HVAC Certification | HVAC Schools | HVAC Training

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Heating and air-conditioning systems manage the humidity, temperature, and the total air quality in commercial, residential, industrial, and other buildings. Refrigeration systems make it safe to transport and store medicine, food, and other perishable goods.

• Nature of the Work - Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installers and mechanics —also called technicians—maintain, install, and repair HVAC systems. Since heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration systems are sometimes called HVACR systems, these individuals may also be referred to as HVACR technicians.
  
• HVAC Certification - Schools and Courses - Several secondary and postsecondary trade and technical schools, the U.S. Armed Forces, and junior and community colleges provide 6-month to 2-year programs in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration.
  
• Licensing - Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installers and mechanics and must be licensed by some communities and States. License requirements differ in all areas, but all localities or States that require licensure provide a test that Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installers and mechanics must pass. The test content varies by locality or State. Some tests require specific electrical code knowledge and other tests center on knowledge that is more specific to HVACR.

HVAC Certification | HVAC Schools | HVAC Training

Most technicians are able to train as apprentices. Apprenticeship programs are usually organized by joint committees of local chapters of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association, Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Air-Conditioning Contractors of America, and local groups from the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada and sheet metal workers’ International Association. Local chapters of the National Association of Home Builders and the Associated Builders and Contractors often sponsor programs for apprenticeship.

Official apprenticeship programs typically last 3 to 5 years and blend classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Courses include subjects like safety practices, the use and care of tools, the theory and design of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems, and blueprint reading. In addition to learning how systems work, technicians also study refrigerant products and the regulations and laws concerning their use.

Apprenticeship applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent. Reading and math skills are crucial. Once the apprenticeship program is completed, technicians are classified as skilled trade workers and competent to work alone. These programs also lead to certification and, in some circumstances, college credits.


HVAC Certification - Graduate - Job Outlook

In 2006, heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installers and mechanics held about 292,000 jobs; approximately 55 percent were employed for heating, plumbing, and air-conditioning contractors. The others were had jobs in numerous other industries around the country, which reflects an increasing need for climate-control systems. Many worked for schools, fuel oil dealers, stores that sell heating and air-conditioning systems, and refrigeration and air-conditioning service and repair shops. These workers were also employed by Federal and local governments, office buildings, hospitals, and other organizations that require large air-conditioning, refrigeration, or heating systems. Approximately 13 percent of these workers considered themselves self-employed.

Combined numerous expected retirements and average job growth, heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installers and mechanics should expect excellent employment prospects.

Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer jobs are expected to rise by 9 percent for the 2006-16 decade, about as quickly as the average for all careers. As building construction keeps pace with the growing population, so will the need for commercial, residential, and industrial climate-control systems.

HVAC Certification | HVAC Schools | HVAC Training - Graduates - Earnings Statistics

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in May 2006, average hourly wage-and-salary incomes of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installers and mechanics were $18.11. The middle 50 percent made between $14.12 and $23.32 per hour. The bottom 10 percent made less than $11.38, and the top 10 percent made in excess of $28.57.

Apprentices typically start out at about 50 percent of the wage rate earned by more seasoned workers. As apprentices improve their skills and acquire more experience, they will be given periodic pay increases until they achieve the wage rate of senior workers.

Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installers and mechanics also have access to numerous benefits offered by employers. Adding to the typical benefits such as pension plans and health insurance, many employers cover work-related training and provide their employees with uniforms, tools, and company vans.

Related Occupations: Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration installers and mechanics work with sheet metal and piping, and also repair machinery, such as burners, electrical motors, compressors. Workers with similar skills include pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters; sheet metal workers; boilermakers; electricians; and home appliance repairers.


HVAC Certification | HVAC Schools | HVAC Training

There are an excellent number of choices for earning your HVAC Certification. Online schools and colleges now provide the same curriculum as the traditional education. Learning online provides you with so much more flexibility to suit your lifestyle and current employment. We include our top recommendations for schools and classes where you can obtain your HVAC Certification Training.


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