How to Become an HVAC Technician

1. Finish high school

To become an HVAC technician, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. This will help you build foundational math and science skills that will be essential in your future career.

If you’re still in high school, take as many classes related to HVAC work as you can. Math and physics are a good fit, as you’ll need to do basic equations and use certain formulas.

You can also take classes like metal shop, wood shop, and even auto repair. If your school offers vocational training or classes related to mechanics and engineering, take those, too.

2. Attend trade school or community college

This step is optional, but many HVAC professionals recommend attending a trade school or community college to learn about the industry and develop skills.

Pick an HVAC school that offers plenty of hands-on training—not just classroom learning. This makes your investment more worthwhile, and it sets you up for success in your HVAC apprenticeship.

A certificate program can specifically build your HVAC skills. College, on the other hand, provides general education and electives like business management, as well as possible job placement.

Plan to spend anywhere from six months to four years in school. Timing will depend on what school you’re attending, how many classes you take per semester, and whether you’re getting a certificate, diploma, or degree.

Pro Tip: Some technicians start out as a parts runner, warehouse worker, or sales person with a local HVAC company while they’re still in school. This can make it easier to get an installation or service job after graduation.

3. Complete an apprenticeship

Whether you attend a trade school or not, you’ll still need practical, on-the-job training as an apprentice. Think of it as a paid internship that gives you the skills you need to become an HVAC tech.

Apply for an apprenticeship through your local HVAC association or trade union. Some programs require you to have HVAC training before becoming an apprentice, but others don’t need any prior experience.

Your apprenticeship will last 3–5 years. During that time, you’ll perform many of the same tasks as a journeyman technician while working under their supervision.

Pro Tip: Not sure whether it’s better to jump into an apprenticeship or start with trade school first? Talk to local HVAC businesses and see what training and work experience they prefer for new hires.

4. Get your HVAC license

Depending on where you live and work, you may need an HVAC license from your state’s government before you can provide services to clients.

To receive your license, you may need to pass an exam, have liability insurance, and have a certain level of work experience and/or education. Requirements vary based on where you live. For example:

• In Iowa, you need an HVAC license from the state’s Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board. A journeyman license requires completion of a 4-year apprenticeship program, gaining the required work experience, and passing a licensing exam.
• In Louisiana, you’ll need a contractor license from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors for projects over $10,000. There’s a minimum training requirement, and you’ll need to prove completion of an HVAC certification course apprenticeship program.
• In Massachusetts, you only need an HVAC license if you’re doing refrigeration work. You’ll need a combination of apprenticeship hours and work experience to receive your license from the Division of Professional Licensure Office of Public Safety and Inspections.

There are 17 states that don’t have licensing requirements, including Washington, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and New York. However, some cities and counties within these states have their own requirements.

Check with your state’s licensing board to see whether you need a license before you start selling your services as an HVAC contractor.

Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder for a few months before your license expires. That way you’ll remember to renew it in time and can avoid any potential hassles.

5. Become a certified HVAC technician

You don’t always need certification to be an HVAC technician. That said, it can help you stand out from other technicians who aren’t certified, which may make it easier to find a higher-paying job.

HVAC certification is different from HVAC licensing. While licensing allows you to provide HVAC services in your state, certification demonstrates your experience level to employers and clients.

Some certifications are required to offer specific services, like low-pressure system installation or refrigerant maintenance. You can get certified with any of the organizations below:

• North American Technician Excellence (NATE): NATE is a national nonprofit that offers certification to HVACR technicians, including a ready-to-work certificate that proves you’re ready to be an entry-level technician. Later on, you can take additional tests to earn your HVAC Support Technician, Core and Specialty Tests, or Senior Level Efficiency Analyst certifications.

• HVAC Excellence: HVAC Excellence certification shows that new HVAC technicians have received quality training. The organization validates HVAC-R programs, ensures educators have the right credentials, assesses student readiness to work, and provides various levels of certification. HVAC Excellence also provides access to the HVACR Education Resource Network and the National HVACR Education Conference.
• Section 608: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires technicians who work with refrigerants to take an exam and earn Section 608 Technician Certification for various appliances and heating/cooling units. Even if you aren’t working with refrigerants, EPA 608 certification can still make you a good hire.

6. Maintain your industry knowledge

HVAC is a complex industry that’s always changing. You’ll need to keep up with new developments and follow HVAC industry trends.

Read HVAC blogs, listen to podcasts, and watch YouTube channels like HVAC School. You can even attend HVAC trade shows to meet and connect with other HVAC professionals.

Pro Tip: Learning how to use a new system? Sit down with the service manual, read it cover to cover, and make sure you can visualize every part of how the system works.