While most aspiring HVAC professionals choose to attend college or enroll in apprenticeship training programs others may be unable to do so for a number of reasons. Thankfully there are numerous options available for online training programs for those looking to obtain more knowledge of the HVAC prior to entering the field. Not only is continuing education available online but there are also full-fledged certificate and degree programs as well as quick crash courses for those looking to better prepare for HVAC exams. Although some programs are 100% fully online others may require students to complete some form of an on-campus intensive or an externship component in order to receive better hands-on training.
Online HVAC Certificate Program
Certificate programs are one option for online HVAC education. This type of program is generally designated for entry-level HVAC technicians and those new to the HVAC field. They tend to focus mostly on the fundamentals of HVAC and offer some courses in various subfields so that technicians may receive a better all-around knowledge of HVAC and the routes in which they can take for their professional careers. In a lot of cases, online certificate programs will provide vouchers to their students for certain HVAC certification exams. Most online certificate programs last anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years to complete.
HVAC Degrees and Continuing Education Programs
For those who need advanced education for their career or need to obtain additional education to maintain licensure, there are HVAC degree and continuing education programs available. Most online degree programs require students to receive outside formal training in conjunction with their online courses. Completion of the formal training must be proved through documentation, such as certification or a diploma. Most continuing education programs are available through state government websites, universities, and training institutes. Online associate’s degrees generally require 1.5 to 2 years to complete whereas online bachelor’s degree programs typically require 4 years on average. Continuing education is typically needed by HVAC professionals to maintain licensure and usually requires the completion of 14 credit hours every 2 years.
HVAC Online Resources
In addition to online educational programs, there are also online resources available for exam preparation and crash courses on various HVAC subjects. Online exam preparation sites include those which cover EPA 608, NATE, and HVAC Excellence certification. Most websites include multiple practice exams as well as complete study guides to help ensure that applicants pass all required exams. Different websites also offer mini-courses or course refreshers on numerous topics within the HVAC field including HVAC and refrigeration fundamentals, heating and refrigeration troubleshooting, and HVAC engineering basics.