics, taking a look at both residential and commercial systems.
Program Requirements
Most certificate programs in HVAC require some college experience, and often an existing degree, in order to satisfy general education needs. However, high-school level programs also exist, though they are not typically offered through postsecondary schools.
Some courses in high school that can helps students prepare for the HVAC course curriculum are:
- Math
- Design
- Physics
- Computers
- Mechanical Drawing
A basic understanding of mechanics is also useful, though not necessary to learn the subjects taught in HVAC school.
After Earning an HVAC Certificate
There are several steps graduates can take upon completing an HVAC certificate program that can provide additional experience and improve employability. A popular option is for HVAC program graduates to enroll in an apprenticeship to learn the ins and outs of the industry firsthand. Apprenticeships, when a student works for an employer on a temporary basis in order to learn the trade, provide a mix of training and on-the-job experience.
HVAC Apprenticeships are offered through a few different organizations:
- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
- Sheet Metal Workers International Association
- Associated Builders and Contractors
- National Association of Home Builders
Certification is another option for recent graduates of HVAC certificate programs. Receiving one of the certifications available to HVAC technicians demonstrates to employers that a technician is dedicated to excellence and continuing education. Acquiring a certification can make a technician significantly more employable.
HVAC Certificate Programs Enrolling Now
Also see:
