HVAC Training Schools & Certifications in Vermont (VT)

Autumn brings the beauty of fall colors to Vermont (VT) and the beginning of cold and harsh winters. Vermonters cope with several feet of snow and below-freezing temperatures. Winter gives way to spring thawing and mud. Summers come early and can be mild until August heat settles in.

The overall climate can be humid, and as a result, Vermont residents and businesses need heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) for comfort throughout season extremes. Furthermore, the mainstays of Vermont’s economy are manufacturing, agriculture, and animal products—all of which require year-round refrigeration (HVAC/R).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2025), 970 Vermonters were employed as HVAC installers, mechanics, and maintenance workers.

HVAC and HVAC/R contractors and technicians receive local training and support from the Plumbers, Fuel Gas Fitters, and HVAC Association of New Hampshire (PGFHVAC), which serves the greater New England area. Additionally, local chapters of national associations can offer networking, advocacy, and even employment expense discounts; these organizations include the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the Air Conditioning Trade Association (ACTA), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA).

HVAC and HVAC/R technicians in VT perform a variety of jobs. Each job has specific requirements, and technicians must be able to use an assortment of tools. Some are basic hand tools, such as wrenches or pipe cutters. Other jobs require specialized tools, such as monoxide testers, voltmeters, or combustion analyzers. When equipment needs repair, technicians troubleshoot and test components to find the problem. They may have to remove and replace defective parts. Repairs can require knowing how to weld or braze parts. The HVAC technician job description includes installing, servicing, and repairing systems that control air quality, airflow, and temperature in buildings. They travel from one work site to another, sometimes daily. Worksites include residences, offices, warehouses, factories, hospitals, and stores. Each job has specific requirements.

The technicians must be able to read blueprints and be familiar with building codes. They install electrical and water lines for new equipment, and also connect systems to supply lines, air ducts, controls, and other components, then test and calibrate all equipment. Technicians must be proficient in trade math to do calculations such as heat loads and losses. They also have a role in educating consumers on how to conserve energy and reduce pollution. Each customer is provided with a complete written record of all work performed and suggested recommendations. It’s important to note that VT-based technicians are responsible for keeping their licenses and certifications in good standing. All work must be performed in compliance with safety practices.

This article covers accredited HVAC programs in Vermont, including discussions of salary prospects, industry growth, and credentialing requirements.

Career Outlook for HVAC Technicians in Vermont

The demand for HVAC technicians nationwide continues to grow. According to the BLS (2025), the number of openings in HVAC is expected to swell 8 percent nationwide between 2024 and 2034. That’s much faster growth than the U.S. average for all occupations (3 percent). Several factors contribute to the nationwide growth of the HVAC and HVAC industry:

New commercial buildings and residences
Increasing sophistication of climate control systems
Contemporary emphasis on energy efficiency and reducing pollution
Replacing, retrofitting, or upgrading older systems

Consumers depend on their HVAC and HVAC/R systems, and technicians able to perform maintenance and repairs typically have stable work regardless of economic conditions.

Contractors employed 70 percent of HVAC/R mechanics and installers, and 5 percent of technicians were self-employed. The remaining technicians work for schools, wholesale companies, or other businesses.

Vermont technicians may have to service outdoor equipment during adverse weather conditions as repairs can’t wait until the weather improves. Technicians usually work full-time, with overtime hours during peak seasons.

To demonstrate the demand for HVAC workers, one needs to look no further than online job boards. For example, Indeed (July 2026) posted listings for HVAC positions in Vermont, including jobs with organizations like Scopes Facility Services Inc, Control Technologies Inc, and Rutland Regional Medical Center. A similar search on Monster (July 2026) showed results at a wide array of companies, including Lloyd Home Service, Mirabito Holdings, NexTech, Walmart Inc, University of Vermont, and Trane Technologies, among others.

HVAC Professional Salary in Vermont

The BLS (May 2025) reported that nationally, HVAC/R mechanics and installers receive a median annual salary of $61,010. Vermont technicians earned a median salary of $62,150, comparable to the national median.

Of course, the cost of living in VT is higher than in many other states. For illustration, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2026) indicated that Vermont was the 12th-most expensive state in the country. This analysis indicates that an average salary in Vermont will not go quite as far as it would in a more affordable state like Pennsylvania or even New Hampshire.

In more detailed terms, here are the salary percentiles in this occupation in the US and Vermont specifically—the latest figures available as of July 2026:

	United States	Vermont
Number of HVAC professionals employed	409,670	970
Annual mean wage	$64,780	$67,070
10th percentile	$40,050	$50,280
25th percentile	$48,360	$58,800
50th percentile (median)	$61,010	$62,150
75th percentile	$77,060	$75,140
90th percentile	$95,210	$93,110

Salary figures do vary slightly by the source of data. Payscale (2026)—an aggregator of self-reported salaries—found the following percentiles among its HVAC respondents nationwide:

10th percentile: $41,000
50th percentile (median): $64,913
90th percentile: $97,000

HVAC Apprenticeships in Vermont

It is possible to join the workforce and learn how to be an HVAC technician through hands-on training, but this route has become more difficult over the years. Most workers in Vermont now participate in an apprenticeship program or attend classes. Training opens up more employment opportunities. Workers also may start at higher wages and earn more during their career.

The Vermont Department of Labor registers apprentices. Applicants first find an approved employer who will sponsor them for on-the-job training, then enroll in classroom coursework. Many HVAC apprentices in Vermont attend Vermont Technical College (now part of Vermont State University), although some companies provide in-house classes. Students can also attend classes at union training centers.

The Vermont Department of Labor also maintains a list of potential sponsors for those interested in pursuing an apprenticeship in any trade. Apprentices can also find apprenticeship opportunities through the Vermont Job Link or local chapters of the industry associations mentioned in the introduction to this page.

Accredited HVAC Schools in Vermont

Rather than becoming apprentices, other aspiring HVAC professionals in VT may choose to enroll in academic programs. When choosing a school to attend, it’s important to make sure that it’s accredited to ensure that education provided by the institution meets acceptable levels of quality. Various independent organizations grant accreditation.

In this career field, the most prominent program accreditation entities are the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) and HVAC Excellence, although there were no programs in VT approved by either organization as of July 2026.

Vermont Technical College

Vermont Technical College offers an online HVAC course through the Center for Workforce Development. The 330-hour course prepares students to sit for industry exams that include EPA certification, NATE, and HVAC Excellence ready to work certifications.

Graduates will have skills that include understanding heat, temperature, and pressure; safety practices; refrigeration and refrigerants; automatic controls and electric motors; and environmental challenges and solutions, among others. They are qualified to seek entry-level positions as HVAC/R technicians.

Vermont Technical College additionally offers two degree programs at the Randolph Campus, which may be of interest to students wanting to know more about HVAC system design and engineering. The first is an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in architectural and building engineering technology that requires 65 credits and the other is a bachelor of science (BS) degree in architectural engineering technology, which requires 124 credits. Notably, both programs are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Location: Randolph Center, VT
Accreditation: HVAC N/A; Degrees ABET
Expected Time to Completion: Self-paced, one year

Green Mountain Technology and Career Center

Green Mountain Technology and Career Center in Hyde Park offers two separate one-year programs for high school students. Students who choose to enroll spend one year on heating systems and one year on air conditioning and refrigeration. Graduates will be eligible for the Bronze Oil Heat Technician Certificate as well as the EPA Section 608 certification. Both these certifications require students to pass a course-specific test before the certification is awarded.

Students applying for these programs should have strong science and mathematical skills. They should also be willing to work in groups and understand the importance of teamwork. Mechanical ability and tool knowledge are a plus but not a requirement. There are endless employment opportunities available in these fields. Some students might be hired by local Vermont companies and trained “in-house” while working in the industry, while others may pursue further education in technical colleges.

The program includes instruction on topics such as soldering and brazing, electricity, heating theory, oil burners, refrigeration, air conditioning, and HVAC systems.

Location: Hyde Park, VT
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Expected Time to Completion: One or two years

River Bend Career and Technical Center

River Bend Career and Technical Center in Bradford offers a construction academy and residential energy program to introduce students to the operation of HVAC systems. There are two levels of the program available to students, who are also eligible to earn college credit in these technical school courses.

The curriculum of the program provides students with technical training in all forms of residential construction emphasizing alternative energy and energy efficiency. Building design, estimating, blueprint reading, safety on the worksite, site work, building codes, stairs, foundations, insulation envelopes, timber framing, roof systems, stress skin panels, framing, and finish work are all part of the process. Knowledge gained in this program can be used by students for designing and building projects of various complexity and sizes.

Location: Bradford, VT
Accreditation: N/A
Expected Time to Completion: N/A

These and similar programs are accredited through their respective school districts. Tuition and fees are determined by the school districts, but many are free to current high school students. Programs change from time to time to meet the needs of the various trades. Adult courses and continuing education courses are also available at some centers.

Vermont Adult Career & Technical Education Association. (VACTEA)

The Vermont Adult Career & Technical Education Association offers classes in 17 locations throughout the state. Most are part of school districts, such as Green Mountain, profiled above. However, the classes are open to all students above the age of 16. The coursework is completed online.

Location: Seventeen Vermont locations
Accreditation: Approved by Vermont Agency of Education
Expected Time to Completion: Self-paced

HVAC Certification & Licensing in Vermont

Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants to obtain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 certification. Certification requires passing an exam on the safe handling of refrigerants. Four levels of certifications are available based on the size and type of equipment. The Type IV universal certification allows technicians to work on all equipment. Various organizations offer classes and administer the exam.

Technicians may obtain additional training and certifications from industry organizations. These include the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES); North American Technician Excellence (NATE); and the aforementioned HVAC Excellence. Each organization has information on certifications offered, fees, and expiration dates available on their website. Check out the full HVAC certification guide.

The State of Vermont Division of Fire Safety is the agency responsible for licensing the trades. HVAC and HVAC/R technicians have been licensed as Type S (Speciality) electricians. Type S licenses don’t require the general licensing process for electricians. Applicants for Type S licensing must have completed an accredited training and experience program or had acceptable training and experience, within Vermont or outside.

Applicants must also pass an examination on refrigeration or air conditioning. Fees are charged for the exam and issuance of the license. Licensees are required to obtain continuing education credits to renew their licenses.

Lastly, different cities have varying laws on HVAC credentials. To ensure that one remains in compliance with the law, all VT-based technicians in this field are strongly encouraged to reach out to local government offices to ensure they have all necessary permits and certifications.

Farheen Gani

Farheen is a freelance writer, marketer, and researcher. She writes about technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).