HVAC technician training is a bit of a misnomer—there are many different types of training and courses that are covered under this name. There are courses covering different levels, designed for technicians at different places in their careers, and covering different subjects. They also come in different formats, including online and in-person elements.
Here is a quick guide to the different courses that an HVAC technician can take advantage of.
Entry Level Technician Certification
The most important form of HVAC technician training is the initial course that you take to become a technician. Without certification, you cannot work as an HVAC technician, as both customers and the company that hires you need proof that you know what you are planning on doing. These courses cover the basics that every HVAC technician needs to know.
Once an HVAC technician passes this course, their education continues, both in the form of fieldwork and in the form of certificates.
Subject-Specific Courses
One of the most important types of HVAC technician training for those who already have some experience is training that covers specific subjects. These courses may cover how to work with a specific type of complex machinery, such as furnace heat exchangers or how to deal with safety risks such as refrigerants.
Instructor Certification
Experienced HVAC technicians can take high-level training courses and become instructors themselves. This is an extra source of income and a great opportunity to educate a new generation of HVAC technicians.
