It is mandatory for HVAC technicians to have a Section 608 technician certification in order to work in the industry. This certification qualifies them to handle refrigerants and appliances that rely on this chemical. In addition, Florida requires HVAC technicians to be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). To become an HVAC technician, they may need to obtain certification and a license.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all workers who handle refrigerants to pass one or more of the technical certification tests set forth in Section 608. These tests are specific to the type of certification they seek, but HVAC professionals are expected to understand the environmental impacts of refrigerants, Section 608 regulations, leak repair requirements, safety, and other compliance regulations to protect themselves and the environment. As an HVAC technician, passing these tests and obtaining these levels of certification demonstrates that they are competent to work safely and responsibly with equipment that contains this potentially harmful substance. Some HVAC programs include the certification process as part of their training program, such as that of the North American Training Center. Cities and states may want to ensure that HVAC technicians know not only their profession, but also regional safety practices, building codes, and other regulations.
In some states candidates with extensive experience or internships can do without this step (see option 2 below), but many certified technicians choose to complete formal HVAC training in the classroom at a community college or trade school. The HVAC technician course includes 20 modules that cover topics such as matter and energy; heat, temperature and pressure; basic electricity and magnetism; problem solving electric motors; air-source heat pumps, etc. HVAC Excellence offers specialized certifications that can help graduates of vocational training programs validate specific skills for potential employers. In some states, HVAC technicians are not required to have a certification, but in Texas, technicians must have a Class A license or a Class B license in the field of heating and air conditioning.
Most internships last three to five years and offer recent graduates an insight into the different areas of HVAC repair. Every HVAC technician needs to start somewhere, and that place is to graduate from an HVAC training program. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations defines a contractor as any qualified person responsible for a project, such as the installation or maintenance of an air conditioning system. These credentials are often optional and allow technicians to demonstrate the skills needed to fill specific positions or general competence when it comes to best practices for servicing and repairing air conditioning systems.
HVAC Training Solutions offers several online training programs, including training for technicians in HVAC, commercial refrigeration, and NATE certification. To obtain a certified contractor license, you'll need to take several exams, including a business and finance exam and a business knowledge exam. Technicians who are certified for indoor air quality (IAQ) have passed an exam that shows that they know the steps needed to install, maintain and repair air quality air conditioning systems. NATE requires aspiring HVAC technicians to pass a basic exam and a specialty exam to become certified.
For those looking for a career in HVAC repair, certifications are essential for success. Not only do certifications demonstrate competency in the field but they also provide assurance that technicians are knowledgeable about safety protocols when handling refrigerants as well as regional safety practices, building codes, and other regulations. Obtaining certifications can be done through formal training programs at community colleges or trade schools or through specialized certifications offered by organizations like HVAC Excellence or NATE. With certifications in hand, aspiring HVAC technicians can confidently enter the workforce knowing they have the necessary skillset required for success.
