How to become HVAC Certified
How to become a certified HVAC Technician
If you are thinking about a change in career, there are plenty of opportunities in the HVAC industry. HVAC stands for heating ventilation and air conditioning, and with most homes in the United States having at least one of these functions there is plenty of demand for HVAC technicians.
The best way to get into this industry is to apply to get a HVAC Certificate which will prove that you are qualified to repair and service the home properly. If you want to know how to become HVAC Certified then there are a few ways you can do this.
You will need to pass an exam administered by one of the main HVAC bodies, there are three types of certification that you can apply for, small appliances, high pressure and low pressure. You will also need to take a core skills test to gain your certificate.
You can decide if you want to take one or all of the different certification, each will qualify you for different areas in the HVAC industry. The EPA and NATE offer certification and will also request a number of hours of work experience before they issue the certificate, to prove you can work in practice.
Many people will become an apprentice while applying for a HVAC certificate, it will involve class work as well as working with a mentor. This is a good idea for many people who want to earn while they learn their new trade.
An apprenticeship tends to take between 2 and 5 years with plenty of practical and theory work done within this time.
You can also go to a trade school, which is a much more intensive route but you don't earn as you learn your trade. This can take between 6 months and 2 years to complete.
Ensure that you use an accredited trade school that will allow your certification at the end of your training with them. You will also need to have another 2 years experience working after you complete the course before you can reasonably expect a full salary as a HVAC Technician.
You can now also take online courses for HVAC, its excellent if you are currently working and can't afford to be out of work to learn the trade. It means that you learn at your own pace, which could be faster or slower than a set course. It also allows you plenty of flexibility in learning times and the amount of work you can put in on a weekly basis.
Becoming HVAC Certified has its rewards of job satisfaction, flexibility in work, the prospect of owning your own business or a well paid job. A lot of effort is needed to study and gain the qualification, but the rewards you get later will make the work worth it.
