How To Get an HVACR Certification

Key Points

• HVACR certification is essential for technicians working in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry, as it confirms they have met the necessary training and testing requirements to perform specific duties safely and according to industry standards.
• Certain HVACR certifications, such as the Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are legally required for technicians who work with refrigerants, highlighting the importance of certification in complying with state laws and ensuring safety.
• Obtaining HVACR certification can significantly benefit technicians by making them more attractive to employers, expanding job opportunities and potentially facilitating career growth through the development of skills and expertise.
• The process of becoming HVACR certified typically involves researching job requirements, attending an HVACR school that aligns its curriculum with industry certification requirements, and passing the necessary exams, with some programs enabling students to earn certifications before graduation.
• HVACR certifications are offered by accredited, industry-recognized organizations and cover various aspects of the field, including safety, refrigerant handling and specific technical skills, with programs available in multiple locations to prepare students for entry-level positions in the HVACR industry.

Did you know? Many types of jobs, from teaching to counseling to nursing, require certification for people to legally work in that profession in their chosen state.

The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry also requires certification for many of its professionals. That’s because HVACR technicians (also known as HVAC technicians) can work with potentially dangerous materials that require special handling to help keep technicians and customers safe.

HVACR certification is a common expectation in the industry. The good news is, that when you complete an HVACR training program, like the one offered at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), you may be able to earn some certifications while you’re in school. That means that as soon as you graduate, you’ll be ready to use your HVAC technician certificate to apply for entry-level jobs and get to work.¹

Learn more about what HVACR technician certification is, why it’s important and how to become HVAC certified so you can pursue a career in the industry.

What Is HVACR Certification? Why Is It Important?

HVACR certification confirms that the proper training and testing requirements have been met, which indicates that a technician can perform specific duties safely and according to industry standards. HVACR certifications are provided by accredited, industry-recognized organizations that have created on-the-job standards for HVAC technicians.

HVACR certification matters for a variety of reasons. The most important is that it may be the law, depending on the work of the HVACR tech and which state they work in. For example, any technician who maintains, disposes of, services or repairs equipment that deals with refrigerants must have the Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

HVACR technician certification also helps bolster the strength of an employer’s workforce. It can add credibility and reassure clients that their technicians have the knowledge and skills to execute their duties safely and responsibly.

The Benefits of HVACR Technician Certification

You may be wondering about the benefits of HVACR technician certification. Consider these advantages:

• HVACR certification may be a job requirement. If you’re going to work with refrigerants, you’ll need to be certified in most cases. Also, some companies only consider certified applicants. HVAC technician certification expands the number of jobs you’re qualified for.

• HVACR certification can help you stand out as an applicant. Many employers prefer candidates who can jump right into work without having to go through extensive on-the-job training. Without certification, a technician could create delays for the work they’re scheduled to do.

• You can add HVACR certifications to a résumé and LinkedIn profile. Some employers use online tools like LinkedIn or an applicant tracking system to scan applicants for certain keywords, including which certifications they have. For example, an employer may search for a specific certification to find candidates on LinkedIn or filter out resumes that don’t have a specific certification. HVACR certifications can help you appear in applicant search results.

• HVACR certification helps prepare you for the industry. When you work toward a certification, you can learn the proper steps and techniques to work on equipment and materials safely and responsibly. That can help give you a confidence boost and help you feel more prepared.

• HVACR certification could help you grow within your career. Generally, the more certifications you obtain, the more your knowledge expands. HVACR certifications can help you develop your skills and expertise, which can help you grow within the industry.

HVACR certification helps show employers you’ve learned specific knowledge and retained it to pass the required certification exams. You’ve learned about the skills you need to succeed on the job, so you can feel confident as you enter the field.

Read: Is HVAC a Good Career?

Common Types of HVACR Certifications

Obtaining certifications to work with certain types of materials is an employment requirement for many HVACR technicians. There are several HVAC technician certifications and exams that they may prepare for, including:

• EPA Section 608 Technician Certification: As mentioned, this certification from the EPA is required for anyone who works with refrigerants. There’s also the R-410A Certification, which is based on handling Refrigerant 410A, a near-azeotropic refrigerant that behaves similarly to an azeotropic refrigerant.

• NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Core: NATE Core exams evaluate a technician’s general knowledge and show that a certified technician has met certain competency requirements for HVACR skills, including taking measurements, basic electrical and safety.

• OHSA 10-Hour construction training: This training focuses on general construction safety and teaches students how to avoid safety hazards on construction sites. It benefits HVACR professionals, since HVACR technicians may work on construction sites or as part of larger teams on construction projects.

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Respect in the Workplace training: This training can benefit HVACR technicians, as it focuses on harassment prevention. Since HVACR technicians frequently work directly with customers and clients, employers can promote this training to their clients to ensure customers are treated with respect and care during services.

You can complete our HVACR training program and prepare to test in three of the above areas. Technicians seeking NATE certification take two exams: the Core exam and Specialty exam. UTI offers prep and testing for the Core exam only; once passed, technicians are enabled to take the Specialty exam through an employer.

Once a tech is certified and trained, they can add those credentials to their resume, LinkedIn profile and job applications.

Steps To Get HVACR Technician Certification

Now that you know some of the HVACR certifications employers are looking for, how can you get certified in HVAC?

• Research job requirements. If you’re interested in working in the HVACR industry, it’s helpful to research job requirements for positions you’re interested in. What kind of education does the employer prefer? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many employers typically prefer applicants with postsecondary education. Look at what certifications are required and/or preferred.

• Attend HVACR school. This is one of the easiest ways to get HVACR training and to get certified in the process. Many training programs, like the one offered at UTI, model their curriculum based on industry certification requirements. You’ll be taught the skills you need to get certified and pursue an entry-level role.¹ You may even be able to get certified before you graduate.

• Follow certification directions. Typically, most certifications require passing an exam so you can demonstrate your knowledge in the area that’s tested. Some of these exams are open book. Other certifying boards will outline the exact info you’ll be tested on so you can study. If you hate tests and exams, don’t worry. In school, your instructors are there to help you prepare, so you’re confident come exam time.

Once you’re certified, pay attention to renewal requirements. You may be required to become recertified after a certain time.

In the meantime, you can use your certifications to bolster your strength as an applicant as you apply for HVACR jobs.

Frequently Asked HVAC Certifications Questions

How long does it take to become HVAC certified?

You can earn several HVACR certifications in less than a year. If you complete a postsecondary training program like the BLS recommends, you can often train for many of the certifications while you’re in school and be certified by the time you graduate.

What are the benefits of getting a heating, ventilation and air conditioning certification?

Getting HVAC technician certifications can be beneficial in many ways, as they help demonstrate to employers that you have the skills necessary for the industry. These certifications can help to bolster your resume and LinkedIn profile. They also may help you grow and advance in your career, as you gain additional knowledge of different areas in HVAC.

Is a career in HVACR worth it?

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration are essential services throughout the country. HVACR technicians work for businesses, hospitals, homeowners, restaurants, schools, you name it. If you enjoy working with your hands, want to work a physical job where you’re on the move and love solving problems, you might enjoy a career in HVACR.

Is HVACR hard to learn?

We’ve had many students come into the HVACR program with absolutely zero knowledge about the industry. They graduated ready to pursue entry-level positions as HVACR technicians. You can master HVACR skills and techniques in a hands-on, state-of-the-industry lab environment. You’ll get to practice on real equipment using proper safety methods. If you’re motivated and work hard, you could become an HVACR technician.

Our HVACR training program prepares students for entry-level positions in the HVACR field.¹ 

To learn how to complete HVACR training and prepare to test for certification in less than a year, request HVACR school information.