A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician installs and repairs commercial and residential heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment. You can prepare for this job by graduating from high school and then pursuing HVAC education in a certificate, diploma, or degree program. You will usually need training as well, which you can obtain through an internship, apprenticeship, or job. Certification and licensing requirements typically vary by jurisdiction; if either is required, or preferred, you will typically have to demonstrate proof of your training or educational background and pass an exam to earn it.

Education is a good place to start when you want to become an HVAC technician. For example, earning a high school diploma or General Educational Development® (GED®) credential is generally required to work in this field. Earning either of these credentials may make you a more desirable job candidate as well, and prove helpful if you choose to seek formal education. For instance, after graduation, you might choose to pursue a training program via a trade school or a community college.

In order to become a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) apprentice, one must either attend a reputable career school, work through an HVAC association, or go directly to a current technician and ask about internship or apprentice possibilities. Any of these methods is suitable to become an HVAC apprentice in some areas, but the exact guidelines for becoming a technician after the apprenticeship is over will vary based on the area. The best choice will also depend on exact organization and company guidelines as well as availability of the programs.

Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) supervisors oversee the installation and maintenance of HVAC systems. They handle tasks ranging from employee management to quality control. If you want to become an HVAC supervisor, you'll have to earn your high school diploma, and many companies also require some college or trade school training. 

Extensive work experience in the heating and air conditioning industry can also help you become an HVAC supervisor, as this type of experience helps managers lead crews more effectively. Prospective HVAC supervisors must also possess an understanding of basic construction processes, including scheduling, blueprint reading, and coordination among trades. Finally, managers must be prepared to demonstrate strong leadership skills to prove they are capable of leading employees during HVAC projects.

During this time in the field, employees hoping to become an HVAC supervisor should learn as much as possible about the HVAC trade and the construction industry as a whole. This includes understanding how different trades coordinate with one another on a jobsite, and the order in which different tasks should be completed to maximize performance.

Community colleges or technical schools offer HVAC training programs that usually take around two years to complete. You’ll take classes in computers, electronics, mechanical applications, math, plumbing, and electrical work. Apprenticeships are one way to learn this career but you will need to find an accredited program, which may combine classroom work with paid on-the-job training. These programs require a high school diploma or equivalent and typically last three to five years.

Many locations require you to be licensed. US technicians who are certified to work with refrigerants will test with an approved examiner in handling and disposal of these chemicals. They may qualify in Type I small appliance, Type II high-pressure, and Type III low-pressure refrigerants, depending on their area of specialization. Continued training and recertification will probably be necessary over time because your job will change with new technologies and advancements in climate control systems.

As an HVAC engineering student, you will learn about the different methods used to identify and evaluate heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in various residential, commercial and industrial buildings. You will likely be instructed in the fundamentals of electricity, refrigeration, and building construction as well. In some colleges, it may be possible to participate in some type of on-the-job internship or apprenticeship program in order to gain practical hands-on work experience before you become an HVAC design engineer.