HVAC Schools in Maryland: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Maryland HVAC Training Programs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Because HVACR systems have become increasingly complex, employers generally prefer applicants with post-secondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship.” Also, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper.

Maryland licenses every level of this essential workforce that designs, repairs, and installs heating and cooling control systems. Even apprentices must be licensed. The state encourages formal education to be part of the career training required to earn a journeyman license, but additional work experience can qualify you to take the licensing examination instead. Most people entering the industry in Maryland learn on-the-job as an apprentice with a private company or through union or nonunion organization. Those HVAC apprenticeships require classroom instruction to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP). The state encourages this path by waiving the need to sit for the licensing examination if a MATP-approved program is completed. In general, there’s a direct correlation between a degree and higher long-term earnings, so though it’s not required to go to HVAC school to get started, it could pay off in the long run. 

The two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide are HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). These organizations evaluate the programs based on the facilities, the faculty, and whether the curriculum meets or exceeds industry standards. Neither of these organizations have accredited any HVAC programs in Maryland, most likely because Maryland is more apprenticeship driven.

Maryland’s 16 community colleges offer the classroom instruction required for a MATP-approved apprenticeship in HVACR in Maryland. Successfully complete one of these HVACR programs and you'll be able to apply for and be granted an HVAC journeyperson license from the Maryland Department of Labor without taking the exam. They all satisfy the requirements for a USDOL apprenticeship as well. That means your credentials will be acceptable in any state in the country if you happen to move during your career, giving you more job opportunities. This four-year curriculum gives credit for on-the-job and classroom training. Students can choose to take additional classes to complete an associate’s degree.

• Allegany College of Maryland

• Anne Arundel Community College

• Baltimore City Community College

• Carroll Community College

• Cecil College

• Chesapeake College

• College of Southern Maryland

• Community College of Baltimore County

• Frederick Community College

• Garrett College

• Hagerstown Community College

• Howard Community College

• Montgomery College

• Prince George’s Community College

• Wor-Wic Community College

There are many other programs throughout the state that also meet the approval of the MATP. More on those below.

HVACR Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education to perform work on any heating systems. Maryland requires education and work experience; without formal education, applicants for licensing must meet the minimum amount of time required through hands-on training and then also pass the state journeyman examination for licensure.

Regardless of the educational requirements by state, anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere needs Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification. More on that later.

In terms of college education for HVACR techs, typically you’ll have a range of degree and certificate programs from which to choose. The time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common HVAC programs are:

• Certificate Program – three to six months

• Diploma Program – one year

• Associate’s Degree – two years

• Bachelor’s Degree – four years

Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Most HVAC professionals have some postsecondary training because the systems used to regulate our homes and businesses are becoming increasingly complex and technical. However, very few HVACR professionals choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking an engineering degree to design and develop those complex heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.  If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science degrees at one of the four-year universities in Maryland like:

• University of Maryland – College Park

• Johns Hopkins University

• University of Maryland – Baltimore County

As stated earlier, formal education can pay off in the form of higher wages. 

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

HVAC programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in the refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning industries. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school if pursuing a longer degree, and many are designed with that in mind. One-semester programs typically prepare students to find entry-level work upon completion, possibly giving them an advantage over another candidate without any training. 

For the certificate programs, the coursework is very specialized. Broader programs of study for lengthier diploma programs would incorporate classes on blueprint reading, gas heat, heat pumps and related systems, basic refrigeration, principles and practices and system components. Air Conditioning certificates or diploma programs would also include classes on air conditioning systems application and installation and troubleshooting air conditioning systems.

Students pursuing an associate’s degree in applied science will need to fulfill general education coursework in addition to the specialized HVACR classes to meet the more rigorous requirements for that degree. 

School Selection Criteria

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Maryland community colleges on average is $7,307 per year for in-state students and $9,316 for out-of-state students. However, many of the accredited HVACR programs listed here are part of apprenticeship programs where tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all the costs involved. 

There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

As noted above, you can choose from a specialized certificate or a broader diploma or associate’s degree. The certificates can require as few as 12 to 16 credit hours and take one semester to complete. Others may consist of as many as 45 credits and take three semesters but can be done within a year if students continue through the summer sessions. Associate’s degree programs typically take two years, and apprenticeships often take four to five years. The MATP-approved apprenticeship coursework is typically spread over four years as the apprentice gets the hands-on work experience required for licensing.

Benefits

There are many benefits to getting some kind of formal education if you want to join the HVACR profession. Though in Maryland it is not required to get started in the field, many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials or require an apprentice technician to take classes as part of their employment. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.

Online vs in-person

You may choose to get HVAC training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. Both Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer online electrician classes.

Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level HVAC jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salary. For instance, if you are vying for a competitive apprenticeship in Maryland, having even some online instruction may distinguish you from other candidates. HVACClasses.org gives a detailed description of some of the top online programs nationwide. If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are very accessible throughout the state.

Level of difficulty

HVACR programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the HVAC industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. 

HVAC technicians have to learn to do a lot of different things to be successful, including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair HVAC systems, connect systems to fuel and water supply lines and air ducts, install electrical wiring and controls, proper techniques of refrigerant recovery, reclaiming and recycling, run diagnostics, and so much more. 

The BLS describes the many duties of a HVAC mechanics and installers this way: Install, clean, and maintain HVACR systems; Install electrical components and wiring; Inspect and test HVACR systems and components; Discuss system malfunctions with customers; Repair or replace worn or defective parts; Recommend maintenance to improve system performance; Keep records of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential HVAC work, customer service is key.

School Comparison: At a Glance

The accredited training schools listed above are part of the Maryland Community College system. They offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate. Students do not have to be employed by an HVACR contractor to start the program. However, applicants will need to find a job in the industry by the start of your second year. You must earn 8,000 on-the-job training hours to complete the MATP-approved program. Each Maryland Community College has slightly different tuition and fees, but they average about $4,500/year. Employers may also pay for your schooling or reimburse you if you earn a minimum grade.

Maryland Community Colleges

• Allegany College of Maryland

• Anne Arundel Community College

• Baltimore City Community College

• Carroll Community College

• Cecil College

• Chesapeake College

• College of Southern Maryland

• Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)

• Frederick Community College

• Garrett College

• Hagerstown Community College

• Howard Community College

• Montgomery College

• Prince George’s Community College

• Wor-Wic Community College

Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland Apprenticeship (HACC)

This is a registered apprenticeship with MATP. Its four-year curriculum gives credit for on-the-job and classroom training. Classes are held two evenings a week, from September through April at Carroll Community College in Westminster, Cecil College in North East, Harford Community College in Bel Air and Howard Community College in Columbia. Students do not have to be employed by an HVACR contractor to start the program. However, applicants will need to find a job in the industry by the start of the second year of the program. You must earn 8,000 on-the-job training hours to complete the program. You will have five years to complete your hours. Typically, students earn 2,000 hours per year.

Greater Baltimore Associated Builders and Contractors

ABC’s apprenticeship training programs are fully approved and accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), U.S. Department of Labor, Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. As with all apprenticeships, this one combines on-the-job training (OJT) and related classroom instruction under the supervision of a journey-level craft or trade professional. ABC provides apprenticeship training in HVACR as well as other building trades: electric, plumbing, carpentry, sheet metal, sprinkler fitting, roofing. HVACR classes are held at the East Baltimore Construction Education Academy, main campus.

United Association Local Union 486 Baltimore

This five-year program is provided at no cost to qualified applicants. It combines intensive technical classroom instruction at the school's state-of-the-art facility with on-the-job training. As jobs become available, apprentices are placed with member contractors.

Steps for Enrollment in Maryland

Every training program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with you applying for admission online. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. Interview if necessary for apprentice opening.

7. Obtain an apprentice card.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks. 

HVAC Career Requirements in Maryland

As mentioned earlier, Maryland offers a few paths to licensing. Even entry-level HVAC technicians need a license and must work under the supervision of a licensed contractor. The most direct path requires formal education paired with on-the-job training, and the other allows applicants to skip the formal classroom education but requires work experience and a statewide examination. 

To be an HVAC Contractor in Maryland, you must be licensed. Also, if you want to own your own HVAC business you must get your contractor license.

For a detailed explanation of Maryland’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Maryland HVAC License. 

No matter what state you live in, there are Environmental Protection Agency requirements at the federal level for technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. According to EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, this applies to any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems. The EPA certification test is often part of HVAC degree programs. If you choose a shorter certificate program, you may need to get EPA certification on your own. Your employer should be able to guide you to resources, or you can find them in our Maryland HVAC License guide.

Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Maryland

Before paying for technical education and getting started in the HVAC field you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an HVAC professional in Maryland?  Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC salary in Maryland for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $51,500

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $60,500

• Senior 4-6 years: $67,400

• Supervisor > 7 years: $87,700

For more information about HVAC salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships   

The most common way in Maryland to get the training you need to become an HVAC mechanic or installer is through a formal apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships in the skilled trades are three to five years long. The MATP-approved programs are at least four years long. You must also be at least 18, have a high school diploma or a GED, a valid driver’s license and have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better. 

The Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors, maintains a list of apprenticeships approved by the Maryland Apprentice and Training Program (MATP). There are both union and nonunion apprenticeships that allow you to earn your Maryland HVACR license without sitting for the journeyman exam if you complete the program successfully.

Union

The local chapters of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters that serve the Maryland /Washington, D.,C. area offer five-year apprenticeships for Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVAC/R Service Technicians.

United Association Local Union 486  in Baltimore

United Association Local Union 602  in Washington, D.C. at the UA Mechanical Trades School in Landover, MD

Nonunion

Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors (HACC) of Maryland Apprenticeship 

Greater Baltimore Associated Builders and Contractors 

Some HVAC companies will hire applicants who have had no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A pretty typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced technician for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. This typically includes getting EPA Certification and other HVAC certification such as North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification to demonstrate your proficiency. If you do not complete a state-approved program, once you complete the 8,000 hours of work experience you will have to pass the statewide exam to earn your journeyman license.

Other School Options

There are many programs throughout the state to get the training you need to be an HVAC technician in Maryland. In addition to all those already mentioned above, each of the schools below has an HVAC program.

• All-State Career School in Baltimore

• Lincoln Tech in Columbia

• North American Trade Schools in Baltimore

Maryland has so many trade programs and apprenticeships across the state. You can find the training you need to excel in a career in HVACR in Maryland. The opportunities are all around you.