Commercial HVAC Certification Online
HVAC technicians are trained professionals who are responsible for the maintenance of temperature and refrigeration systems in homes, offices, and other buildings. To become an HVAC technician, you should have certain traits and habits. If you don’t, then you should be cultivating these traits in yourself during your training. HVAC technicians should have the appropriate math and technical skills to understand temperature systems as well as the customer service skills to be able to work in people’s homes etc. To become a certified HVAC technician, you need to follow these steps:
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- Get a high school diploma
To start your career as an HVAC technician, you will need a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. During high school, you should ideally take courses in shop mathematics, etc. You could also take courses on mechanical drawing and blueprint reading, etc. to better prepare yourself for a career as an HVAC technician.
- Get trained
Most people who want to train as HVAC assistants either choose a certificate program or an associate’s degree. A certificate program will allow you to complete your training in as little as 6 months. Depending on your specialization, it could take up to 2 years. An associate’s degree will take 2 years to complete. While a certificate will focus only on providing the training necessary to get an entry-level job in the field, an associate’s degree will also require you to take some general education credits.
- Clear the licensing test
Check your state guidelines to see if you are required to pass the state licensing exam to start working as an HVAC technician. If you are, the test will likely include a written and practical portion. If you choose a good training program for yourself, they will train you to give this test and excel.
How Much Do HVAC Technicians Make After Certification?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers made a mean wage of $47,610 per year and $22.89 per hour. The typical entry-level education required to get a job in the field is a postsecondary nondegree award. The number of jobs available in the field in 2016 was 332,900 and is expected to increase by 15%. This will result in 48,800 new jobs in the industry between 2016 and 2026.
What Are Some Alternative Career Options?
If you have been trained to be an HVAC technician, there will be other fields available for you to build your career in. These occupations include boilermakers, electricians, general repair and maintenance workers, plumbers, pipefitters, sheet metal workers, solar panel installers and wind turbine technicians, etc.
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