How Much Does HVAC Training Cost? [2022 Updated]

by Scott Miller Updated on May. 12, 2025

$ $ HVAC Certificate: $1,200-$15,000

$ $ $ Associate's Degree in HVAC Technology: $15,000-$35,000

HVAC technicians are trained in ventilation and heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

The HVAC certification is preparing them with the necessary training in plumbing.

Once getting technical education, HVAC technicians may seek certification and licensure to provide these home repair services in their state.

Typical Costs

The HVAC certificate comes at the price of $1,200-$15,000 and is available at a technical school or community college for 6-12 months.

Northwest HVAC/R in Spokane, WA, for example, provides a one-year certificate program for $6,500.

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The various Michigan locations of Dorsey Schools provide HVAC training for $13,500 with a nine-month program, including EPA examination fees and a basic tool kit.

HVAC certificate programs provide basic training in motor controls and refrigeration, heating systems, and applied physics, as well as technical math so that students can start in the field.

At the same time, an associate’s degree in HVAC Technology is priced at $15,000-$35,000 and can be covered in two years.

The Refrigeration School in Phoenix, AZ, for example, offers HVAC training through a one-year certificate program for $19,125 or through a two-year associate’s degree for $29,420.

At the same time, Redstone College in Denver costs $30,200 for an associate’s degree in HVAC.

These degrees offer general education courses and technical skills training rather than a certificate program.

In general, HVAC apprenticeships cost $500-$2,000 and usually last 3-5 years.

For example, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of America offer home-study courses for apprenticeships at $512 to $732 annually, with a four-year program.

This self-study coursework is equivalent to classroom training and can be completed in conjunction with on-the-job training from an approved employer.

The Air-Conditioning Contractors of America provide apprenticeships that cost $1,300-$2,000 to cover coursework over four years.

Apprentices could also work under the supervision of an HVAC technician and earn a percentage of a typical wage.

The local chapters of the national home-building organizations, such as the Associated Builders and Contractors and the Northern Kentucky Home Builders Association, in general sponsor the HVAC apprenticeship programs.

The licensing fees for HVAC technicians are $75-$300.

For example, in Virginia, the license fees are $90, and exam fees cost $30– $90, while in Texas, there is a $50 application fee, $90 exam fee, and a $115 license fee.

The license has to be renewed after one year for the sum of $65.

The certifications are offered by North American Technician Excellence, and the exam costs $155 -$205. The fee and the content of this exam vary by state. Individual states require HVAC technicians to complete an apprenticeship program or 2-5 years of work experience to be licensed.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certifies technicians to handle refrigerants for the sum of $40-$240.

What Is Included

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical HVAC coursework is including safety practices and tools, blueprint reading, theory and design of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, as well as refrigeration systems.

Advanced techniques such as cutting and soldering pipes and checking electrical circuits may be learned in advanced coursework or during an apprenticeship.

Additional Costs

The additional costs for HVAC students vary from $500 to $1,000 covering books and supplies, and $5,000-$10,000 per year for housing and food.

The tools that the HVAC students need to attend AC/C Tech in Indianapolis cost around $400, while the uniforms cost $160.

The Housing at South Florida Academy of A/C in Fort Lauderdale is $4,000 per semester, while room and board costs at HVAC schools in Shreveport, Louisiana are $6,700 on average and books and supplies are estimated at $951 per year.

Discounts

The industry trade group, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of America provides many scholarships of $500 or more. Certain schools, such as the New Castle School of Trades in Pennsylvania, also offer scholarships for HVAC students.

Shopping For HVAC Training

• All accredited HVAC training programs are listed on the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation website, if you’re looking to get your HVAC license online, this is also an option.
• The National Contractors lists the National HVAC license requirements and fees by state.
• A certificate, associate’s degree, or apprenticeship end in a variety of career options.
• For example, Oregon’s Portland Community College lists the job possibilities at each educational level.

Article Table of Contents

• 1 Typical Costs
• 2 What Is Included
• 3 Additional Costs
• 4 Discounts
• 5 Shopping For HVAC Training