How to Become an HVAC Technician in Virginia

The process of earning the proper certifications and approvals to work in the HVAC tech field legally can seem daunting at first.

My goal is to help ambitious HVAC techs understand clearly what they need to do to become a licensed professional in Virginia.

Yes, it’s a long road but well worth traveling for the career and business opportunities available afterward.

If I can help make someone else’s journey through the licensing labyrinth less confusing, I’ll feel I’ve done my part.

In this blog, I hope to break down exactly what it takes in a way that makes it less intimidating.

I’ll outline things step-by-step from getting entry-level training and experience to taking your licensing exams at each level.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Virginia, Step by Step

Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming an HVAC technician in Virginia:

1. Earn an HVAC Diploma or Associate’s Degree
   Many entry-level positions will require a diploma from a vocational/technical school or an associate’s degree from a community college. Programs take 1-2 years.
2. Look for an Apprenticeship or Helper Position
   Hands-on training is crucial. Many new technicians start as apprentices or helpers to learn skills from experienced professionals.
3. Gain 2-5 Years of On-the-Job Experience
   Virginia allows substituting experience for educational requirements for a Journeyman license. Aim to complete at least 4 years of fieldwork.
4. Study for the Journeyman License Exam
   Review manuals focused on equipment, tools, safety, HVAC design, and more.
5. Obtain Journeyman HVAC License
   With a passing score, you can work independently on residential/smaller commercial systems. The license must be renewed every 2 years.

Education Requirements

Here are the typical education requirements to become an HVAC technician in Virginia:

• High School Diploma or GED – Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum education level.
• HVAC Diploma or Certificate Program – Many 1-year certificate programs are available at community colleges or technical schools.
• Associate’s Degree in HVAC Technology – Two-year Associate’s degrees are increasingly preferred. They fulfill the requirements to become a licensed journeyman.
• Apprenticeship – Typically 5-year programs where you earn while learning directly from trade professionals. Combination of on-the-job training and required classroom hours. Completing an apprenticeship satisfies education for licensing.
• Continuing Education – As a journeyman or contractor, periodic continuing education is required to maintain licenses.

Apprenticeship Programs In Virginia

Apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on skills and work experience while earning a wage.

This helps meet licensing requirements for hours worked.

Here are some of the major organizations that offer HVAC apprenticeship programs in Virginia:

• Home Builders Institute
• J C Flood
• Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Virginia

Apprenticeships are a time-tested path for launching a lucrative career in the HVAC trade.

HVAC Schools In Virginia

Northern Virginia Community College

• Location: Woodbridge, VA
• Time to Complete: AAS (24 months); certificates (12 months)
• Tuition costs: Virginia resident ($185.50 per credit); out-of-state ($388.25 per credit)

Virginia Beach Technical & Career Education Center

• Location: Virginia Beach, VA
• Time to Complete: 24 months
• Tuition costs: Contact the school for a customized assessment.

Valley Career & Technical Center

• Location: Fishersville, VA
• Time to Complete: 24 months
• Tuition costs: Contact the school for a customized assessment

New Horizons Regional Education Centers

• Location: Newport News, VA
• Time to Complete: 12 months
• Tuition costs: Contact the school for a customized assessment.

Southside Virginia Community College

• Location: Alberta, VA
• Time to Complete: 16 to 32 weeks
• Tuition costs: Level 1 with core (in-state: $847; out-of-state: $2,541); levels 2, 3, or 4 (in-state: $676 each; out-of-state: $2,301 each)

Advanced Technology Institute

• Location: Virginia Beach, VA
• Time to Complete: AOS degree (18 months); diploma (15 months)
• Tuition costs: AOS degree ($36,420); diploma ($29,136)

FORTIS

• Location: Norfolk and Richmond, VA
• Time to Complete: Contact FORTIS for a customized assessment
• Tuition costs: $19,452 total.

HVAC Technician Licenses and Certifications

At the basic entry-level, no license is needed; this is where apprentices and helpers start to gain on-the-job experience.

Journeyman is the first full license that allows independent work on small HVAC systems.

EPA Certificate

Technicians working with HVAC systems must pass one of the EPA 608-approved refrigerant certification exams to legally handle refrigerants.

The core exams cover principles like environmental regulations, refrigerant properties, and proper recovery and recycling procedures:

• Type I certification targets small residential appliances, focusing on recovery techniques and safety issues.
• Type II covers very high-pressure commercial equipment, teaching leak detection and repair methods, and system component identification.
• Type III addresses servicing and disposal of low-pressure systems like chillers. Candidates learn recovery procedures and charging sequences to prevent freezing.
• The universal Type IV certification allows technicians to work on all equipment types.

Passing one of these EPA 608-approved exams is mandatory for any heating or cooling professional handling refrigerants.

Not only does certification demonstrate a technician’s qualifications, but the hefty fines for venting refrigerants legally require this credential.

I recommend all serious HVAC technicians get their EPA certification for their careers and avoid penalties.

HVAC Technician Salary in Virginia

HVAC technician salaries can vary quite a bit depending on factors like licensing level, experience, location, and employer.

For HVAC technicians, annual pay typically starts at $50,000.

HVAC Technician Info by State