Program Overview

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Career Pathway

Adv. Manufacturing, Skilled Trades, & Transportation

Related Programs

• Electrical
• Introduction to Construction
• Maintenance Technician
• Plumbing
• Workforce Development

Program Information

Introduction to Air Conditioning

Learn the basics of air conditioning systems including tools, fasteners, tubing, copper, soldering/brazing, thermodynamic principles, the relationship of temperature and pressure, system components, refrigerants, service procedures (recovery/recycling, evacuation, leak detection, charging), metering devices, basic troubleshooting, controls and compressors. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the EPA Section 608 for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigerant professionals credential exam offered by ESCO Group.

Contact Hours: 42

Air Conditioning & Electrical Systems Troubleshooting

This course teaches beginner and intermediate troubleshooting techniques for an air conditioner’s air delivery, refrigerant and electrical systems. Topics include interpreting system superheat, subcooling and electrical diagrams. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting credential exam offered by HVAC Excellence, an affiliate of ESCO Group.

Contact Hours: 42

Introduction to Construction

Begin your career in the skilled trades with a strong foundation! Previously known as “core craft skills,” this entry-level course is the recommended first course for all trades students and a prerequisite to most specialty courses. Topics include basic safety, construction math, introduction to hand and power tools, construction drawings, basic rigging, communication skills, employability skills and material handling. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the Introduction to Construction credential exam offered by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).

Contact Hours: 40

HVAC - Level 1

Learn the fundamentals of installing and maintaining air conditioning and heating systems! This rigorous, hands-on class includes basic electricity, the refrigeration cycle, cooling and heating concepts, air distribution systems, basic copper and plastic piping practices, soldering and brazing and basic carbon steel piping practices. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the credential exam offered by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).

Prerequisite: Earned credential for Introduction to Construction from the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).

Contact Hours: 120

HVAC - Level 2

Continue your education as an HVAC professional with this second level of training. Topics include alternating current, compressors, refrigerants and oils, leak detection evacuation recovery and charging, metering devices, heat pumps, chimney vents and flues, sheet metal duct systems, fiberglass and fabric duct systems, commercial airside systems, air quality equipment and hydronic systems. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the credential exam offered by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).

Prerequisite: Earned credential for HVAC-Level 1 from the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).

Contact Hours: 150

Admissions Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age on the first day of class.
• Meet minimum essential functions and standards for program.
• Attend a coaching appointment and/or information session prior to enrollment.
• Complete all funding assistance paperwork (if applicable) prior to enrollment.
• English Language Learners (ELL/ESL): If English is not the first language, prospective students must complete a CASAS assessment with acceptable score prior to program admission. CASAS assessments can be scheduled by emailing at or calling . Include your first and last name, program of interest, and program start date in your email. Assessment should be completed at least one week prior to program start date. CASAS assessment is also recommended, but not required, for prospective students who feel their reading comprehension needs improvement.