The HVAC Technician ensures indoor air quality through service and repairs of residential, commercial, and industrial heating and air conditioning equipment. There is a high demand for HVAC technicians as homes and businesses depend on their heating and cooling systems to maintain a comfortable environment indoors. The HVAC program offered at most colleges and vocational schools leads to a Certificate of Completion and may include training for various national certifications including OSHA, EPA, and Green Technology. By enrolling, you will acquire skills to install, maintain, inspect, and repair systems that control indoor climate. You will learn how to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical components, condensing units, compressors, and evaporator fans, install and repair gas heating systems, measure airflow on air conditioning equipment, and install new systems. HVAC technician graduates work on construction sites, hospitals, office buildings, manufacturers, private industries, or start their own businesses.
San Jose City College
San Jose City College offers two certificates in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology. Enrolled students will develop appreciation, knowledge and skills needed for employment in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. They will learn through theory and practical experiences with refrigeration and air conditioning machinery, electrical equipment, and related mathematics. Course modules include air conditioning principles, refrigeration principles, intermediate air conditioning, refrigeration service, introduction to facilities maintenance, air conditioning control systems, hydronics and air distribution, EPA section 608 refrigerant recovery certification preparation and sheet metal principles. For the Level III certification, students must complete an approved elective. All courses must be completed with a minimum grade C to graduate from the program. Morning, evening, and online schedules are available.
Program overview:
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Certificate Levels II and III
Duration: 6 months (full-time) 12 months (part-time)
Units: 52.5
Prerequisites:
- Submit an application via CCC online
- Complete and submit a FAFSA to the Financial Aid office if needed
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Submit high school cumulative GPA to obtain waivers for English and Math placement
- Complete the online orientation
- Schedule and attend a meeting with a counselor to develop an educational goal and plan
- Register for classes online
- Obtain a free student ID card from the student center
Program cost:
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for students who meet California residency status.
- Website: https://www.sjcc.edu/home
- Address: 2100 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128
- Phone: (408) 298-2181
Institute for Business & Technology
The HVAC technician program at IBT prepares students with knowledge and skills needed to commence an entry-level career in the Commercial Refrigeration Heating and Air Conditioning industry. Students will have the confidence to work in various industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Course topics include basic electric theory, basic refrigeration theory, advanced electric/commercial refrigeration, heat pump systems, commercial/residential air conditioning and heat pumps, heating systems, and advanced troubleshooting and equipment installation. Graduates are prepared to test for ESCO EPA certification, HVAC Excellence, 410A, and OSHA. Day and evening schedules are available.
Program overview:
Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning
Duration: 42 weeks
Clock hours: 840
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 (or 17, with written parent or guardian approval and turn 18 before the expected IBT graduation date)
- Visit and tour the School
- Complete a personal interview with a School admissions representative
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent
- Provide a valid Social Security Card and government issued photo ID or driver’s license
- Complete an enrollment agreement and other required enrollment paperwork
- Attend a financial aid interview and complete required financial aid paperwork
- Take and pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE)_ and achieve the minimum acceptable score
- Complete an Online Readiness Assessment and will receive the Distance Education System/Technology Requirements
Program cost:
The program cost of $16,912.50 includes tuition, registration fee, books, uniforms, supplies, and STRF.
- Website: https://ibt.edu/
- Address: 2400 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051
- Phone: 408-669-3289
Pipe Trades Training Center
The HVAC apprenticeship program at Pipe Trades Training Center prepares apprentices for employment in an in-demand profession. The program consists of 1760 hours of on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a Journeyperson. Classes meet two evenings per week in class – with a break available in the summer. Class sessions cover science, theory and practical application of the concepts taught. Course topics include basic refrigeration service skills, basic electricity and refrigeration, mechanical systems, electric control fundamentals, advanced electric controls, HVAC pneumatic and electric control systems, industrial refrigeration and air condition service, advanced refrigeration and chillers, start, test and balance, and HVAC systems. Apprentices will receive journey level status and a completion certificate from the State of California at the end of the five years. Classes may be applied toward an Associate’s Degree from Foothill College.
Program overview:
HVAC Apprenticeship
Duration: 5 years
Clock hours: 1760
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age- qualified applicants will not be dispatched to work until they reach 18 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent (official transcripts preferred)
- Provide a valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license or passport
- High school seniors may provide a letter of recommendation from high school indicating they are on track to graduate
- Covid-19 vaccination will be required at the time of the test
- Submit an application online
- Take and pass the entrance exam
- Must be in good physical health
- May be required to pass a drug/alcohol test
Program cost:
The apprenticeship is free. Apprenticeship starting wage over $30/hour plus medical and retirement benefits plus 5 years of paid on-the-job training.
- Website: https://www.pttc.edu/
- Address: 780 Commercial Street, San Jose, CA 95112
- Phone: (408) 453-6330
Silicon Valley Career Technical Education
The HVAC Certification program at Silicon Valley Career Technical Education helps students develop professional skills that will eb transferable to the workplace. They will learn maintenance, overhaul, repair, and adjustment of residential and commercial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration units. There will be numerous opportunities to work on real equipment in the classroom before application of the skills in a real-world environment. Benefits include the use of specialized tools of the trade, theory and application of the basic principles of cooling, air, electrical fundamentals, and controls, knowledge of Green Building Technology, problem solving, computer technology to enhance HVAC skills needed, and communication with customers. Students will earn 20-30 high school credits per year. Graduates will be eligible to apply for EPA Certification, Preventative Maintenance Technician Certification, OSHA 10, and Green Mechanical Council Certification. Other certifications -earned within the class – include a Certificate of Completion, Level One HVAC Technician, Green Certification, Morrell Foundation Tool Kit Scholarship and College credit from San Jose City College with a grade B or above.
Program overview:
HVAC Certificate
Duration: 8 months
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent (official transcripts preferred)
- Provide a valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license or passport
- Submit an application online
- Take and pass the entrance exam
- Must be in good physical health
Program cost:
Training is free for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.metroed.net/SVCTE
- Address: 760 Hillsdale Ave, San Jose, CA 95136
- Phone: (408) 723-6400
City College of San Francisco
The HVACR program at City College of San Francisco provides instruction, theory, and training in design and repair of HVACR equipment. The program combines theory with practical hands-on training that simulates the work environment and skills needed to excel in the HVAC field. Course topics include applied fluid mechanics for mechanical engineering technology, HVAC system fundamentals, fundamentals of air conditioning and refrigeration, mechanical, and electrical and plumbing building information modeling. Courses must be completed with a grade C or better. Graduates will be able to apply for certification.
Program overview:
HVACR Certificate
Duration: 2 semesters
Units: 9.5
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent
- Provide a valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license or passport
- Submit an application for admission to the program
- Take and pass the entrance exam
Program cost:
Tuition costs $46 per unit for California residents.
- Website: https://www.ccsf.edu/
- Address: 50 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112
- Phone: Phone: 415-452-5101
Center for Employment Training
The hands-on HVAC and green technology program at the Center for Employment Training provides adults with the skills needed for entry-level employment in the HVAC industry. Practical sessions will cover basic safety, hand tools, basic electricity, equipment, and plumbing related to HVAC maintenance and repair. Classroom sessions will emphasize fundamental concepts of refrigeration, ductwork, silver brazing and soldering. Course modules include HVAC safety, applied mathematics, customer service, duct work, heating equipment, principles of electricity, basic computers, pipe fitting, brazing, and soldering, refrigeration and recovery, customer service, Green HVAC technology, and job preparation. Job placement assistance is available for all graduates. The class size is limited to 20 to 25 students with each cycle.
Program overview:
HVAC Certificate
Duration: 8 to 9 months
Clock hours: 900
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent – options are available for non-high school graduates
- Provide a valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license or passport
- Submit an application for admission
- Take and pass the entrance exam
Program cost:
The program cost of $14,500 includes tuition, books, uniforms, and project supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://cetweb.edu/
- Address: 701 Vine Street, San Jose, CA 95110
- Phone: (408) 534-5360