HVAC Training Schools & Certification in San Diego, CA

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021), HVAC workers occupy a high-growth and relatively lucrative career. The BLS projected a 5 percent increase in HVAC openings across the country between 2020 and 2030—the addition of 19,000 positions—which is just slightly slower than the average growth expected across all jobs during that same decade (8 percent). Projections Central predicts a 12.5 percent statewide increase, which means 4,100 new positions for HVAC technicians between 2018 and 2028.

Currently, California employs the second most HVAC mechanics and installers of any US state, just behind Florida. The BLS (May 2020) found that there were 32,410 HVAC professionals across CA, with many of them concentrated in the relatively warm climates of the southern regions.

Several factors are contributing to the healthy employment climate for HVAC technicians in San Diego and beyond. First, these systems generally need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years and require regular servicing. Second, local laws, regulations, and technologies are continually evolving, which also leads to a steady stream of system upgrades. Additionally, nearly all buildings in San Diego have climate control systems and, especially in areas with high rates of construction, there’s a demand for the installation of brand-new equipment.

According to the BLS (May 2020), 9 percent of HVAC workers nationwide were self-employed, and 66 percent worked in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contracting industry. The remainder were employed by institutions and in the retail and wholesale trades. Some of them work normal business hours, and others may be called upon to work evenings, weekends, or holidays, especially in the summer when demand for air conditioning and refrigeration services peaks.

As proof of the thriving employment climate, Indeed (October 2021) had numerous HVAC jobs posted in the San Diego area, including opportunities at ABM Industries Dennis Group, ARS-Rescue Rooter, CoolSys, General Atomics and Affiliated Companies, Chugach Government Solutions, Anderson Plumbing Heating & Air, J&J Worldwide Services, and City of San Diego, among others. The job openings include calls for installers, mechanics, facilities managers, and similar.

Monster (October 2021) lists several openings, including positions with Sherlock Heating and Air Conditioning Inc, Power home Solar, Pearce Services, ABM Industries, Bill Howe Plumbing, General Atomics & Affiliated Companies, and Jackson and Foster Heating and Air.

There are various routes to becoming an HVAC professional in San Diego. Some workers choose to enroll in an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships typically take three to five years to complete. Apprentices receive on-the-job training (2,000 hours annually) along with classroom work (typically 144 hours annually).

For example, the Associated Builders and Contractors sponsors a four-year HVAC apprenticeship program at the San Diego Community College District Poway campus. To qualify, students must pass a TABE test, which measures students’ knowledge in math in English (secondary school level).

The State of California Department of Industrial Relations maintains a database of apprenticeship programs. As of October 2021, three HVAC-related programs are available in San Diego County; however, not all programs are accepting apprentices at all times.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of San Diego also offers an apprenticeship program that combines hands-on training with classroom learning.

Before seeking employment, all HVAC workers in San Diego must ensure they have proper certification and licensing.

First, there is one mandatory certification for professionals who handle environmentally sensitive refrigerants: the EPA Section 608 certification.

This certification has four categories depending on the type of appliance: type 1 (small appliances), type 2 (high-pressure appliances), type 3 (low-pressure appliances), and type 4 (universal). Most HVAC training programs include 608 exam preparation as part of their curriculum.

There’s an abundance of other national entities that offer competency-based, employment-ready trade certifications. These organizations and some sample certifications offered include:

• HVAC Excellence (e.g., Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology [HEAT], HEAT Plus, carbon monoxide safety, heat oil combustion, residential heat load analysis, green awareness, etc.)
• North American Technician Excellence or NATE (e.g., air conditioning, air distribution, heat pump [air-to-air], Hydronics Gas, commercial refrigeration, light commercial refrigeration, etc.)
• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society or RSES (e.g., EPA Section 608, commercial air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, domestic service, dynamic compression, HVAC-R electrical, etc.)

To learn about the gamut of national credentials available, please visit the HVAC certifications page.

Lastly, HVAC workers in San Diego must ensure that they have all local licensure before beginning work. HVAC workers in the state are licensed by the California Contractors State License Board. The Board requires all HVAC workers performing work over $500 to hold a C-20 contractor license. To qualify, candidates must:

• Submit a C-20 license application
• Show proof of at least four years of experience
• Show proof of having at least $2,500 in working capital
• File a bond with the registrar for $10,000
• Pass two exams: business & law and a trade-specific test
• Pay licensure and examination fees

The HVAC trade exam gauges professionals’ knowledge across four areas:

• Evaluation, design, and estimation
• Fabrication, installation, and startup
• Troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance
• Safety

Please note that there is an initial $330 application fee. The first two-year license costs $200 and can be renewed every two years for $400. Also, following the submission of all required documentation, there is licensing reciprocity with three other states: Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

Lastly, the City of San Diego requires all businesses to obtain a Business Tax Certificate instead of a city business license. The fee is based on the number of employees.

Additionally, the City requires permits for electrical work and the installation or replacement of air conditioning units. Conveniently, the City accepts completed applications and fees online. Above all, HVAC workers in San Diego and beyond should ensure that they have all necessary certifications, licenses, and permits before agreeing to any work. Failure to do so can result in legal action and financial penalties.