How Long Does it Take to Get HVAC Certified?

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Along with a tentative timeline for becoming an HVAC-certified professional, you would also know the HVAC license requirement and how it is beneficial for you.

The demand for HVAC professionals skyrockets in the coming years due to the nature of the job. People either require air conditioners to beat the heat or heating systems installed at home or office to keep themselves warm during snowy days. It indicates an HVAC technician doesn’t remain idle like any other seasonal business contractor.

But the question arises, how long does it take to get HVAC certified? It takes around six months to two years to become an HVAC-certified professional.

And this blog discusses what it takes to acquire an HVAC certificate. Moreover, you would even know how much beneficial is obtaining an HVAC certificate. So keep reading this post and get every single detail about HVAC certification.

Get Yourself a Degree or Attend HVAC-Related Courses

Firstly, you must get yourself enroll in a high school, trade school, or vocational school. It takes two years of technical training to become an HVAC professional. Click here to check the top 10 HVAC schools to get admitted.

fastest way to get hvac certified

Another method through which you can at least get entry-level employment is by enrolling in various HVAC certification courses on

  • Precise metalworking
  • Air conditioning
  • Heavy machinery repair
  • Refrigeration maintenance
  • Ventilation
  • Heating

Upon completion of graduation, you can get on-the-job training and understand HVAC technician roles and responsibilities by working as

  • HVAC journeyman
  • HVAC technician
  • HVAC assistant

That’s how you would get an education on being an HVAC professional. Now let’s put some lights on HVAC certification.

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An invoicing software would be of great help when there would be a huge flow of customers. Saves you from spending time with pen and paper.

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Become a Certified HVAC Professional

Obtaining a certificate is another major area where your time gets reserved. Several authorities grant HVAC certificates, but they all are technicians. The S-290 job task analysis certification, available from the National Environmental Balancing Bureau, applies to all HVAC devices and systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society are further certifying organizations. A person might need to pass a written test and attend a seminar class to become certified by one of these organizations.

Besides, there are three levels of HVAC certificates, which are as follows:

  • HVAC Apprentice Certificate: States provide apprenticeships or equivalent programs for persons undergoing training in HVAC. People must operate under the direction of a master or contractor technician, and no prior experience is necessary.
  • HVAC Journeyman Certificate: Upon finishing the apprenticeship program, technicians can go for the HVAC Journeyman certification. You need to complete some years of training under the guidance of a contractor or master technician and then pass a certification exam. While the work authorizations granted by a journeyman certificate or license might vary, they typically contain job capabilities with certain limitations.
  • HVAC Master Certificate: This certificate is intended for technicians who’ve already attained a level of experience above that of a journeyman. It often requires passing an exam and has no constraints on the kind of job a technician may perform.

Comply With State Requirements for HVAC License

“Technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could emit ozone-depleting refrigerants into the atmosphere must be qualified,” according to Code of Federal Regulations Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.

HVAC license requirements by State

To obtain Section 608 Technician Certification, an industry- and equipment-specific certification, technicians must complete an EPA-approved test. A certifying entity that has received EPA approval must conduct the tests. Your certification is valid after you receive it.

In addition to potentially harming the environment, refrigerants are used for cooking food in refrigerators and air conditioning systems.

Although there is no federal legislation requiring hvac technician certification to get this certification, if you work in the field, it is anticipated that you are aware of the regulations to safeguard you and the environment when handling refrigerants.

A person may need to have several years of on-the-job training and experience in HVAC to become an HVAC technician. These are a few experiences:

  • Knowledge of ventilation, air conditioning, or heating system
  • Ductwork testing expertise
  • Expertise in conducting leak tests
  • Experience checking a heating or cooling system to ensure optimal operation
  • Experimenting with different thermostat settings

Enjoy the Benefits of an HVAC License

    1. Demand for HVAC professionals: A license gives HVAC professionals the ability to demand higher salaries and wages than those who do not.
    2. Job security: Those with a license will have no trouble finding employment as long as the need for HVAC technicians continues to grow in the years to come.
    3. Professional recognition: Having a license displays a degree of expertise in the subject that customers and employers can recognize.
    4. Exclusive employment opportunities: A license may be necessary for some HVAC positions, such as those in commercial or government environments.
    5. Possibility of job advancement: Possessing a license may present prospects for internal promotion within a business or for transitioning into a management or leadership position.
    6. Legal defense: A license guarantees that the technician is abiding by rules and regulations in the business, offering legal defense in the event of problems or complaints.
    7. Learning: Continuous education is required to retain HVAC licenses, which keeps specialists abreast of the newest advances and technology in the field.
    8. Possibilities for networking: Having a license as an HVAC technician can provide you the chance to connect with other industry experts, forge bonds, and perhaps even find new employment prospects.

Ditch Waiting, Create Invoices in Zap

With InvoiceOwl, you no longer need to wait for creating estimates or invoices just the way you need to wait for getting an HVAC certificate.

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Frequently Asked Questions
  1. Do professional HVAC technicians earn a good living?

    Yes, licensed HVAC contractors with the proper education and training may earn a respectable $48,730 per year. By the way, it is the median annual pay in the US for HVAC installers, mechanics, and technicians.


  2. Is it worthwhile to pursue a career as an HVAC technician?

    Yes, there is a huge need for HVAC specialists around the country due to the expanding infrastructure, construction sites, and technology advancements. Obtaining a degree in the area is lucrative since the profession continually expands and the job outlook is positive.


  3. What do HVAC technicians get paid per hour?

    HVAC technicians, mechanics, and installers earn $23.43 per hour, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (average median income). You’ll be able to demand better wages for your services if you have experience in the field.


  4. Is there a software for licensed HVAC contractors for invoice tracking?

    Yes, InvoiceOwl is the perfect software for an HVAC technician. InvoiceOwl helps professional HVAC technicians create estimates and invoices with a professional appearance in just a few minutes!


  5. How much does HVAC certification cost?

    In general, HVAC certification costs:

    • Apprenticeship: $500 to $2,000
    • Vocational education: $1,000 to $15,000
    • College/university: $5,000 to 15,000 per year

    Depending on the state’s licensing laws and the kind of training you select to fulfill those laws, the cost of obtaining the HVAC certification varies.


  6. Can HVAC work be performed without a license?

    Not all jurisdictions have licensing requirements for HVAC work. Some states allow entry-level technicians to practice without a license under the guidance and supervision of master technicians. However, you risk facing severe financial penalties and legal charges if you are discovered operating without a license in an area that requires it.


  7. Why obtain an HVAC license?

    There are perks to obtaining a HVAC license:

    • When you work for some businesses, it’s expected.
    • Certifications or licenses frequently imply that you have practical experience, so you’ll be able to begin working sooner.
    • A certification in HVAC will give you an advantage over your competitors in the future.
    • You may be able to charge extra for your services if you have certification.

Conclusion

With simplicity in mind, InvoiceOwl is a paid, user-friendly, mobile estimating and invoicing software for HVAC contractors.

InvoiceOwl can automate many financial procedures for you, aiding in managing your cash flow. You can make expert estimates that awe prospective customers. 

Author Bio
Jeel Patel
Jeel Patel
Founder

Jeel Patel is the founder of InvoiceOwl, a top-rated estimating and invoicing software that simplifies the invoicing and estimating processes for contractor businesses. Jeel holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Toronto, which has provided him with a strong foundation in business principles and practices. With understanding of the challenges faced by contractors, he conducted extensive research and developed a tool to streamline the invoicing and estimating processes for contractors. Read More

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