An HVAC technician can enjoy a variety of benefits including job stability and a hands-on career field. As you complete your HVAC training, make sure to get the right certification and licensing to start you out on a good path to success.
Just follow these 4 simple steps:
Complete an HVAC training program. Take your HVAC certification or licensing or exams. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship. Apply for entry level HVAC technician jobs.1. Complete an HVAC training program.
Enroll in an HVAC training program at a local HVAC training school. You can usually complete these programs in less than 2 years. Some colleges may even award you with an associate degree in the process.
2. Take your HVAC certification or licensing exams.
Licensing in Colorado
Some states will require heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers to be licensed, others will not. Colorado happens to be one of the states that allow licensing for HVAC technicians to be handled at the county level. Each county may or may not require licensing through their respective building departments. However, it is a good idea to look into it if it's available, for the purpose of doing work that requires permits.
For details on how to get your Heating Mechanic IV license in El Paso County, for example, visit the Contractor Licensing & Registration page at the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Pikes Peak RBD) website.
HVAC Certification
If you choose to work in refrigeration you will need to be certified in EPA 608, as required by federal law. For this you must pass a written exam specific to the types of equipment and refrigerants you will be handling. Most quality HVAC training programs include federal EPA 608 training and certification preparation.
Being certified in the HVAC field can allow for higher paying jobs. In the HVAC Excellence program there are several certification exams to choose from for students just starting out. Professional level certifications are also available and require employment verifications and core testing to advance your career. Check them out!
15 Employment Ready HVAC Certifications
Electrical - Suggested prerequisite for all other certifications in the HVAC Excellence program Light Commercial Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures Electric Heat Gas Heat Certification Oil Heat Residential and Light Commercial Hydronic Heat Heat Pump Carbon Monoxide System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Procedures Fuel Oil Combustion Natural Gas Combustion Analysis Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Analysis Light Commercial RefrigerationTake advantage of what's out there, like specialized HVAC training schools, hands-on training, and a multitude of certifications. Now that you know what you have to do and where to get it done, you can be on your way to a new career as an HVAC Technician.
3. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship.
After completing your HVAC training, you may choose an apprenticeship as your next step. Simply apply to or enroll in an apprenticeship program with an experienced HVAC organization in your area. Learn everything they have to offer and put it to practice. Your apprenticeship may last anywhere from 6 to 36 months.
4. Apply for entry level HVAC Technician jobs.
You can also enter the HVAC field directly after completing a training program and receiving your degree and/or certifications. Many HVAC contractors and employers often hire entry level HVAC technicians to "train in" to their organizations.
Many HVAC programs offer career placement assistance for graduates. Contact your local HVAC training school today and you can be on your way to a rewarding career in HVAC with a good transcript and a healthy resume.
Sources
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Contractors Licensing and Registration, pprbd.org/contfiles/ContLicensing.aspx HVAC Excellence, Technician Certification, hvacexcellence.org/EmploymentReady.aspx United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition, bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm
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