HVAC specialists need to have the right HVAC certification since these qualifications will determine which jobs HVAC technicians can take on. But which HVAC certification is the best? Learn more about certificates HVAC specialists can have and the certification process.
What Certification Is Best for HVAC?
There are several certifications HVAC specialists can have. A certification is an attestation of the education and experience an HVAC technician has, which can influence the type of projects they can work on and even the geographical areas they are allowed to work in.
For example, HVAC specialists will need to have state and local qualifications. Although these qualifications are not formal certifications, they are still important. State and local qualifications verify that HVAC specialists have met all educational and experience requirements for their geographical area. Other certifications HVAC specialists can have include:
NATE Certification
NATE certification is the most common certification for HVAC technicians in North America. NATE is a North American Technician Excellence certification, which acknowledges that a technician has demonstrated an understanding of HVAC technical and practical skills. NATE certifications are granted for any technician who shows a solid grasp of HVAC systems. Technicians must pass an examination for this certification.
EPA 608 Certification
An EPA 608 certification is a special certification from the Environmental Protection Agency. This certification allows HVAC technicians to legally handle refrigeration systems and refrigerants. Essentially, with this certification, HVAC technicians can buy, use, and handle refrigerants that are regulated by the EPA. HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants must have this certification to complete projects.
HVAC Excellence Certification
The HVAC Excellence Certification is another common certification for technicians to have. Generally, the HVAC Excellence Certification is awarded to technicians who have a professional or master's understanding of HVAC systems. This certification involves passing an exam on specific HVAC systems, such as air conditioning or heat pumps.
HVAC Quality Installation Standard Certification
The HVAC Quality Installation Standard Certification is administered by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, a non-profit organization that stands as one of the most important technical organizations in the HVAC industry. This certification is also very common.
The Quality Installation certification will verify that an HVAC specialist has demonstrated knowledge about how to design an efficient HVAC system for residential or commercial applications. With this certification, an HVAC specialist will know load calculations, HVAC software, and duct design. HVAC engineers typically have this certification.
How Do You Get HVAC Certification?
Obtaining HVAC certifications can be done in a few ways, such as through training at a technical school or through an apprenticeship. Regardless of how certification is obtained, a certification is only awarded when HVAC specialists can pass exams about HVAC systems. Let's break down the two ways to obtain certification.
HVAC Training
The easiest and most cost-effective way to get any certification is through HVAC training at a technical or vocational school. With this method, students who have a high school diploma or GED equivalent can enroll in technical or vocational schools to obtain HVAC education and training.
Gaining knowledge of HVAC systems through classroom training is sometimes supported by practical experiences, such as through apprenticeships. Many technical schools will offer certification upon graduation, which can save the student money on certification testing and application fees.
HVAC Apprenticeship
Attaining certifications through an HVAC apprenticeship is also fairly common. HVAC organizations will often sponsor apprenticeship programs that last for three to five years. An apprenticeship is a hands-on approach that is more convenient for some HVAC specialists-in-training. Often, the end of an HVAC apprenticeship will help apprentices apply for certifications in their chosen HVAC specialty.
Qualifications Needed for Certification
To apply for most certifications, students or apprentices will need to meet the minimum requirement for practical experience. For example, many certificates mandate that apprentices or students have at least 12 months of practical experience working under a licensed HVAC contractor. This type of training will ensure that the students or apprentices have experience in all relevant subject matters.
That said, not all technical or vocational schools will offer opportunities for practical experience, which means students will need to work part-time while they are in school or wait to obtain 12 months of practical experiments upon graduation. There may be some HVAC degrees that fold practical experience into vocational education, so students will want to examine the details of their education program.
Other FAQs
What About a Master HVAC License?
In addition to certifications such as NATE or EPA 608 certifications, HVAC technicians may also apply for a master HVAC license. An HVAC license is the highest level of mastery an HVAC technician can have. HVAC specialists with master HVAC licenses can be contractors and start their own businesses.
Many HVAC technicians with a master license operate their own business to repair and maintain HVAC equipment, design HVAC systems and install HVAC equipment. To qualify for a master HVAC license, technicians will need at least 12 months of work experience before they can take the master license examination.
Do HVAC Engineers Need Certifications?
An HVAC engineer is a professional who focuses on designing HVAC systems. Engineers do not typically work in the field. Rather, they design the systems and software that are used to operate HVAC equipment. In general, HVAC engineers will need to have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. HVAC engineers may or may not need to have certification, depending on the precise requirements of their job.
Why Is It Important to Have Certification?
HVAC technicians need to have certification as a sign that they have received the proper education and training to repair, maintain, and install HVAC systems. Although not all states demand HVAC certification, it's still a good idea to earn certificates. This is because having certifications can increase hourly wages, help HVAC specialists find more work opportunities, and much more.
HVAC technicians must have certifications to complete work in the HVAC industry. Certifications can be obtained from organizations or state governments. Certifications can be received through practical experience from apprenticeships or from technical schools. To learn more about HVAC services and certifications, contact ServiceBox today.
