A good HVAC tech knows how to think on their feet and isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty. The job takes solid technical know-how, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Whether you’re working solo or with a crew, you’re the one people count on to keep their systems running right, ensuring homes, offices, and buildings stay comfortable year-round. With your HVAC Career Prep Certification, you can start out as an apprentice and build real-world experience toward becoming a fully trained technician. Depending on your focus, a typical day might include:
Minnesota Trade Careers’ HVAC program is approved on Minnesota’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), allowing eligible students to pursue training through state-funded workforce programs.
Our online HVAC Technician Program provides a flexible, hands-on learning experience built to prepare you for success in the field.
Skilled HVAC professionals are the link between comfort and performance in any building. They install, service, and repair the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems that keep homes and businesses running smoothly.
This program gives you the knowledge and hands-on foundation to begin your career as an HVAC apprentice and work toward becoming a fully licensed technician. Graduates who complete the training and earn the required certifications can pursue roles such as:
63,000+
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that HVAC remains a high-demand trade with solid earning potential. Job opportunities for HVAC technicians are projected to grow by 15% through 2026. The average annual salary is around $48,630, with entry-level positions starting near $34,000 and experienced technicians earning up to $78,000. As an apprentice, you can expect to start at about half that amount, gaining the hands-on experience needed to move up to a fully qualified, higher-paying role.
Note: Salaries may vary based on factors such as education, experience, employer, and location. Job and wage data are sourced from ZipRecruiter.com and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with figures updated annually to reflect current industry trends.
The HVAC/R industry continues to offer steady job opportunities and long-term career growth. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Graduates will learn how to perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot electrical components, handle refrigerants safely, and use industry-standard tools with confidence.
After completing this 80–100 hour online training, students will earn an HVAC Career Prep Professional Certificate of Completion and be ready to enter the workforce. In addition, graduates will be prepared to take industry-recognized certification exams, including:
Course Access: Available online 24/7
Total Course Hours: 80–100
Estimated Completion Time:
This program is self-paced, allowing you to set your own schedule and learn at a speed that fits your lifestyle.
You’ll have up to 12 months of full access to course materials to complete your training and certification.
The majority of this course is delivered through drill exercises and learner-centered practice activities, along with quizzes that reinforce the knowledge gained after each chapter. Be prepared for a thorough and extensive hands-on experience.
We understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. The Total Tuition Cost for our program is $7,500. We are pleased to offer financial assistance options, including Partial Scholarships, which are available to assist students in certain situations or who meet specific eligibility criteria. We encourage all prospective students to inquire about these scholarship opportunities during the application process.
No textbooks are required for this course. All learning materials are provided online.
Module 1: Introduction to HVAC
Get a big-picture view of the HVAC industry, major system types, and key components.
Learn essential safety practices and the basic hand and power tools you will use.
Refresh core math skills needed in the trade, including fractions and unit conversions.
Module 2: HVAC Fundamentals
Explore how common systems heat and cool a building and what happens inside each unit.
Review routine maintenance for air conditioning and heating equipment.
Build a plain-language understanding of foundational electrical concepts and how they connect.
Module 3: Electrical for HVAC/R
Read and interpret HVAC symbols and wiring diagrams. Practice using a multimeter and working
with switches, loads, and basic circuits. Learn about residential and commercial motors,
contactors and troubleshooting methods, motor starters, thermostat types, and heating controls.
Finish with the relationship between volts, amps, and ohms using Ohm’s Law.
Module 4: Refrigeration Systems
Understand refrigeration basics, including regulations, common tools, system pressures,
and refrigerant essentials. Connect the science to real components with a focus on
evaporators and condensers. Practice core troubleshooting on major refrigeration parts.
Module 5: Evacuation, Charging, and Diagnostics
Study compressor operation and failure symptoms. Learn leak detection techniques,
proper evacuation procedures, and charging methods, including required tools and rules.
Apply step-by-step diagnostics to typical A/C systems.
Module 6: HVAC Troubleshooting
Work through heat pump operation and troubleshooting. Measure blower airflow using
practical methods. Identify and correct common electrical and mechanical faults in
a standard split residential A/C system.
