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Contact Skilled Trades
- Shewmaker Center for Workforce and Economic Development (SCWT), A102
- (479) 986-4084
- (479) 936-5198
- trades@nwacc.edu
- M-Th, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
HVAC Certificate of Completion
NWACC's Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Certificate provides you with the knowledge and skills to become an HVAC technician after just three semesters of training. Coursework incorporates energy efficiency and green installation techniques, as well as preparation for the EPA exam. Classes are interactive and include hands-on lab work and typically occur in the evenings, twice a week.
NOTE: No license is required to begin your HVAC training and you are not required to be employed in the trade to begin our education program. However, if you are currently employed in the HVAC trade and planning to seek licensure, check with your employer regarding becoming an HVAC Registrant to facilitate documenting your experience in the trade.
View the How-to-Apply Help Guide
to review the application process.
Courses, Cost & Certificate/Degree Paths
- GED or high school diploma
- Students must be 18 years of age
To earn a HVAC certificate of completion, you will need to complete three courses - one course each semester. Coursework incorporates energy efficiency and green installation techniques, as well as preparation for the EPA exam. Classes are interactive and include hands-on lab work and typically occur in the evenings, twice a week.
In your third semester during your HVAC 3 course, you have the opportunity to take the Environmental Protection Agency 608 exam. The EPA 608 exam is offered in December and April/May of each year.
This certification allows you to purchase refrigerants and other regulated materials. Additional industry certification testing opportunities may be offered throughout the year.
Course Descriptions
- HVAC 1: Core & Introduction to HVAC
A study of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning occupational competencies and basic construction skills.
- HVAC 2
Theory and methods of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning occupations. - HVAC 3: HVAC Systems
Advanced theory and methods of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning occupations.
HVAC program cost is $750 per semester, which includes registration fee and use of
materials/tools for in-class demonstrations and hands-on labs.
HVAC textbooks are available for purchase through the campus bookstore.
Once you have earned an HVAC Certificate of Completion, your courses can be applied toward earning a Certificate of Proficiency.
Credits earned through courses taken to obtain a Certificate of Proficiency can then be applied toward an Associate Degree of General Technology or an Associate Degree in Construction Technology, specializing in HVAC.
Email trades@nwacc.edu to learn more about applying for an additional HVAC certificate or degree programs.
Careers & Apprenticeship Paths
Career Paths
HVAC training will allow you the opportunity to work in sectors ranging from residential to medical. Potential careers in HVAC include but are not limited to:
- HVAC Controls Tech
- Transportation Refrigeration Tech
- Air Conditioning Tech
- Appliance Repair/Service Tech
- Chiller/Boiler Tech
- Hydronic Tech
The HVAC US Department of Labor apprenticeship program is currently in development. If you are an employer interested in having an apprentice or you are a student interested in being an apprentice, email buildingsciences@nwacc.edu.