How to Get Into HVAC Trade (2026): Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about a skilled job that will always be needed in homes, schools, hospitals, and factories? If you are exploring how to get into hvac trade, here is the short answer: earn a high school diploma or GED, complete an HVAC training program or join an apprenticeship, pass EPA Section 608 (Universal preferred), apply for helper or apprentice roles to gain on the job experience, and follow your state or city licensing rules. This guide then walks you from zero to job ready, keeps the tone human, lays out clear steps, and answers real questions new entrants ask.

Below you will find what the job is, the training and certifications you need, how long it takes, license rules by state level, and practical tips to get hired fast. There are also quick paths if you want to learn on your phone and work while you train.

HVAC technician role overview

If you are mapping how to get into hvac trade, start by understanding the role. HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and often refrigeration systems. Work happens indoors and outdoors, in all seasons, and sometimes in tight attics or basements.

Fast facts you can bank on

• About 425,200 HVAC jobs existed in the United States in 2024

• Employment is projected to grow about 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average

• Expect roughly 40,000 plus openings each year over the next decade

• Typical median pay sits around 57,000 dollars, with higher pay for experienced or certified techs

Day to day work you will do

• Install new furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductwork

• Diagnose system issues and replace parts like motors, capacitors, and thermostats: get help from our Technical Support for Field Techs resources.

• Perform routine maintenance and tune ups: see our HVAC maintenance guides.

• Handle refrigerants safely and meet efficiency and safety standards

High school diploma or GED

A high school diploma or GED is the core education requirement for entry level HVAC roles and for most training programs. Many programs and apprenticeships require you to be at least 18. Helpful classes include algebra, geometry, physics, shop, and basic electronics. If you are finishing school or switching careers, completing a GED before HVAC training keeps your path smooth.

HVAC training program explained

An HVAC training program teaches the fundamentals that get you job ready for entry level roles.

What to expect

• Program length ranges from about 6 months to 1 year for certificates, or about 2 years for an associate degree

• Good programs blend theory and hands on practice, including refrigerant safety and electrical basics

• Accreditation matters so employers trust the training

Want a flexible route for how to get into hvac trade without pausing your life? You can study on your phone, earn required credentials, and keep your day job. SkillCat online HVAC training is IACET accredited and the platform is an EPA approved Section 608 certifying organization since 2020. Individuals can start with a three day free trial, then 10 dollars per month. EPA 608 prep and the proctored exam access are included in the membership.

HVAC training curriculum basics

Most beginner friendly programs cover a common core. Master these and you will be useful on day one. Brush up with our Science fundamentals.

• Heating and cooling principles, thermodynamics, BTUs, tonnage

• Refrigeration cycle, pressure temperature relationships, compressors, condensers, evaporators, expansion devices

• Electrical systems that power HVAC equipment, reading wiring diagrams, using a multimeter

• System components across furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, coils, ductwork, fans, filters, dampers, and smart controls

• Installation and service skills like brazing copper, evacuating and charging systems, leak checks, recovery and vacuum best practices

• Safety for electricity, ladders, tools, chemicals, and OSHA basics

• Blueprints and schematics for new construction or retrofits

• Basic plumbing fundamentals and piping for condensate, gas, and water lines

• Customer communication and professional conduct

You can learn this foundation in person or online with simulations that mimic field scenarios. If you prefer mobile learning, SkillCat online HVAC training includes interactive modules and practice labs you can do anywhere.

Apprenticeship and on the job training

Another proven path for how to get into hvac trade is apprenticeship. These programs combine paid work and classroom learning.

Key points

• Typical length is 3 to 5 years with about 2,000 plus on the job hours each year

• Pay starts lower than a journeyman rate and rises as you progress

• Early tasks include cleaning coils, pulling wire, cutting and insulating lines, then you move to brazing and diagnostics under supervision

• Classroom sessions reinforce refrigeration theory, code, math, and safety

Even if you start with a short school, expect long term on the job training. Most new techs work alongside experienced mentors for at least 6 to 12 months before running calls solo.

Training timeline to qualify

How to get into hvac trade on a timeline depends on the route you choose.

1. Fast track certificate, about 6 months to 1 year, then entry level work while learning more on the job

2. One year diploma or two year associate degree, about 9 to 24 months depending on schedule

3. Apprenticeship, about 3 to 5 years of paid work plus classes

4. Licenses and advanced certifications, add weeks or months, often after 1 to 2 years of field experience

Overall, you can enter the field in about 6 months to 1 year, or invest several years for deeper expertise. Many people blend a short program with on the job learning for the best speed plus experience.

State HVAC license requirements

How to get into hvac trade legally can include state or local licensing. Rules vary by location.

What usually applies

• Many states require an HVAC contractor license for business owners and sometimes licenses for individual techs

• States without a statewide license often leave it to cities or counties

• Common requirements include minimum age 18, proof of training or apprenticeship, documented work experience, passing trade and sometimes business law exams, fees, and proof of insurance or bond for contractors

• Renewal is usually every one to three years and may require continuing education

Check your state or city licensing board early so you can plan your hours and exams. Keep your EPA Section 608 card handy since it is required everywhere. For updates on codes and licensing changes, follow our Industry News.

EPA Section 608 certification

EPA 608 is the one credential every HVAC technician must have to handle refrigerants. It is the number one step for how to get into hvac trade and touch sealed systems.

What to know

• There are four categories, Type I small appliances, Type II high pressure, Type III low pressure, and Universal which covers all three types

• The Universal exam is 100 questions, 25 core plus 25 in each type section

• Passing score is usually 70 percent for each section, you must pass all sections for Universal

• Certification does not expire

You can prepare and take the proctored exam online with an approved provider. Take your EPA 608 exam online through SkillCat, an EPA approved certifying organization. Membership includes exam access with multiple attempts, instant results, and a verification tool employers can use. Optional physical cards are available.

Additional certifications that boost hiring and pay

After EPA 608, stack credentials that match your goals. Explore our advanced training for techs to choose the right path.

• NATE certification builds credibility in specialties like Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps, or Gas Furnaces. It is common to attempt NATE after about 2 years of experience

• HVAC Excellence and other industry certificates validate knowledge in specific areas

• Manufacturer training for brands like Carrier, Trane, Daikin can help with installs and warranty work

• OSHA 10 safety cards are widely requested on commercial sites. SkillCat offers OSHA 10 training through a partner at about 50 dollars

• EPA 609 is required if you will service automotive air conditioning

Choose a few respected credentials rather than many obscure ones.

Specialization in residential, commercial, or industrial HVAC

As you gain experience, pick a lane that fits your interests.

Residential

• Shorter service calls and one to two day installs

• Strong customer communication

• Systems include split AC, furnaces, heat pumps, duct design, and smart thermostats

Commercial

• Larger rooftop units, cooling towers, boilers, chillers, and building automation

• Team installs and steady preventative maintenance contracts

• Emphasis on energy management and controls

Industrial and refrigeration

• Heavy duty plants, food processing, cold storage, data centers

• Possible exposure to ammonia or carbon dioxide systems

• Higher technical complexity and strict safety

You can move between lanes as your career evolves. Specialization is one smart way to advance after you have mastered the core.

Join a professional HVAC association

Networking and learning accelerate your progress in how to get into hvac trade. Associations to look at include ACCA, ASHRAE, RSES, SMACNA, and PHCC. Benefits include training, standards updates, mentorship, job boards, and local meetups. Dues are modest for individual members and the return can be significant.

Networking and industry connection

A large share of trade jobs are filled through referrals. Build relationships at supply houses, association meetings, trade shows, online communities, and with your instructors and classmates. Keep a clean reputation, show up prepared, and ask good questions. Mentors love to help motivated newcomers.

If you want an easy place to start connecting, check the community and webinars inside SkillCat online HVAC training, or post your first question in our Questions & Answers forum.

Portfolio and reference building

Show, do not just tell. Create a simple portfolio and reference list.

• Take before and after photos of installs and neat electrical work, with permission

• Write short project notes that explain the challenge and the fix, for example a Manual J load calculation that solved a comfort problem

• Save any certificates and badges in one place

• Ask supervisors and instructors for references as you complete projects

Resume and job application preparation

A sharp one page resume helps you land that first interview.

Essentials to include

• Name and contact info

• Goal line that mirrors the job title, for example Entry level HVAC technician

• Certifications, EPA 608 front and center, OSHA 10, NATE prep or passes

• Skills list, multimeter, brazing, recovery and evacuation, wiring thermostats, reading schematics, customer communication

• Experience, include apprenticeships, helper roles, or related work like property maintenance

• Education, high school or GED and HVAC program details

• Portfolio link and references available on request

Tip for how to get into hvac trade without experience

• Lead with training, certifications, and hands on labs or simulations you completed

• Add any relevant work ethic examples from other jobs, on time attendance, safety record, customer service

Online vs in person HVAC programs

Both paths can work. Choose what fits your life.

Online

• Flexible schedule that fits around work and family

• Lower cost and no commuting

• Simulations and practice tests build confidence

• Requires self discipline

In person

• Physical labs and in person coaching

• Fixed schedules and local campus resources

• Often higher tuition and longer timelines

If flexibility and speed matter, you can begin now on your phone. Start a free trial and explore the basics before you commit.

A simple action plan for how to get into hvac trade

Week 1 to 2

• Confirm you meet age and diploma or GED requirements

• Start a beginner course and schedule EPA 608 prep

Week 3 to 6

• Pass EPA 608 Universal

• Build a resume and portfolio, apply for helper roles and apprenticeships

Month 2 to 6

• Continue coursework or lab practice

• Log on the job hours with a mentor

• Add OSHA 10 and one manufacturer or entry level certificate

Month 6 to 12 and beyond

• Target NATE or HVAC Excellence after you have field exposure

• Decide if you will specialize in residential, commercial, or industrial

• Review state license steps and begin documenting hours and projects

If you want one simple place to complete the must haves, including EPA 608 and beginner skills, try SkillCat online HVAC training.

Quick facts recap that support your plan

• HVAC held about 425,200 jobs in 2024

• Growth outlook is about 8 percent through 2034

• Expect roughly 40,000 plus job openings each year over the next decade

• Median pay is about 57,000 dollars

• Certificate programs often take 6 to 12 months, associate degrees about 2 years

• Apprenticeships typically take 3 to 5 years with 2,000 plus hours per year

• EPA 608 Universal exam is 100 questions with a 70 percent section pass requirement

• EPA 608 certification does not expire

FAQ about how to get into hvac trade

How long does it take to get hired in HVAC if I start today

With focused study and EPA 608, many beginners land helper roles in about 3 to 6 months. Faster if you already have maintenance experience and pass EPA 608 quickly.

Do I need a college degree for how to get into hvac trade

No degree is required. Most techs combine a high school diploma or GED with technical training and on the job learning.

What certification do I need first for how to get into hvac trade

EPA Section 608 is required to handle refrigerants. Universal is the most versatile. You can prepare and test online with an approved provider like SkillCat.

Can I learn HVAC online or do I need a campus

You can do either. Online is flexible and affordable. In person offers labs and fixed structure. Many people learn online then add apprenticeship hours.

How much can a new HVAC tech earn

Entry pay varies by region. The national median is about 57,000 dollars and rises with experience, licenses, and specializations.

Do all states require an HVAC license

Most require some form of contractor or technician license, and some leave licensing to cities or counties. Always check your local rules.

What is the difference between residential and commercial paths

Residential handles home systems with shorter jobs and direct customer contact. Commercial and industrial work on larger systems, often with teams and advanced controls.

What is the most affordable way to start if money is tight

Focus on EPA 608 and core skills with a low cost program. SkillCat online HVAC training is 10 dollars per month after a free trial and includes training and proctored exam access for EPA 608.

You now have a complete roadmap for how to get into hvac trade. Pick your starting path, secure EPA 608, practice the core skills, and build your experience. When you are ready to move, begin with SkillCat online HVAC training and take the first credential that employers ask for.