Accredited HVAC Programs in California
These days, it is increasingly common for HVAC professionals in CA to enroll in a six-month to two-year diploma, certificate, or degree program at an accredited school. Two main entities that accredit HVAC programs are HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). Please visit those websites or the HVAC programs homepage to learn more about the program accreditation process.
As of August 2022, there were three programs in CA accredited by HVAC Excellence and one which was accredited by PAHRA, all of which are featured below.
Mount San Antonio Community College
Mount San Antonio Community College, located in Walnut, offers its HVAC program as either an associate of science (AS) degree or a certificate of achievement. This program imparts the theory-based and hands-on fundamentals of dealing with HVAC systems, including performing residential heat loads, troubleshooting components, and properly disposing of refrigerants.
The certificate consists of 31.5 credits and the associate of science (AS) degree comprises 63.5 credits. Courses in the AS degree program include welding for air conditioning and refrigeration; air conditioning codes and standards; refrigeration fundamentals; electrical fundamentals for air conditioning and refrigeration; gas heating fundamentals; and air properties and measurement.
- Location: Walnut, CA
- Accreditation: PAHRA; Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Expected Time to Completion: AS degree (24 months); certificate (12 months)
- Estimated Tuition: In-state ($46 per credit); out-of-state ($362 per credit)
Cypress College
Cypress College, located in Cypress, also offers a two-year program accredited by HVAC Excellence, which boasts opportunities for specialization within the industry in applied engineering, sales, estimating & system design, and building automation and manufacturing. The college also offers a selection of certificate programs.
The college offers the following programs:
- Air Conditioning Codes and Estimating Certificate – 17 credits (2 semesters)
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Project Management Certificate – 17 credits (2 semesters)
- Air Conditioning Customer Service – 18 credits (2 semesters)
- Commercial Refrigeration Certificate – 18 credits (2 semesters)
- Heat Pump Certificate – 19 units (2 semesters)
- Air Conditioning Building Commissioning Certificate – 20 credits (2 semesters)
- Commercial Air Conditioning Certificate – 20 credits (2 semesters)
- Air Conditioning Automated Environmental Controls Certificate – 21 credits (2-3 semesters)
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate – 40 credits (3-4 semesters)
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Associate in Science Degree – 67 credits (2 years)
The curriculum includes courses such as principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer; electricity for air conditioning and refrigeration; gas heating and carbon monoxide; piping practice, tools & safety; blueprints & dimension analysis; commercial air conditioning; commercial refrigeration; and heat pumps to name a few.
Designed to be a bridge between service technology and engineering, this program will provide students with technical hands-on skills for supporting engineering applications. Upon completion, graduates will be at the leading edge of the application of new engineering solutions to the industry.
- Location: Cypress, CA
- Accreditation: HVAC Excellence; Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Expected Time to Completion: AS (24 months); Certificate (varies)
- Estimated Tuition: $46 per credit
El Camino College
El Camino College in Torrance offers an air conditioning and refrigeration program where students can choose an associate in science (AS) degree or can choose from numerous certificates. The programs offered here include:
- Air conditioning and refrigeration AS degree (46 credits)
- HVAC and refrigeration certificate of achievement (39 credits)
- Air conditioning certificate of achievement (17 credits)
- Air conditioning and refrigeration electric controls certificate of achievement (17 credits)
- Air conditioning and refrigeration: HVAC/R electrical fundamentals certificate of accomplishment (14 credits)
- Refrigeration certificate of achievement (13 credits)
- Air conditioning and refrigeration: heating technologies certificate of accomplishment (8 credits)
- Air conditioning and refrigeration: refrigeration fundamentals certificate of accomplishment (8 credits)
- Air conditioning and refrigeration: automation fundamentals certificate of accomplishment (7 credits)
- Air conditioning and refrigeration: HVAC/R fundamentals certificate of accomplishment (5 credits)
These programs help students develop skills in installation, troubleshooting, and service of industrial, commercial, and residential HVAC/R systems. They become proficient at diagnosing control circuits, reading wiring diagrams, interpreting the Uniform Mechanical Code, servicing pneumatic and electronic controls, and operating equipment for tests. Graduates can work as advanced apprentices or entry-level HVAC technicians upon completion.
Some of the courses in the curriculum are electrical applications; refrigeration & air conditioning control systems; HVAC electronics; commercial refrigeration applications; air conditioning fundamentals; heating technologies; electrical applications; energy control optimization systems; commercial & industrial air conditioning; and fundamentals of automation systems, among others.
- Location: Torrance, CA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Expected Time to Completion: AS degree (24 months); certificate (varies)
- Estimated Tuition: California residents ($46 per unit)
Brownson Technical School
Brownson Technical School (BTS) offers HVAC/R training at its Anaheim campus. Notably, the BTS program is offered as a full-time or part-time on-campus program and as a hybrid online and classroom training. Because BTS offers two HVAC/R technology programs, both students and faculty are highly focused on HVAC technologies. The BTS HVAC program has earned accreditation from HVAC Excellence.
Graduates of this program will be able to diagnose, service, install and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, as well as understand the reasons for buildings to gain or lose heat and help mitigate the impact on energy usage.
The curriculum is offered in a lab and lecture format. A significant portion of the course length is dedicated to hands-on training. Sample some of the coursework: basic thermodynamics, refrigeration, and copper works; electrical; residential and light commercial air conditioning and gas heat; commercial refrigeration; and direct digital controls.
- Location: Anaheim, CA
- Accreditation: HVAC Excellence; Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Expected Time to Completion: HVAC/R Technology (88 weeks); HVAC/R Technology – Blended Learning (40 weeks)
- Estimated Tuition: $17,220
North American Training Center
The North American Training Center (NATC) in Redlands offers both HVAC/R and EPA technician training. The HVAC/R program includes training in “electricity and thermodynamics and their application to air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.” NATC also prepares HVAC students to sit for their NATE certification upon completion of the program. NATC has been awarded HVAC Excellence accreditation for its program.
The HVAC/R program at The North American Training Center consists of 624 hours including classes such as electricity; commercial and industrial buildings; heating, gas, hydronic, and heat pumps; refrigeration; controls, heating, air conditioning, & refrigeration; and technical discovery.
- Location: Redlands, CA
- Accreditation: HVAC Excellence
- Expected Time to Completion: 624 hours
- Estimated Tuition: $9,000
ABC Associated Builders and Contractors
ABC Associated Builders and Contractors offers professional HVAC training programs and continuing education credits for current HVAC technicians or students. Courses are offered online and can be purchased and completed by students within one year. Students enrolled in this program can access the content 24 hours a day and can track their progress.
Courses in English and Spanish are organized into the following modules: foundation, electrical, chillers, mechanical, heating, business courses, and examination preparation. Advanced training is offered through premium programs and includes courses in building automation, refrigeration, NATE certification, and chiller mechanics.
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Accreditation: NATE recognized
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
- Estimated Tuition: $350 annually
Capstone College
Capstone College features an HVAC technician program in Pasadena, California. Students in this program benefit from small class sizes, hands-on training, courses taught by industry experts, and job placement assistance after graduation.
This HVAC technician program is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, practical applications, and work habits of HVAC/R systems required for entry-level employment in today’s HVAC /R industry. Students are prepared to efficiently perform and specialize in installing, maintaining, and servicing HVAC/R systems.
Comprising 56.5 credits, the program includes courses such as HVAC air conditioning and heating fundamentals; HVAC tools, materials, and supplies; HVAC theory; brazing & soldering; refrigerants, & charging techniques; and EPA refrigerant certification.
Graduates can obtain entry-level positions as HVAC technicians, HVAC mechanics, HVAC specialists, air conditioning specialists, refrigeration specialists, and other related positions.
- Location: Pasadena, CA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Expected Time to Completion: Eight months
- Estimated Tuition: $15,700
DeHart Technical School
DeHart Technical School is the only school in the region owned by a heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company that provides HVAC/R training courses. Students in this program learn through classroom education, hands-on training, and NATE certification. Graduates from this program are prepared to begin careers as HVAC service technicians, HVAC facilities maintenance technicians, or HVAC/R facilities maintenance technicians. Course content is updated regularly and students learn in state-of-the-art facilities. Financial aid is available for qualified applicants.
Students will delve into topics such as electrical and solar applications; gas & electric heating; wiring diagrams and troubleshooting; air quality, air distribution & balance; advanced climate control systems; and HVAC installation, to name a few.
- Location: Modesto, CA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Expected Time to Completion: Six to 12 months
- Estimated Tuition: $2,700 to $$16,505 (cost varies per program)
Institute for Business & Technology
The Institute for Business & Technology offers a commercial refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning diploma program providing EPA certification by ESCO through hands-on practical training. Students in this program learn how to install, service, and repair residential and commercial air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems. Graduates from this program are prepared to take certification exams through ESCO, HVAC Excellence, 410A, and OSHA.
This 840 clock hour program includes courses such as basic electricity theory; basic refrigeration theory; advanced electric/commercial; heat pump systems; commercial/residential air; heating systems; and advanced troubleshooting & installation.
Top employment industries for graduates from this HVAC technician program include mechanical contractors, construction sites, data centers, hospitals, hotels, office buildings, and manufacturers. Upon completion, graduates can take up roles such as facilities managers, field service technicians, maintenance technicians, and installers.
- Location: Santa Clara, CA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Expected Time to Completion: 42 weeks
- Estimated Tuition: $15,960
Institute of Technology
The Institute of Technology – Redding, CA offers HVAC technician training programs throughout California. Students attend classes Monday through Thursday for 40 weeks and an independent study component is included for a total of 800 hours. Through this program, graduates can gain employment as HVAC technology specialists, air conditioning, heating, refrigeration technicians, or systems engineers.
The program provides students with hands-on training in the techniques, practices, and theories involved in this HVAC field. They will understand the basics of installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting HVAC system installations and will be conversant with industry standards. They will also be prepared to complete the EPA Universal certification process, which is required for graduation. Graduates can take up roles such as air conditioning technicians, refrigeration technicians, heating technicians, and systems engineers, among others.
- Location: Redding, CA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Expected Time to Completion: 40 weeks
- Estimated Tuition: $391.59 per unit
Antelope Valley College
Antelope Valley College’s air conditioning, refrigeration & ventilation (ACRV) program includes training in commercial and residential applications under the direction of seasoned industry professionals. Students in this program will learn the practical and theoretical knowledge applied and used in the industry, providing them with versatility in the HVAC industry and several options for career advancement.
The following programs are offered by the college:
- AS degree in refrigeration (60 credits)
- AS degree in air conditioning (60 credits)
- AS degree in air conditioning & refrigeration (61 credits)
- Certificate in refrigeration (20 credits)
- Certificate in air conditioning (20 credits)
- Certificate in air conditioning and refrigeration (40 credits)
As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as basic refrigeration systems and controls; commercial refrigeration systems; residential air conditioning systems and controls; commercial air conditioning controls; commercial refrigeration controls; commercial air conditioning systems; and commercial systems, among others.
Upon completion, graduates can install, maintain and repair equipment used in air conditioning or refrigeration systems. They will be able to interpret schematics for determining the proper operation of equipment, calculating loads, laying out air handling systems, and making necessary repairs using specialty equipment and tools. Students will also be prepared for the federally-mandated EPA refrigerant handling certification tests. Graduates will be ready to take up positions such as sales engineers, service engineers, service managers, and service technicians.
- Location: Palmdale, CA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Expected Time to Completion: AS (24 months); Certificate (varies)
- Estimated Tuition: Resident ($46 per unit)
Bakersfield College
Students in the HVAC technology program offered by Bakersfield College will be prepared for entry-level employment in the HVAC. In addition to preparing students for troubleshooting and repair of HVAC/R systems, the program will also introduce students to more complex systems typical of ice machines and industrial refrigeration. Graduates will be able to take up roles such as HVAC service technicians, installation technicians, sales representatives, and industrial refrigeration operation technicians.
The college offers a certificate of achievement comprising 26 credits and an associate in science degree comprising 51 credits. Some of the courses in the curriculum are principles of air conditioning; refrigeration technology; electricity applied to HVAC; ice machine service and repair; introduction to earth science; industrial refrigeration operations; and programmable logic controllers.
- Location: Bakersfield, CA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Expected Time to Completion: AS (24 months); Certificate (varies)
- Estimated Tuition: Resident ($46 per unit); Non-resident ($265 plus $46 per unit)
For residents of more rural regions of California or those with inflexible schedules, attending an on-campus program can be difficult. Luckily, there’s a range of distance-based HVAC programs available as well. To learn more, please check out the online HVAC programs page.
