The industry now needs more HVAC technicians to fulfill the demands of its clients.
To address this, HVAC technician training programs are now being offered online to increase manpower.
On this page, you’ll learn…
- If the online HVAC technician training program is for you
- Topics being taught in the online program
- Which schools are offering the online program
- Benefits and drawbacks of enrolling in the online program
- Which certification and/or licensure exams you can take online
People Suitable for an Online HVAC Technician Training Program
Today, students are no longer limited to the four walls of classrooms to receive their education.
You now have the option to take the HVAC technician training program online.
This type of educational learning is most suitable for the following people:
- Working individuals
- Stay-at-home parents
- Current professionals who want a career change
- Individuals who live far away from school and can’t travel long distances
- HVAC technicians who need CEUs to keep their certification and/or license current and valid
It’s not for people who learn better with live support from instructors and peers that traditional education offers.
By taking the program online, you can gain career skills conveniently without rearranging much of your life or work schedule.
Important to note:
Before enrolling, inquire about the specific program curriculum from the school you plan to attend.
There may be on-campus orientation, training, and projects that you need to complete while attending.
Course Content of an Online HVAC Technician Training Program
The HVAC technician training program aims to train you to become proficient in handling work HVAC/R systems.
It will combine online lectures with hands-on training and work experience to…
Help you start a successful HVAC career
Take and pass the HVAC technician certification and/or licensure exams
Course content will vary from school to school, but the general topics to cover will be the same.
- Fundamentals of HVAC/R
- Residential and Commercial HVAC/R Systems
- Refrigeration Systems
- Commercial Refrigeration Systems
- HVAC trade math, physics, and chemistry
- Mechanical and electrical skills
- Safety and soft skills
- Certification exam prep (EPA 608, NATE, HVAC Excellence, etc.)
The online program will utilize the following tools to maximize your learning:
- Web lectures and tutorials
- Reference books, manuals, and guides
- Digital simulation tools
- Computer-based assignments
For your hands-on training, the program will require you to report to the campus or do an externship at a local company.
The online program is self-paced, and you can complete it within…
- 6 months to less than a year for the HVAC certification program
- 2 years for HVAC associate’s degree
Schools Offering Online HVAC Technician Training Programs
Although not necessary, you should choose to enroll in an accredited HVAC school.
The reason lies in the following:
- Graduating from an accredited HVAC school gives you a competitive edge in the job market
- You get quality HVAC technician education and training
- Most employers show a preference for candidates who completed accredited training
Here are some reputable and accredited schools that you can consider and check out:
- Penn Foster
- Ashworth College
- U.S. Career Institute
- Remington College
- Wake Technical Community College
- California State University – Chico
- Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association, Inc.
- HVAC Training Solutions
- HVACRedu.net
- Excelsior College
If you can’t commit to a school right now, you can try SkillCat, a FREE online HVAC training app.
It has positive reviews from students, and companies like CoolSys and Mitsubishi Electric hire HVAC technicians in the app.
Advantages and Disadvantages of an Online HVAC Technician Training Program
You choose to enroll in an online HVAC technician training program for a variety of reasons.
The thing is, taking the online program isn’t always “rainbows and roses.”
It has its advantages and disadvantages, some of which are listed below.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Online HVAC Technician Certification and/or Licensure Exams
Since you can take an online class, why not for the certification and/or licensure exams?
Although not all of them can be taken online, it’s already good to know that you don’t have to go to a testing site for some of them.
The following will have online proctored exams:
- EPA Section 608 Technician Certification for all certification types
- NATE Certification
- HVAC Excellence Professional Level Certification
As for the state licensure exams, it depends upon the state and its local requirements.
So you should inquire at your local government office if you can take it online.
This page is also available in Spanish.
