A Cool Career in a Hot Industry

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. As an HVAC technician, you would install, repair, and maintain systems that heat and cool homes and businesses. Buildings of all sizes have HVAC systems to maintain air temperature and air quality. Training as a HVAC technician will prepare you for an in-demand career in the building and construction industry.

Working as an HVAC technician, you will be on-site for jobs to install or repair HVAC equipment. You might work with homeowners to install a new air conditioner, or be part of a large crew installing heating and ventilation systems in a new commercial building. Or, you could work for a company or property manager to service HVAC systems in a facility such as a hospital or college campus.

Gain hands-on experience and industry-recognized certification for a successful HVAC career.

This is a four-level HVAC curriculum that follows the NCCER Electrical Program and complies with the Department of Labor standards. Each level is divided into two consecutive courses, and instruction happens in the classroom and hands-on in the lab.

PREREQUISITES: You must be at least 16 years of age, pass the College Placement Test for Arithmetic, and complete Core Training for Skilled Trades (CEI 930). (Core may be waived by permission of the Program Director or Coordinator if you have qualifying work experience in the trade.)

This program is ideal for individuals interested in entering the HVAC industry or expanding their technical skills. It’s suited for those with mechanical aptitude who enjoy hands-on work and are seeking a career in high-demand trades. The program is accessible to beginners as well as current HVAC professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and earn additional certifications.

Each part of the program runs multiple sessions over several weeks, with classes held in the evening to accommodate working students, beginning with Core Training for Skilled Trades.

CET 330 HVAC Level 1, Part 1
This course is the first level of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum for HVAC/R students. Students will be introduced to career opportunities in the HVAC/R field, tools of the trade and trade mathematics. Other topics include copper and plastic piping practices, soldering and brazing and ferrous metal piping practices.

CET 331 HVAC Level 1, Part 2
This continuing education course is the second course of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Level 1 Part 2 curriculum for HVAC/R students. Topics will include basic electricity; an introduction to heating systems; and an introduction to cooling systems.

CET 332 HVAC Level 2, Part 1
This continuing education course is the first part of two courses in Level 2 of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) HVAC Curriculum. Topics include alternating current, compressors, refrigerants and oils, leak detection evacuation recovery and charging, metering devices, and heat pumps.

CET 333 HVAC Level 2, Part 2
This continuing education course is the second part of two courses in Level 2 of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) HVAC curriculum. Topics include basic maintenance, chimney vents and flues, Sheet Metal Duct Systems, Fiberglass and Fabric Duct Systems, commercial airside systems, air quality equipment and introduction to hydronic systems.

CET 334 HVAC Level 3, Part 1
This continuing education course is the first part of two courses in Level 3 of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) HVAC Curriculum. Topics include: Fasteners, Hardware and Wiring Terminations, Control Circuit and Motor Troubleshooting, Troubleshooting Cooling, Troubleshooting Heat Pumps, Troubleshooting Gas Heating, Troubleshooting Oil Heating, Troubleshooting Accessories, Zoning, Ductless, and Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems, Commercial Hydronic Systems, Steam Systems, Retail Refrigeration Systems, and Customer Relations.

CET 335 HVAC Level 3, Part 2
This continuing education course is the second part of two courses in Level 3 of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) HVAC Curriculum. Topics include: Fasteners, Hardware and Wiring Terminations, Control Circuit and Motor Troubleshooting, Troubleshooting Cooling, Troubleshooting Heat Pumps, Troubleshooting Gas Heating, Troubleshooting Oil Heating, Troubleshooting Accessories, Zoning, Ductless, and Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems, Commercial Hydronic Systems, Steam Systems, Retail Refrigeration Systems, and Customer Relations.

CET 336 HVAC Level 4, Part 1
This continuing education course represents the first portion of Year 4 for registered apprenticeship in the HVAC trade. The related technical instruction for Year 4 gives students the required course work in the following topics: water treatment, air quality, energy conservation, building management systems, air balancing, and system startup/shutdown.

CET 337 HVAC Level 4, Part 2
This continuing education course represents the second portion of Year 4 for registered apprenticeship in the HVAC trade. The related technical instruction for Year 4 gives students the required course work in the following topics: construction drawings, heating and cooling system design, commercial and industrial refrigeration, alternative heating and cooling systems, and work crew leadership.

Part 1, Level 1 of this program starts in September each year. Courses are generally scheduled on weekday evenings, from 6pm-9pm.

Complete Core Training for Skilled Trades in time to register for the next cohort.

getting STARTED

How to Enroll

  • 1

    Secure Funding

    Payment is required for each course of this program at the time of registration. Please review the available scholarships for this program below, if necessary, before you start the registration process. Payment can also be made by Employer Sponsorship Billing, Credit Card, Cash or Check.

  • 2

    Complete Prerequisites 

    The courses related to this program are available for Instant Enrollment through our online payment and registration system, but only AFTER you have completed the required prerequisites.

    Visit the link below to enroll in CORE TRAINING FOR SKILLED TRADES, click to SELECT your course, then click ADD SECTION. Once you’ve added all your courses, click NEXT in the upper right corner to proceed to checkout.  Email [email protected] to find out if your work experience permits you to waive this prerequisite course.

  • 3

    Come to Class

    Review the date, time and location of your courses and get ready to learn something new! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out using the contact information on this page.  Explore directions and our Wye Mills campus map here.

Want expert guidance?

Reach out to our dedicated Business & Industry Navigator, David Irby. David is happy to walk you through the enrollment process from beginning to end, ensuring all your questions are answered.

Contact David for one-on-one assistance. Email or call using the links below.

Headshot of recruiter David Irby

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WAYS TO PAY

Convenient payment options for noncredit students.

At Chesapeake College, we offer several payment options to help you manage your tuition and fees in a way that best suits your financial situation. Whether you’re paying upfront, setting up a payment plan, or utilizing employer sponsorship, we’ve got you covered.

Apply for Scholarships

This program qualifies for an assortment of institutional scholarships, Workforce Investment Board funding, and Maryland Promise Scholarships, among others. Before registering for your course, make sure you have allowed ample time to apply for scholarships at the link below. 

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