HVAC Training and Programs | HVAC Training: Practical Prerequisites

HVAC Training: Practical Prerequisites

There are at least five things you should have before you jump off into your career in HVAC.

  1. A high-school diploma or a GED. The vast majority of apprentice programs, trade schools — and, for that matter, employers — require a high-school diploma or equivalent as part of admission. Dig up your transcripts or finish your GED. Some programs require minimum grades in math, and may test you on your math skills. Some even recommend a bachelor’s degree.
  2. A strong work ethic. Are you willing to learn new things? Are you interested in how things work and are put together? Are you confident enough to know when a job site is safe and when it isn’t? Are you ready to work 8 or 10 or 12 hours a day if the job needs it? Are you able to work with a wide variety of people on a job site and work through problems constructively? Proficiency in math, an interest in science and good problem-solving skills will help you in an HVAC career. Some programs may require a drug and/or alcohol test as well.
  3. Licensing and certification. Some apprentice programs require you to register with the state as a part of eventually getting licensed. This depends on the state; check with your apprentice program to see what needs to be done. Also, get your EPA Section 608 Certification, which is commonly known as being “EPA certified” or “EPA refrigerant certified,” which allows you to remove and purchase freon. Training guides are available online or through apprentice programs and trade schools.
  4. A general idea of where you’re going. Figure out if you want to work in commercial or residential applications, for a large contractor or a small subcontractor, if you want to hook up with someone else’s operation or if you want to start your own business. If you know what you want, you’ll be able to work toward it much more efficiently.
  5. A driver’s license and your own tools. If your employer says it’ll handle the tools, you still want to bring some of your own. The basics include a set of screwdrivers, pliers, a level, a flashlight, a utility knife or two and a multimeter. Don’t make a huge investment in power tools or top-of-the-line hand tools, though, until you’re sure this is something you want to get into. Finally, get a utility bucket or large toolbox to keep everything in.

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