Are you ready to pursue a career in the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) sector but you’re curious about how to become an HVAC technician? Well, look no further! We’ve created a simple three-step guide to becoming an HVAC technician and help you achieve this goal.
We’ve outlined the steps you’ll need to navigate a new career path… from exploring the entry requirements and training programs to the certification criteria of how to become an HVAC technician. This includes investigating the education needed to become a HVAC technician and the skills that will help prepare you for the EPA Universal Certification exam.
Learn More About Dorsey College’s HVAC Systems Technician Training Program
Why become a HVAC technician
As you can imagine, working within the heating, cooling, and ventilation industry is an immensely hands-on and technical skilled trade and vocation. Not only that, but the variety of workplace locations and the varying seasonal requirements mean that no two days are likely ever the same.
However, did you know it’s also a great time to learn how to become a HVAC technician?
That’s because the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected a 5% growth rate in the employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the United States from 2021 to 2031. 1
Steps to becoming a HVAC technician
Sure, learning how to become a HVAC technician could soon lead you toward an exciting new vocation. However, to truly thrive in the industry, it’s essential to ensure you have the skills and the practical experience to impress.
To help you answer the questions like ‘what do you need to become a HVAC technician,’ we’ve broken these requirements into the various steps to help you succeed… not just to become a qualified HVAC tech but also to set you up for a career in this field.
Step 1-Secure a GED or high school diploma.
The first step towards obtaining your HVAC Tech certification is to secure your high school diploma or an equivalent qualification, such as a GED. Obtaining these essential credentials equips you with a strong base in fundamental mathematics, science, and a technical skill set, which are vital for excelling in a training program and the HVAC profession.
Step 2-Enroll in a HVAC training program.
Your next step is to enroll in an HVAC training program. This is because HVAC technical schools excel at preparing students on how to become a HVAC technician. HVAC training programs can provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers the fundamental principles of HVAC systems, and hands-on practical training.
Attending an HVAC technical school offers you the dual benefit of learning directly from heating, cooling, and ventilation trade experts. But also, a practical externship provides the perfect platform to apply and practice your HVAC skills prior to becoming certified and entering the industry.
Step 3-Obtain your HVAC certification.
The last of these three steps to become a HVAC technician is to obtain your industry-recognized certification. These certifications are critical in becoming an HVAC technician as they demonstrate your technical competence and expertise to potential employers.
How long does it take to become an hvac technician?
Of course, the time taken to learn how to become a HVAC technician can vary depending on the program length and your availability to study, whether full-time or part-time. However, here at Dorsey College, our HVAC technical school training program can be completed in less than a year.
Once you’ve graduated from your HVAC training program, you’re now eligible to take an HVAC Tech certification exam to become certified. Upon obtaining your HVAC certification, you can start applying for entry-level jobs in the HVAC sector of your choosing, which can include:
- Residential settings, including private homes and outhouses
- Commercial environments such as factories and restaurants
- Industrial developments involving construction sites, factories, and manufacturing plants
Get on the road to being an HVAC technician today!
If you like the sound of becoming an HVAC technician, then speak to Dorsey College today. Our HVAC technical schools program syllabus is purposely designed to help you learn how to become a HVAC tech with just nine months of training.
Working closely with HVAC teachers in a classroom environment provides you with an expert knowledge base you can learn from to succeed as a HVAC Tech. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to put these technical skills into practice during a supervised externship, allowing you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the following areas:
- HVAC systems for residential and commercial cooling, heating, and ventilation
- Understanding electricity: concepts, theories, and safety protocols
- Exploring refrigeration and thermodynamics
- HVAC problem-solving and troubleshooting techniques
- Eco-friendly HVAC systems, weatherization, and sustainability practices
Contact us today to learn how you can begin your HVAC Technician training at Dorsey College!
Sources:
(1) Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-6 (visited August 3rd, 2023).
