HVAC Training Schools & Certifications in Oregon

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023), the career outlook is particularly bright for HVAC workers. The BLS projected a 6 percent growth rate in HVAC openings nationwide between 2022 and 2032, twice as fast as the 3 percent average growth anticipated across all American occupations during that period.
And there’s evidence that the prospects are slightly better for HVAC openings in Oregon. Projections Central (2024) expects that between 2020 and 2030, there will be an 11.1 percent increase in OR HVAC positions. With the expected addition of 360 fresh opportunities yearly in the state, HVAC workers should have a wealth of jobs to choose from across the state.

So why is the HVAC industry booming in OR and beyond? There are many reasons for the high growth in this field. First, HVAC systems generally need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years and require regular maintenance—typically stipulated through service contracts—which keeps work steady throughout the year. Second, a majority of all modern structures have climate control systems. Third, many older buildings require upgrades or the retrofitting of old HVAC systems. Fourth, several other industries rely on HVAC systems for climate control, safe medicine, and food storage.

Lastly, the legislation surrounding climate control systems is continually evolving. Within certain jurisdictions, homeowners and commercial property managers need to ensure that they’re in compliance with all local ordinances, not to mention enjoying the most cost-effective and energy-efficient systems available.

Some HVAC workers in Oregon work typical business hours, while others may be called upon to service equipment on evenings, weekends, or holidays, especially during seasonal temperature extremes. The BLS (2023) found that roughly 8 percent of HVAC mechanics and installers were self-employed, and 67 percent were working in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors industry.

HVAC professionals suffer a higher-than-average rate of injury and illness compared to other US occupations. This is due to the physical nature of the work and equipment used. HVAC workers may lift heavy objects, deal with electrical wiring, or handle refrigerants, dangerous chemicals that can cause burns or frostbite. Also, since most systems have components outside or located in cramped, uncomfortable spaces, HVAC professionals may find themselves with muscle strains or aches. While there’s always a risk for these and other maladies, HVAC mechanics and installers can generally keep these problems to a minimum with proper training and safety equipment.

As proof of the booming employment climate in Oregon for HVAC workers, one need not look further than job post websites such as Indeed and Monster. As proof of point, Indeed (April 2024) had 278 HVAC openings in OR, including opportunities at AgReserves Inc, Wolcott Services, Nextech, Thermal Supply Inc, and Trane Technologies. Monster (April 2024) boasted positions with employers such as Madden Industrial, Loren’s Heating & Air, and County of Washington.

Some aspiring HVAC workers in Oregon choose to complete an apprenticeship rather than a formal training program. The Oregon State Apprenticeship & Training Division provides opportunities in HVAC featuring 144 to 192 classroom hours of instruction annually and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

These positions typically pay at 45 to 60 percent of the “journey” rate at the outset, and the wages gradually rise as the HVAC worker accrues more skills. There are various apprenticeship committees throughout the state, including the Mid-Valley HVAC JAC and the Rogue Valley HVAC/Refrigeration JAC.

Lane Community College

Lane Community College of Eugene offers a standout apprenticeship in conjunction with an associate of applied science (AAS) degree program in construction trades. Students in the apprenticeship must complete 144 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

To be eligible for the apprenticeship, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a year of high school algebra, with a grade ‘C’ or better, and must be at least 18 years old.

The apprenticeship includes courses in electrical theory, electronics, electrical wiring for the trades, introduction to advanced technology, blueprint reading, geometry, and trigonometry.

The AAS degree program comprises 90 credits, including courses such as electrical systems installation methods, limited voltage electrical circuits, limited voltage cabling, electrical theory, and HVAC systems.

• Location: Eugene, OR
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Expected Time to Completion: Apprenticeship (four years); AAS (two years)

Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon provides HVAC-R courses and is the committee administrator for the Mid-Valley HVAC/R Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. First and second-year courses are open to the public, though are geared towards active apprentices.

Applicants for the program must be 18 years or older, have a GED or high school diploma, and have completed algebra in high school or college (or show math placement scores at that level). Applicants receive points for set criteria, including past work experience and education in the trade. Successful applicants are linked with employers and registered with the committee as apprentices.
As part of the program, students will delve into blueprint reading, welding, construction, trigonometry, geometry, algebra, and drafting, among others.

Apprentices complete four years of related training (classes two nights a week) while working full-time in the trade. They are eligible for pay increases every six months. Upon completion of the 8,000 on-the-job training hours and related training courses, apprentices are referred to Oregon Building Codes Division to sit for their LEB (Limited Electrician) license exam. This license, coupled with a journey-level card, opens the door for multiple employment opportunities.
Chemeketa offers both a certificate program and associates of applied science (AAS) in apprenticeship construction trades with an HVAC-R specialization. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

• Location: Salem, OR
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years for the apprenticeship

Before seeking employment in HVAC/R, all mechanics, installers, and technicians in Oregon must be sure they have all necessary credentialing. As mentioned in the introduction, there is one mandatory credential for all people who work with refrigerants—the EPA Section 608 certification—and there are four subtypes: type 1 (small appliance), type 2 (high-pressure appliances), type 3 (low-pressure appliances), and type 4 (universal).

Various other organizations provide generalist and specialized HVAC certifications. Along with a list of sample credentials, here are three popular certifying agencies:

• HVAC Excellence (e.g., HEAT, HEAT Plus, Heat Oil Combustion, Systems Diagnostics Troubleshooting, Residential Heat Load Analysis)
• North American Technician Excellence (e.g., Air Conditioning, Heat Pump [air-to-air], Air Distribution, Hydronics Gas, Light Commercial Refrigeration, ICE)
• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (e.g., Commercial Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, Controls, Dynamic Compression)

To discover the range of certifications available from these entities as more, check out the HVAC certifications page.

Lastly, HVAC companies and contractors completing services in excess of $1,000 must have a license from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. The OR CCB provides the Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R (LHR), allowing a “‘company to maintain, service, repair or replace commercial and industrial electrical products that use fuel or other forms of energy to produce heat, power, refrigeration or air conditioning.”

To qualify for the LHR, candidates must provide:

• Proof of 4,000 hours of experience in installation and approved specialized training
• A passing score on a comprehensive examination
• Proof of having a CCB surety bond (amount varies)
• Proof of general liability insurance
• Workers compensation insurance (if company hires employees)
• A fee ($325)

These licenses last for two years. Please note that since local ordinances and permitting may vary, all HVAC installers, mechanics, and technicians are strongly encouraged to check with municipal authorities prior to beginning work to ensure that they have all necessary credentialing.