Online HVAC Certification Programs

Whether a student is seeking an online certificate or online degree in HVAC/R, programs typically require that prospective students have at least a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) to be considered for admission. However, there are several differences between an online certificate and an online degree in HVAC/R that students should consider when deciding on a program.

An online certificate HVAC/R program is usually a shorter curriculum than the average degree program, with coursework that may be completed within a year or so. Degree programs, on the other hand, may take longer depending on the level of study; for example, an associate degree takes about two years to complete while a bachelor's degree may take around four years.

Of course, with a shorter curriculum in a certificate program, online degrees are typically more comprehensive in scope. However, online certificates in HVAC/R will still allow students to hone special skills that enable them to be successful in the field.

Higher education institutions and, in some cases, individual programs, may receive accreditation by third-party, nationally recognized accrediting organizations. Accreditation may be offered to schools that deliver a quality curriculum that meets exceptional academic standards and instruction while providing students with the professionalism and skills needed to pursue a career in their discipline.

Although there is not a programmatic accreditation available for HVAC/R certificate programs, students should attend a university or college that has been accredited by a regional accrediting agency. For example, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredits 19 north-central states, while the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) offers accreditation to seven northwestern states. Students may learn more about a school's accreditation by visiting their college's website or by searching the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

There are several advantages to pursuing an online certificate program in HVAC/R. Students enrolled in distance learning HVAC/R certificate programs may benefit from a self-paced, flexible curriculum that allows them to work while attaining their certificate in a timeframe that fits into their daily schedule. Other reasons to enroll in an online certificate HVAC/R program are cost-effectiveness, the potential to hone specific skills, and the ability to complete the program quickly.

Additionally, HVAC/R online certificate curriculums require the completion of coursework that promotes academic readiness to take HVAC/R certification examinations in the field. By gaining the essential HVAC/R skills and expertise, as well as obtaining HVAC/R certification, professionals add value to their career backgrounds and employability.

Although some industry professionals insist that HVAC technicians hold at least an associate degree (two-year program), a certificate and/or certification in HVAC/R will still allow individuals to potentially earn a higher salary and pursue entry-level career opportunities.

The projected employment growth for careers in HVAC/R is expected to rise by 4 percent (2019-2029) as commercial and residential construction increases the demand for HVAC/R technicians and specialists. Additionally, the transition towards sustainable and energy-efficient appliances will call for HVAC/R professionals who are able to modernize and upgrade units.

For those who wish to become an HVAC/R technician, the combination of a certificate, practical training, and credentialing can enhance employment opportunities, particularly in maintenance and repair work; although a degree is not always required to seek employment in the field.

According to Payscale.com, the following HVAC/R careers have an average salary of:

• HVAC Technician: $47,376
• Refrigeration Technician: $56,524
• Solar Energy System Installer: $49,912
• Air Conditioning Technician: $50,929
• Wind Turbine Technician: $52,419

HVAC Mechanic and Installer

HVAC mechanics and installers are responsible for the installment and reparation of heating and air conditioning systems, refrigeration, oil burners, and other appliances in residential and commercial properties. Usually, HVAC technicians test and troubleshoot equipment for efficacy, ensure appliances and procedures meet industry safety standards, configure system controls per manufacturer recommendations, and more technical tasks based on their specialty. As an integral part of construction industries, HVAC mechanics and installers are likely to perform mechanical and installation tasks related to newer green technologies and may even work with electricians and other HVAC techs to conduct services and repairs.

Refrigeration Technician

Refrigeration technicians typically work in residential or industrial settings installing and repairing refrigeration systems and units. This may include ice and beverage appliances and refrigerated storage in homes, supermarkets, manufacturing facilities, hotels, and restaurants. Oftentimes, refrigeration technicians review plans and blueprints to understand how refrigeration units work, ensure that cooling units meet compliance standards, and upgrade units to meet current industry standards. Some refrigeration technicians may discard cooling agents and refrigeration chemicals, which may require them to obtain special refrigeration certification (e.g., EPA Section 608 Technician Certification).

Solar Thermal Technician

Solar thermal technicians work in residential, commercial, or industrial spaces and specialize in installing and repairing solar energy technologies. With strong mechanical and construction expertise, solar thermal technicians test the efficacy of solar systems, identify plumbing and electrical safety hazards during the installation of solar devices, and apply weather sealants to protect structures, roofs, and pipes. They may also use different tools and technologies to determine which areas receive the most amount of solar power for the greatest resource optimization.

Students who enroll in online HVAC/R certificate programs for credit may be able to transfer their certificate into a higher degree program, such as an associate or bachelor's degree program. Continued education following an online HVAC/R certificate typically explores the materials taught in certificate programs more comprehensively. Since many advanced continuing education programs include a hands-on component, it is often recommended that students have gained some experience working in the field, as well as HVAC/R training and credentialing.

Additionally, students may choose to take individual courses, workforce training, and certification examinations in several different HVAC/R specialties. We will discuss some of these exam options in the next section. Training courses may be completed online or in-person and can be applied to NATE recertification in HVAC/R. To recertify HVAC/R credentials through NATE, students must complete 16 training credits/hours in a two-year period.

Certification Information in HVAC

Students who have obtained a certificate in HVAC/R from an online program at an accredited college or university may find themselves better prepared to take their certification examinations. Individuals who decide to sit for NATE certification examinations will have several options, including the Ready-to-Work exam that is designed for HVAC/R professionals with little-to-no experience in the field. Other exams include the NATE Core exam, as well as several subfield specialties, such as air conditioning, heat pump (air to air), gas heating, gas or oil hydronics, and light-commercial refrigeration.

Additionally, HVAC/R professionals may seek certification from the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) or the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers.

Depending on the program and school, the coursework for online certificate programs in HVAC/R varies; however, just about all programs aim to prepare students with the HVAC/R knowledge to sit for their HVAC/R certification examinations.

Online HVAC/R certificate programs typically require the completion of 1-16 courses. Programs that are deliverable as one comprehensive course may be broken up into different sections that cover essential HVAC/R topics. Although online certificate programs differ from school to school, students will likely take similar courses in refrigeration, electrical systems, heating technologies, HVAC diagnostics, safety standards, installation, and comfort systems.

Those who are enrolled in distance learning programs should have access to a computer and the internet in order to complete their coursework. Upon enrollment, students will be told what instruction materials they will need to purchase in order to take their courses.

Refrigeration Systems

This course is designed to be an introduction to refrigeration mechanisms and assembly. Students who take this course are likely to learn about various refrigeration terminology, safety standards, refrigerants, and the cooling and refrigeration cycle. By the time the course is completed, students should have gained basic knowledge about how refrigeration works and the tools used in the field.

HVAC/R Electricity

This course offers an introduction to electricity, theory and concepts, interpretations of electrical diagrams, and electrical equipment. Students are likely to learn about power sources, wiring and circuits, and modern electrical test technologies. Upon completion of the course, students should have gained an understanding of electrical terminology and be able to interpret basic wiring guides.

While online certificate programs in HVAC allow flexible learning opportunities for students, program lengths typically vary by school. Students attending an HVAC/R online certificate program may be able to complete their studies in about a year (or a minimum of three to four semesters), although many schools allow students up to five years to fully complete their programs and earn their certificates.

Students may then need to obtain core and specialty HVAC/R certification separately. It is important to note that individuals do not need to meet specific educational or professional criteria to sit for the NATE certification exams. However, it is recommended that test-takers have received some formal schooling and/or training prior to sitting for the exam.

There are several advantages to enrolling in an online certificate program in HVAC/R (e.g., greater scheduling flexibility, the ability to attend a school outside of the student's geographical location, etc.) and students should take these factors and others into consideration when choosing a program.

Other program considerations may include the following:

• Program length (e.g., the typical number of credits, how many years to complete, etc.)
• Cost of program (e.g., payment plans, federal aid, scholarships, etc.)
• Technology requirements to complete the program
• Whether the program includes sitting for HVAC/R certification exams
• If the coursework prepares students to take their HVAC/R certification exams
• How much time students are able or willing to devote to their HVAC/R studies
• Whether students may take a fully remote curriculum or are required to enroll in hybrid/in-person courses, as well
• How many years each certificate program allows students to complete their HVAC/R studies

Distance learning may be an ideal option for students with varied educational needs, including those individuals who work full-time and intend to enroll in school. Students should compare different curriculum offerings and learning outcomes to best determine which online HVAC/R certificate program will best prepare them academically and professionally for a lucrative career in the field.

The admissions process for online HVAC/R certificate programs is typically straightforward. Students who are applying for admission into an online certificate HVAC/R program must hold at least a high school diploma or GED, although some programs recommend applicants have completed an associate or bachelor's degree program, as well. Most colleges and universities require that students fill out and submit an online application (which can be found on the school's website), provide any supplemental documents, and pay the application fees. Common supplemental documents may include official transcripts, in-state residency forms for tuition purposes, test scores, etc. At some schools, students may be prompted to register a student account in order to submit their admissions materials.

Online certificate programs for HVAC/R may also have special registration dates, as well as designated program start and end dates. Students should inquire with their program advisors regarding important deadlines for submitting their applications and documents, program fees, and course selections.

Tuition and fees for online HVAC/R certificate programs vary by school. Depending on the program, students can usually expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000 for an online certificate program in HVAC/R, while other schools could possibly charge less than $1,000. The cost of tuition may or may not include other academic fees, such as the application fee, books and materials, technology fees, and the actual HVAC/R certification examinations.

Additionally, program payments may be set up for students to pay for the full certificate curriculum upfront, to make monthly payments that meet the cost of the program, or to pay by credits and/or courses enrolled in.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources for Online HVAC Certificate Programs

Students who need assistance paying for their online HVAC/R certificate may be eligible for federal financial aid and scholarships. Individuals may fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much money they qualify for. To do so, applicants must show proof of citizenship, be currently enrolled in an HVAC/R program at an accredited school, and demonstrate financial need.

Students may also search for scholarships online or through their college or university. Additionally, students may qualify for financial assistance through an employer tuition reimbursement program or military/veteran benefits.

To learn more about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, students are encouraged to speak with a representative at their college or university.

One example of a scholarship in HVAC is the Rees Scholarship Foundation, which offers funds to students enrolled in HVAC/R programs at accredited U.S. colleges or universities. Scholarship candidates should submit the online application form that includes a series of questions, two letters of recommendation, and a 500-word essay. Additionally, students must have their official transcripts sent by their high schools or higher education institutions directly to the Rees Foundation.