Best Online HVAC Certificate

5 Best Online HVAC Certificates

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If you are mechanically minded, interested in how things work, and are skilled in hands-on tasks, consider getting an online HVAC certificate. 

Best Online HVAC Certificate

Today’s modern buildings all need heating and cooling systems that require installation, maintenance, repair, and sometimes replacement. If you’re looking to expand your technical skills or move into the HVAC career path, the universities listed below can offer you top-notch training and certification in HVAC repair, installation, maintenance, and replacement for both commercial and residential buildings. 

Review these details to see if an online HVAC certificate could provide the instruction you need to expand your construction or technical career. 

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What Is an Online HVAC Certificate?

The demand for skilled professionals that can provide repair, maintenance, replacement, and installation of heating and air conditioning equipment is constant in both residential and commercial buildings. An HVAC certificate offers students that are mechanically inclined and enjoy working with hands-on projects the opportunity to learn how to install, repair, or replace heating and air conditioning systems. Certificate programs ensure that students learn all of the skills needed to pass their state certification testing and succeed on the job. 

How Much Can You Earn with an Online HVAC Certificate?

An HVAC certificate offers workers a variety of job opportunities in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning industries. Technicians and refrigeration providers can work in the private, public, or government sectors as well as in self-employed opportunities. The largest employers of HVAC certificate holders are the industries of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. 

In 2019, the U.S. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that HVAC mechanics and installers made median earnings of about $48,730, but workers in the educational field for state, local, or private institutions made about $52,430 annually. Contractors in the HVAC market made about $47,380 annually while workers in the retail HVAC services trade earned about $48,620 annually. Some states may require additional licensing or training to work in the HVAC industry so check your local licensing board for details.

What Is Required For an Online HVAC?

Obtaining an online HVAC certificate traditionally requires a GED, high school diploma, or similar equivalent. Students will learn the tools of HVAC installation, troubleshooting and maintenance, safety procedures, and the theories and principles of heating and cooling. Expect to focus on the most commonly used refrigerating systems, the components of most HVAC systems, and the proper procedures for maintenance and repair service. Some programs will offer students the ability to complete the EPA 608 Certification Exam that provides professional credentials in the environmental standards required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What Are the Best Online HVAC Certificates?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

Ashworth College

Quick Facts

  • EPA Section 608 Certification exam included
  • Typical four-month program with up to one-year flexibility for completion 
  • Tuition at 0% interest for monthly payments 
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

62%

Acceptance Rate

53%

Programs Offered Online

1

Median Debt

$19,706

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

100%OSR Score

You can earn your HVAC certificate from Ashworth College and finish with the cost of your EPA Section 608 Certification included. This program introduces and instructs students in the current safety and technical skills needed to install and troubleshoot heating and refrigeration systems in most commercial and residential buildings. Classes are designed to be completed in four months, but students have the flexibility of taking all 13 curriculum lessons in up to a year’s time.

University of California-Berkeley

Quick Facts

  • Certificate of Accomplishment from the ASHRAE upon program completion 
  • 2.5 GPA required for graduation
  • Total of 165 credit hours required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

17%

Programs Offered Online

1

Median Debt

$13,200

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

0%

88%OSR Score

The University of California Berkeley offers students an online HVAC certificate that does not require a bachelor’s degree for application but does recommend experience in HVAC or an engineering-related degree. Students will take four required core courses in Ductwork and Piping, Control and Energy Management Systems, System Design, and System Load Calculations & Psychrometry. Two or three elective courses of their choice are needed to complete certification as well.

Ferris State University

Quick Facts

  • One-week lab session on campus required 
  • Transfer-friendly program 
  • Online courses offer Zoom interaction with instructors and classmates
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

14

Median Debt

$23,488

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

3%

80%OSR Score

If you’re looking to gain experience, expert instruction, and prepare for professional certification in HVAC, one of Ferris State University’s online programs might be what you need. Students can earn a two-year degree in HVACR Technology and have the opportunity to choose to extend that training into a bachelor’s degree in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Ferris State also offers students the option of having a virtual robot attend advisor meetings and in-class study in their place for the benefits of virtual interaction.

University of North Dakota

UND

Quick Facts

  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Self-paced coursework must be completed within a year 
  • Practice and preparation to sit for three of the key HVAC exams  
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Programs Offered Online

13

Median Debt

$24,489

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

0%

72%OSR Score

For a professional HVAC certificate, consider the University of North Dakota’s complete online program. Students are required to already have a year of experience in HVAC/R before applying for this program. The program focuses on principles of electrical and refrigeration theory, as well as gas, electric, and heat pump installation and service. Students will earn vouchers for the Principles of Electrical and Refrigeration exam, Professional Technician exam, and the EPA 608 exam.

Johnson County Community College

Quick Facts

  • Certificate and associate degree HVAC programs available 
  • HVAC internship experience provided before graduation
  • GED or high school diploma required for application
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Student / Faculty Ratio

20 to 1

Average Aid Per Student

$4,173

Graduation Rate

24%

Median Debt

$7,533

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

2%

71%OSR Score

Johnson County Community College’s HVAC certificate starts with the HVAC basics, including plumbing fundamentals and all OSHA and industrial safety regulations. Students will work in lab-type environments and have an internship program experience before completion. Online coursework is self-paced while the hands-on lab experience is typically conducted on campus. Course completion grants students eligibility for the OSHA 30-hour General Industry Health and Safety training certification.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.