Searching for the right career path can be challenging. Job security is top of mind for most, especially during times of economic uncertainty, and finding a role that speaks to your strengths can take a bit of digging.
Key takeaways
- HVAC training can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on whether you choose a certificate (3–12 months), degree (2–4 years), or apprenticeship (3–5 years).
- Program length varies based on factors like training type, full- vs. part-time study, state licensing rules, and prior experience, which can shorten your timeline through credit or course exemptions.
- Certificates are the fastest entry point into the field, while degrees and apprenticeships offer deeper training and lead to more advanced or specialized roles.
- Licensing requirements differ widely by state, and many jurisdictions require proof of recent supervised hours—making documentation and hour tracking essential.
- HVAC offers strong job stability and growth, with 8% projected industry growth and multiple career paths ranging from entry-level technician roles to engineering-focused positions.
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry can be a favorable choice for job seekers looking for a recession-resistant role with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.1 While outlier industries ride the ebb and flow of job trends, HVAC professionals find stability in an industry with labor statistics projecting growth of 8% between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the national average of 3% for all occupations.2
This article is for anyone considering HVAC training, whether you’re changing careers, a recent high school graduate, or somewhere in between. We’ll explore how HVAC training works, including what affects program lengths, how to find an HVAC school that fits your needs, and frequently asked questions.
HVAC training time and duration factors
The HVAC industry, like other regulated skilled trades, focuses on safety, efficiency, and legal compliance, so proper training is essential. For HVAC job seekers, training time can vary significantly, depending on which path you choose.
Here are the four primary options:
- Certificate program (3-12 months): Focuses on entry-level job skills, including safety, troubleshooting, and hands-on electrical and refrigeration training.
- Associate/bachelor’s degree (2-4 years): Offers in-depth technical training with coursework geared toward job seekers considering roles such as advanced technician, supervisor, analyst, or engineer.
- Apprenticeship (3-5 years): Supervised, paid, on-the-job training that provides hands-on experience, safety, diagnostics, and codes.
- Manufacturer training program (one-day workshops to multi-week training): Focuses on product-specific systems, often required for those who want to specialize in a specific area or level up their skill set.
Several factors contribute to how long HVAC training takes:
- Program type plays the largest role, as certificate programs emphasize speed while apprenticeships extend over several years to build mastery
- School type, such as online, in-person, or hybrid, can also change pacing and the number of required hours
- Enrollment type affects how quickly you progress, with full-time students finishing sooner while part-time learners may extend their timeline to balance other responsibilities
- Regional and state requirements can add additional coursework or certifications, especially in areas with stricter licensing standards
- Your prior experience in related trades or technical fields can shorten training by reducing the amount of introductory material needed
Together, these factors shape how quickly you can enter the HVAC workforce and how much hands-on preparation you gain along the way.
Types of HVAC programs and schools
HVAC training programs are specifically designed to meet industry standards and guidelines while preparing students to be successful in their chosen role. When considering which HVAC training program is best for you, starting with your end goals can help you make an informed decision.
For example, certificate programs offered by colleges, technical schools, and trade school aggregators are a good option for those who want to enter the workforce quickly. The training focuses on the fundamentals of heating, refrigeration, and ventilation to prepare students for entry-level positions. If you want to get your foot in the door of this growing industry, a certificate can offer the tools to get started.
Here’s a list of HVAC schools offering HVAC/R certificates:
Certificate HVAC training programs*
| Provider | Average Length | Core subjects |
| Lincoln Tech (campus certificate/diploma) | 52 weeks (1 year) | Install, maintain, and troubleshoot residential & light-commercial HVAC/R systems, refrigeration, electrical fundamentals, EPA refrigerant handling3 |
| Penn Foster (online) | 5-9 months | HVAC system parts identification, installation & maintenance, EPA certification exam prep, safety4 |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) | 9-10 months | Hands-on HVACR training, diagnostics, refrigerants, electrical controls, construction codes, EPA rules, and safety5 |
| Southern Technical College | 10 months | Building construction, servicing, EPA review, electrical, refrigeration, installation, industry exam prep6 |
| Gwinnett Technical College | <1 year | HVACR systems, refrigerator installation, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical problems, certification exam preparation7 |
| Intercoast College | 9-12 months | Air conditioning, heating, maintenance, refrigeration, electrical, safety, and industry standards8 |
*The times listed are based on typical results but may vary, and not all HVAC certification program subjects are listed. Check with each school for up-to-date program information, including career services options.
An associate or bachelor’s degree in an HVAC-related field can prepare those considering an advanced technical role or a managerial position. While the training is often two to three times longer than a certificate program, it offers a more in-depth, specialized HVAC training. Students move beyond entry-level basics into a detailed study of HVAC systems, theory, analysis, and leadership (if applicable).
An HVAC-related degree from an accredited school (e.g., HVAC Excellence) offers job seekers interested in HVAC systems integration, sustainability, or design the tools they need to succeed in advanced roles.9
The list below offers a cross-section of colleges and a university that offer associate and bachelor’s degrees in HVAC/HVACR programs.
Associate or bachelor’s HVAC/HVACR programs*
| Provider | Length | Degree and Focus |
| Ferris State University | 4 years (bachelor’s) | HVACR engineering technology, design, controls, system analysis, energy management10 |
| Johnson County Community College (JCCC) | 2 years (associate) | HVAC installation, design, repair, system diagnostics, mathematics, science, hands-on labs11 |
| Tidewater Community College | 1.5 to 2 years (associate) | HVACR fundamentals, system maintenance, controls, degree-focused curriculum, EPA certification12 |
| New River Community College | 2 years (associate) | Technical knowledge & hands-on skills: diagnostics, air conditioning, refrigeration, controls13 |
| Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA/NVCC) | 2 years (associate) | HVACR heating, refrigeration, technical mathematics, intro to human communication14 |
| Elgin Community College | 2 years (associate) | HVACR fundamentals, sustainability solutions, automation, management15 |
*The times listed are based on typical results, but may vary, and not all HVAC certification program subjects are listed. Check with each school to learn more.
Depending on your goals, an HVAC apprenticeship can offer the best of both worlds: a quicker entry into the HVAC workforce and in-depth training from on-the-job mentors, union instructors, and manufacturer trainers. Additional benefits include getting paid to train and a direct path to state licensing or journeyman eligibility.
The employers listed below are a small sample of companies that offer apprenticeships. To find apprenticeships in your area, search local job boards, HVAC contractor associations, or contact union and Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) programs.
HVAC/HVACR apprenticeships*
| Employer / Program | Length | Training Focus |
| United Association (UA) | Typically 4–5 years | HVACR installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, including safety, design, mathematics, science, and tool usage for residential and commercial16 |
| Trane Technologies | 4-year structured apprenticeship | Commercial HVAC service training, local-level experience17 |
| Lennox — BuildATech / corporate apprenticeship & technician training | Varies | No site program details18 |
*Many manufacturers also offer one-day or multi-week training for continued learning.
HVAC training on your schedule
While it’s clear that choosing a full- or part-time learning experience can directly affect how long it takes you to complete HVAC training, the underlying impact it may have on licensure and recency rules is not always obvious.
HVAC licensure falls under strict guidelines that may require recent or proof of supervised training over a certain period of time, and depending on the jurisdiction or governing body, it matters how you stack your hours to demonstrate that your skills are current, especially if you are studying part time. This can include combining multiple-hour sources (e.g., supervised, short contract jobs) or converting nontraditional activities into licensable hours, like continuing education courses. Make sure that any courses you take are approved by your local licensing board, and document everything, even the small jobs, because they add up.
When considering the time you have to dedicate to training and pursuing licensure, research the minimum requirement for hours worked within a specific period of time, which varies by state.
For example, in Maryland, applicants pursuing a Master HVACR license must show proof that they worked at least 1,875 hours the year before applying.19 Similarly, Alabama requires at least 3,000 hours of work experience over a minimum of 18 months.20
If you are limited to part-time training and pursuing licensure, train smart and find ways to stack and document your hours to meet specific licensing requirements.
HVAC training time: regional/state differences
Where you plan to work and the licensing requirements for that area can affect how long your training will last. That said, not every state requires licensing. For example, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and a few others don’t have a state licensing mandate for HVAC technicians.21 However, many cities and counties in these states have specific guidelines and requirements.
When assessing the total amount of time needed to complete your HVAC training, including on-the-job training, consider the specific requirements for your area.
How experience shortens HVAC training times
Previous HVAC experience can significantly shorten your training time. Many colleges and technical schools allow you to test out of fundamental courses or offer credit for work experience.
For example, Greenville Technical College in Greenville, SC, offers Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) exemptions based on work experience. According to their PLA Options page on their website, “Students may receive exemption for knowledge acquired through work and other experiences. Methods to evaluate this may include demonstrating skills and verification from the employer. The grade of EI will appear on the college transcript.”22
If you have previous HVAC experience, review admissions requirements at your school of choice to see if you qualify for credit or an exemption.
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Learning plans and timelines
To determine how long it will take you to complete HVAC training and the work requirements for licensure, follow these steps:
- Start with your career goals: Knowing what you want to achieve is the first step in creating a training timeline. The requirements for an entry-level position (e.g., HVAC technician, helper, maintenance, apprentice) are different from a more advanced role (e.g., system analyst, project manager, HVAC engineer).
For entry-level positions, working under a licensed contractor in place of licensure is acceptable. On the other hand, a more advanced position may require multiple certifications (e.g., State HVAC Contractor License, NATE Certification, EPA 608), depending on the core responsibilities.23
- Consider the required scope: HVAC work offers a broad selection of roles from customer-facing to behind the scenes. Knowing how and where you want to work can help you define a clear path toward the ideal HVAC training. Here are questions to consider:
- Are you only interested in field work? Or, is design or analysis a better fit?
- Is your ultimate goal to manage a team, or would you prefer to work under someone with authority?
- Do you want to work with customers directly on-site, or would you be more comfortable in an office role with limited customer contact?
- If you are working directly with customers, would you prefer residential or commercial systems?
- Are you interested in specializing in a specific area (e.g., refrigeration, energy auditing, hydronics, Indoor air quality [IAQ], specialty systems)?
- What are the required federal or state certifications?
- Do you want to run your own contractor business or work with a company long-term?
- What is your realistic time commitment and budget?
- Research requirements: Based on the scope of work you’ve defined, research the credentials required for the role you want by checking the state and local boards. If licensure is required, note the minimum supervised hours, exams, recency rules, and any additional requirements.
- Self-assessment: Note your previous (verifiable) work experience, including hours and dates.
- Select a training path: Based on your preferred role’s credential requirements, scope, and your self-assessment, make a list of providers that fit your preferred training method. (e.g., certificate, degree, apprenticeship).
- Compare HVAC program requirements and pricing: If you have HVAC work experience, mark the providers that offer PLA exemptions and/or document hours toward licensure.
- Build your timeline: Create an HVAC training pathway for each provider based on the information gathered and prioritize your list.
HVAC training: take the next step
The HVAC industry offers a variety of roles for those looking for a flexible career with opportunities for growth.
Not only has the industry proven to be recession-resistant, but it also offers HVAC professionals several career pathways to follow. To get started, consider your options carefully, and based on your end goals, ideal role, and availability, find the provider that works best for you.
With a one- to five-year investment of time through an apprenticeship, college, or trade school, you could be well on your way to a satisfying career.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the shortest HVAC certification training I can complete?
The EPA Section 608 Certification can be completed in a day. For anyone handling refrigerants, it is a federal requirement. The exam covers four areas: basic knowledge (Core), small appliances (Type 1), high-pressure systems (Type II), and low-pressure systems (Type III). 24
Can I start working immediately after completing a certificate program?
Yes, HVAC certification programs support job readiness. This means that upon successful completion, you’ll have the basic skills necessary to move into an entry-level position.
How long until I get fully licensed/journeyman status?
The journeyman status of an HVAC or HVACR technician means a person has completed the necessary supervised training through an apprenticeship or trade school and passed the required exams to prove competency in the areas of HVAC/R installation, maintenance, and repair on their own.25
The requirements can vary by state or local jurisdiction, taking two to five years to complete, depending on the type of training you received.26
Does online HVAC training save time?
Yes, online, HVAC training can save time over in-person classes because of scheduling flexibility, no commutes, and working at your own pace; however, it does not replace on-the-job training needed for licensure.
How hard is it to get HVAC certified?
Getting started is fairly easy, with most states requiring a high school diploma to begin training as an apprentice or start at a technical school. How well you adapt to the HVAC training program will depend on the training option you select, your commitment, and your ability to learn complex HVAC systems through training and hands-on experience.21
Sources
1 https://businessmodificationgroup.com/hvac-businesses-are-a-great-choice-for-acquisitions/
3https://www.lincolntech.edu/campus/marietta-ga/programs/hvac/hvac-technician-certificate
4https://partner.pennfoster.com/guild/hvacr-technician
5 https://www.uti.edu/programs/hvacr
6https://www.southerntech.edu/programs/school-of-technical-trades/diploma/hvac
7https://gwinnetttech.edu/online-continuing-education/hvacr-technician-training
8https://intercoast.edu/programs/hvac-technician/
9https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/hvac-excellence
10https://www.ferris.edu/administration/academicaffairs/extendedinternational/cpd/uauniversity/hvacr.htm
11https://www.jccc.edu/academics/credit/hvac/hvac-aas.html
12https://www.tcc.edu/programs/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-refrigeration
13https://www.newriver.edu/courses/hvac-aas
14https://www.nvcc.edu/academics/programs/air-conditioning-refrigeration.html
15https://elgin.edu/areas-of-study/heating-vent-ac-refrigeration
16https://ua.org/hvacr-service-technicians/
17https://careers.tranetechnologies.com/global/en/commercial-hvac-technician-apprenticeship-program
18https://www.lennoxpros.com/news/hvac-career-paths
19https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/hvacr/hvacrlicreq.shtml
21https://www.getjobber.com/academy/hvac-license
22https://www.gvltec.edu/academics_learning/pla/pla-options.html
23https://auto.edu/blog/3-must-have-hvac-certifications-for-top-techs
24https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-0
25https://obc.edu/hvac-certification-levels-what-they-mean-and-how-to-achieve-them/
26https://www.servicetitan.com/licensing/hvac
