Which Certification is Best for HVAC?

Did you know that certifications can help you in your HVAC technician career journey?

While a license is not required to become an HVAC technician in Arizona, a license can help you graduate from an apprenticeship to a journeyman. If you want to become a journeyman contractor that works alone or supervises other apprentice HVAC technicians, you will need to obtain a license.

You can apply for the HVAC license with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Certifications are also helpful when performing duties and applying to Phoenix employers.

Trying to decide on which certification to take and feeling some decision paralysis? We get it.

EPA 608 Certification

If you are working in refrigeration, you must become certified to handle hazardous refrigerants.

This certification is Section 608 technician certification of the Clean Air Act. Anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified by the EPA.

NATE Certification

Another important certification that can promote your excellence in HVAC is the NATE certification.

The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification organization tests HVAC apprentices in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. The NATE certification validates the HVAC professional’s competency in HVAC service and installation.

How Do You Get an HVAC License?

Before you can apply for an HVAC license, you must have a minimum number of hours in both the classroom and in the field.

Attending an HVAC training program can satisfy some of the requirements. The rest of the hands-on experience can be found through an apprenticeship. Once both the classroom hours and field work is complete, you can get licensed in residential and/or commercial HVAC.

How Long is an HVAC Technician Program?

Did you know that it takes as little as 6 months to complete the Refrigeration Technologies program at RSI?

By attending full-time, you can complete classroom lectures and gain hands-on experience that will build your confidence in a short duration so you are not out of the workforce for long. Plus, if you have responsibilities by day, RSI offers evening classes.

RSI also offers an associate degree in HVAC/R. The Associate of Occupational Studies in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering program takes 15 months to complete. This associate degree prepares HVAC/R technicians for entry-level jobs that require maintaining and servicing large, complex systems in the HVAC/R industry.

What are the Benefits of an HVAC Diploma?

While you don’t need to complete an educational training program to become an apprentice HVAC technician, getting an HVAC diploma does have many benefits:

Better Chances in the Job Market

Many HVAC technicians are competing for the same jobs, and having a competitive advantage like a diploma is a great way to show employers that you are dedicated to your craft.

Employers are always looking for trained HVAC technicians that need less on-the-job resources. That is why many employers look to RSI when filling open positions where they need highly skilled and fully trained HVAC technicians.

Higher Earning Potential

HVAC technicians who have completed a diploma program have higher earning potential and opportunities to move up the career ladder.

If you want to move on to the journeyman or master’s level, you must complete a minimum number of hours in the classroom and work in the field. Moving up to the journeyman and master’s level will come with it higher earning potential.

Hands-On Training

Part of the benefit of attending an HVAC diploma program is the hands-on training you receive. Not only can you put the theory you learn in the classroom to the test, but you can learn from your mistakes.

Instructors are available to mentor you through the educational process and give you the ability to make a mistake that won’t result in anything terrible. Hands-on training at RSI builds confidence in your HVAC skills so you are ready to start working on day one of your new career.

Career Services

One of the best benefits of a diploma program is the career services that we offer at RSI. Not only will you learn how to properly craft a resume, but you get interview preparation.

Plus, we work with employers who are interested in meeting our graduates and possibly giving them job interviews.

Train To Become an HVAC Technician

The Refrigeration School in Phoenix, Arizona offers both a 6-month diploma program and 15 month associate degree program. Whether you want to get started in HVAC quickly and/or want to increase your opportunity for advance, RSI has the HVAC technician program that could get you started on your journey. If you are ready to become an HVAC technician, RSI can help. Contact us today.