How Much Does It Cost to get HVAC Certified?
In many careers there are a lot of qualifications that you must have in order to be successful. Like any job, there are certain things that HVAC technicians must know in order to be successful at their jobs. For an HVAC technician, getting certified is a way to show that you have the knowledge required for certain jobs, and it also builds your credibility. In some states, certification is required for any HVAC jobs. With the growing need for HVAC workers, more and more people are looking to get certifications, and one of the most asked questions that is come across is, “How much does it cost to get HVAC certified?” Below are some of the costs to consider for an HVAC certification.
Different Types of Certifications
Having an HVAC certification license is how people know that you are trained in the field and you are experienced enough to work on bigger projects. In order to get the certification license however, there are written exams that you have to pass. There are a few different organizations that administer these tests which amount to different certifications. There are federal certifications that you must obtain to practice as a journeyman and, depending on what you are specializing in, there can be more than one federal license that you need. Additionally, the North American Technical Excellence institution is the primary organization that is recognized for its certifications. HVAC Excellence is also widely recognized among the HVAC community for their certifications. Certifications from both of these institutions gives you credibility and labels you as qualified for more jobs.
The Cost of Getting Certified
There are many different ways to get the information need to pass the certification exams, which is where a lot of the variation in cost comes from. Some people will go to a four-year university that offers trade studies while others will go to a community college that offers similar programs. The cost can fluctuate based on what school you go to as well as an additional tuition costs if you decide to go to an out of state school. Another big factor with cost is how long you decided to stay in these programs. The longer you stay in them, the more expensive the cost of getting certified is going to be. Generally speaking, you can get certified for as little as $1,500 all the way up to $30,000. It depends on how much time you are to dedicate and what you want to specialize in.
The Benefits of Getting Certified
Although the cost of getting HVAC certified can be pricey, the benefits that come from getting certified will pay off in the long run. One benefits of getting certified is that even if you work in a state that doesn’t require certifications to work, you will most likely get chosen for job offers over those who are not certified. Not only are you more likely to get chosen for jobs, you are also more likely to get offers for jobs that are going to pay more. A certification is a way of showing your employers that you are credible and that you know what you are doing. Eventually this will allow you to work your way up through the levels into bigger jobs that will last longer and therefore provide you with a more substantial income. It could even open up opportunities for you to start your own HVAC business and be a top competitor on the market. With all these opportunities opened up for you, that you may not have been able to get without a certification, it will end up paying for itself in the long run.
While this is the general lay out for getting an HVAC certification and what the cost is going to look like, if you are wanting to get certified it is important to do your own research and find out which path is going to be best for you. For some people, it may not make sense to get certified right away, so an apprenticeship may be a better option. For others, going to trade school right out of high school is their best option. Some other factors that are good to consider are the state you are in and the laws for HVAC technicians in that state. It is also good to look into the refrigeration certification laws where you live as that could affect what you want to specialize in.
