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How to Become an HVAC Technician

The path to becoming an HVAC technician is fairly straightforward. As you check off one thing at a time from the list, and before you know it, you will be working as one!

how to become an HVAC Technician

Here is everything you need to do in order to become an HVAC Technician:

Step 1 – Obtain High School Diploma or GED

Have a high school diploma: It is necessary that you earn your high school diploma, GED, or anything equivalent to that first. You will need it for the training. However, it is also possible to start preparing to become an HVAC while you are still in high school. In that case, you have to either attend a vocational school or take specialized courses that will teach you in-depth about this.

Step 2 – Find & Complete an HVAC Training Program

Complete a training program and/or apprenticeship: In order to earn your certification, you must absolutely complete a specialized HVAC technician training program. The program shouldn’t take more than a year to complete, but you may pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees, which will take longer. The program will be enough to make you skilled and knowledgeable for the job. The more education and skills you have, the better job opportunities you will get as well.

If you want a substitute for your training program, you can go for an apprenticeship instead. Sometimes, even after completing training, you might need to do it if the employer asks for it from you. The program usually lasts between 3 and 5 years and will begin your HVAC career. This can replace the need to complete a training program in many cases. What’s best is that you will be paid a decent amount for your work too, and it’s a great way to build your experience practically.


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Step 3 – Get HVAC Certification

Get your HVAC certification: To get approved by the state and enter the workforce as an HVAC, you must own the basic licensure required by the EPA, which is the Section 608 Technician Certification. The certification comes in three levels. You have to get at least 18 out of 25 questions right to pass every exam. To maximize your professional options, you should try to pass all three.

You may then consider further certifications to expand the horizons of possibilities for your future. The four optimal certifications offered by North American Technician Excellence, namely the Ready-to-Work Certificate, HVAC Support Technician Certificate, Core & Specialty Tests Certificate, and Senior Level Efficiency Analyst Certification, are worth checking out. Learn more about HVAC accreditation.

Step 4 – Prepare Resume & Start Interviewing

Prepare your resume: Now that the state has officially approved you to work as an HVAC, you are very much close to the main thing: the actual job. To increase your chances of getting hired, you must write a resume that will make an impression on the employer. Point out your skills in detail, be as precise as you can, and avoid blabbering too much. If you have experience, make sure to put a spotlight on that. If luck is on your side, your days of working as an HVAC are not too far away!

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