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If you’re considering a career in the HVAC industry, you’ll be glad to know HVAC technicians remain in high demand. Many HVAC training programs exist in Virginia to teach people the skills they need to enter the HVAC field.
A growing demand for HVAC technicians in the Old Dominion state means there’s a wide selection of choices for your career, from HVAC service technicians to lead HVAC system installers.
The Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects an 11% growth rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Virginia, compared to a 5% growth nationwide over the next decade. There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. For instance, there are hundreds of HVAC technician jobs in Virginia posted on Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
In this complete guide, we’ve put together everything you need to know to get started in your new career as an HVAC technician in Virginia.
Virginia HVAC Training Programs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Many HVACR technicians receive postsecondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs generally last from 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree. High school students interested in becoming an HVACR technician should take courses in vocational education, math, and physics. Knowledge of plumbing or electrical work and a basic understanding of electronics is also helpful.”
The BLS also states that some technicians receive their training through an apprenticeship program, which typically lasts three to five years. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Virginia issues HVAC master and journeyman licenses, and requires a minimum amount of education, training, and years of experience.
Most people entering the HVAC industry in Virginia learn on the job as an apprentice or by working for an HVAC contractor through an employer-sponsored training program and taking classes at local trade school or community college.
Virginia is home to many schools offering HVAC programs. Schools with HVAC Excellence accreditation include:
Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs, in Highland Springs
Bridging Communities Regional Career and Technical Center, in New Kent
Chesapeake Career Center, in Chesapeake
Chesterfield Career and Technical Center, in Chesterfield
Edison Academy, in Alexandria
Greene County Technical Education Center, in Stanardsville
Massanutten Technical Center, in Harrisonburg
Norfolk Technical Center, in Norfolk
Northern Virginia Community College, in Woodbridge
Southside Virginia Community College, Lake County Advanced Knowledge Center, in South Hill
The Hanover Center for Trades and Technology, in Mechanicsville
Valley Career and Technical Center, in Fishersville
Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center, in Virginia Beach
Many other schools in Virginia offer HVAC programs, including:
Advanced Technology Institute, in Virginia Beach
Brightpoint Community College, in Chester and Midlothian
Centura College, in Westmoreland
Central Virginia Community College, in Lynchburg
Danville Community College, in Danville
Fortis College, in Norfolk and Richmond
Mountain Gateway Community College, in Clifton Forge
Tidewater Tech, in Norfolk
Virginia Highlands Community College, in Abingdon
Virginia Western Community College, in Roanoke
Virginia apprenticeship programs include:
United Association Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 10, in Roanoke and Richmond
UA Steamfitters Local 602, in Landover, Maryland
Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 110, in Norfolk
HVAC Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a trade school or technical college, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you intend to work to find out average salary and work requirements.
There’s typically a range of certificate and degree programs, as well as apprenticeships that combine classroom learning with hands-on experience. Some HVAC contractors may allow you to train with them full-time while also attending a college program at night or on the weekend. If you choose to start at a technical college, the time it takes to complete each kind of program and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common programs are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Associate’s Degree – two years
Bachelor’s Degree – four years
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. If you wish to be a mechanical engineer, you’ll need a four-year bachelor’s degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at one of the four-year universities in Virginia like:
University of Virginia, in Charlottesville
Virginia Tech, in several locations
In many cases, but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages.
Typical Courses in Technical College Programs
HVAC training programs at technical colleges prepare students for their HVAC technician certification and careers in residential, commercial, or industrial HVAC applications. 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. Some are intended to give students a base of knowledge to prepare them to be helpers and get that first job with a licensed HVAC professional.
HVAC technician degree or diploma programs combine classroom learning and hands-on experience to teach the fundamentals of HVAC systems and related technical skills. Coursework teaches students about heating and cooling technology and installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of HVAC and refrigeration systems. HVAC courses typically cover:
Fundamentals of cooling and heating systems
Refrigeration technology
EPA laws related to safe handling and transport of refrigerants
Heat pumps
Electrical and controls for HVAC systems
Computerized diagnostics
Sheet metal technology
Soldering/brazing
Commercial air conditioning and refrigeration systems
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 Virginia community colleges on average is $3,736 per year for in-state students and $8,977 for out-of-state students. However, some of the accredited programs may be part of apprenticeship programs, and tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer or union. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved.
You will also incur costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupational field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and state grants should apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
In Virginia, HVAC apprenticeship programs last four to five years, and consist of classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
Benefits
There are benefits to formal education if you want to be an HVAC professional. You may be able to put your classroom hours toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.
Online vs in-person
You may choose to get started on your HVAC training through an online program. The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Virginia offers an online apprenticeship program, with participants completing coursework online at their own pace.
Level of difficulty
HVAC training programs prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. 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.
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School Comparison: At a Glance
These Virginia schools with HVAC Excellence accreditation listed below offer programs to train students for a career in the HVAC industry. Let’s take a look at the different schools:
Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs
Offers a two-year HVAC program for high school students.
Bridging Communities Regional Career and Technical Center
Offers a two-year HVACR program for high school students with dual enrollment with Rappahannock Community College.
Offers a one-year HVAC program for high school students.
Chesterfield Career and Technical Center
Offers a one-year HVAC program for high school students.
Offers an HVAC program for high school students with dual enrollment with Northern Virginia Community College.
Greene County Technical Education Center
Offers an HVACR program for high school students.
Offers a heating and cooling program for high school students.
Offers a diploma program in refrigeration and air conditioning for adult students, and classroom instruction for those enrolled as an HVAC apprentice.
Offers a two-year air conditioning and refrigeration program for high school students.
Northern Virginia Community College
Offers an HVACR and Facilities Services Technology Career Studies Certificate, 23 credits.
Offers an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate, 33-34 credits.
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, 67-68 credits.
Southside Virginia Community College
Offers an HVAC program with National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum.
The Hanover Center for Trades and Technology
Offers an HVACR program using the NCCER Apprenticeship postsecondary education curriculum.
Valley Career and Technical Center
Offers a two-year HVAC program for high school students.
Offers an HVACR program for adults.
Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center
Offers a two-year air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating program for high school students.
Additional schools in Virginia offering HVAC programs include:
Offers an Air Conditioning and Heating Technology diploma, 48 credit hours.
Offers an Associate in Occupational Science trades Leadership with Specialization in HVAC Technology, 60 credit hours.
Offers a certificate in heating and air conditioning, 19 credits.
Offers an air conditioning and refrigeration servicing certificate, 42 credits.
Offers an air conditioning and refrigeration diploma, 74 credits.
Central Virginia Community College
Offers a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning certificate, 43 credits.
Offers a diploma program in heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Offers an HVACR program.
Mountain Gateway Community College
Offers an NCCER Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning program, Levels 1-4.
Offers a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning program.
Virginia Highlands Community College
Offers a refrigeration certificate Level 1, 17 credits.
Offers a commercial refrigeration certificate Level 2, 16 credits.
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating Level 3, 68 credits.
Virginia Western Community College
Offers a residential air conditioning and refrigeration certificate, 24 credits.
Steps for Enrollment in Virginia
Every program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with you visiting the school’s website and 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:
Complete your application.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.
Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.
Submit placement test scores.
If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.
However, if you are hoping to attend an apprenticeship program, you must apply directly to an employer, trade organization or JATC. Once you have a position as an apprentice, then you can apply for classes. 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 Virginia
Virginia offers a few paths to its licensing. Most require formal education paired with on-the-job training. The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Board for Contractors issues HVAC journeyman, master, and contractor licenses — each requiring more time on-the-job and affording the holder more privileges and responsibilities. If you complete an apprenticeship, the examination may be waived for a journeyman license, but to earn a master license or contractor license you will need to pass additional exams. Also, if you want to own your own HVAC business, you will need to get your license. For a detailed explanation of Virginia’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Virginia HVAC License.
HVAC licenses must be renewed every two years. To renew HVAC licenses, you must complete a board-approved three-hour continuing education course before your license expires. Virginia has a reciprocity agreement with Maryland for HVAC journeyman and master licenses.
HVAC professionals anywhere in the country, including Virginia, must obtain an EPA HVAC certification if they conduct refrigerant line-pressure tests, or handle or add refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems, according to EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. EPA certification 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 Virginia HVAC License guide.
Salaries for HVAC Professionals in Virginia
Before paying for technical education or completing a lengthy apprenticeship to become an HVAC technician, you’ll want some idea of the potential return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as you advance from entry-level employment in Virginia? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC professional salary in Virginia for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $51,000
Intermediate 2-4 years: $57,600
Senior 4-6 years: $66,600
Supervisor >7 years: $86,700
For more information about HVAC technician salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
In Virginia, apprenticeships last four to five years and combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. To meet U.S. Department of Labor standards, you must accumulate 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction over four years. Most also require you to be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and have the physical ability to perform the work of the trade.
Virginia HVAC apprenticeship programs include:
United Association Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 10
Offers a five-year HVAC apprenticeship.
Offers a five-year apprenticeship.
Apprentices receive on-the-job training and attend evening and some Saturday classes at the UA Mechanical Trade School in Landover, Maryland, and Springfield, Virginia.
Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 110
Offers a five-year apprenticeship program.
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
Lists current registered apprenticeship job postings.
Other School Options
In addition to HVAC training opportunities in Virginia, there are several HVAC training programs in neighboring North Carolina and West Virginia, including:
RightTek HVAC Training LLC, in Apex, North Carolina
James Rumsey Technical Institute, in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
You can find the training you need to excel in a career as an HVAC technician in Virginia. The opportunities are all around you.
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