HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook

If you enjoy working with your hands, then you might be thinking about a career as an HVAC technician. People with HVAC careers work with heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration. HVAC jobs can be a good fit for the right prospects.

Look into the wide selection ofHVAC careers below, and decide what's right for you.

HVAC Careers HVAC Jobs - Employment Growth HVAC Job Prospects HVAC Technician Career Details

HVAC Careers

HVAC Technicians can establish successful and dependable HVAC careers for themselves and can choose to work in a variety of environments, including:

Option 1 - Work for a building contractor as an HVAC technician in these fields

Plumbing Heating Air-conditioning

Option 2 - Work for places that need HVAC technicians to install and maintain their heating and cooling systems

Refrigeration and A/C service and repair shops Schools Stores that sell heating and air-conditioning systems Local governments Federal Government Hospitals Office buildings Other organizations that operate large A/C, refrigeration, or heating systems.

Option 3 - Work for yourself as an independent contractor in the HVAC specialization of your choice!

HVAC Jobs - Employment Growth

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to increase 28 percent during the 2008-18 decade."

Population growth increases the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial climate-control systems. Indoor air quality and environmental concerns are also factors in career growth and have led to the development of new energy-saving heating and A/C systems.

HVAC Job Prospects

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that "job prospects for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected to be excellent, particularly for those who have completed training from an accredited technical school or a formal apprenticeship."

Many technicians are going into retirement which is creating job openings all over the country. As it is, many contractors have reported a shortage in skilled HVAC technicians.

HVAC Training Schools

HVAC training schools provide you with hands-on training on modern equipment. They can also prepare you for taking HVAC certification exams.

HVAC Technician Benefits

Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically receive employer-sponsored benefits of some sort. This can include...

Health insurance Pension plans Work-related training Provide uniforms, company vans, and tools.

About 15% of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are members of a union.

In Summary

If a new career with job stability sounds good to you, then why not give one of your local HVAC training schools a call and sign up for your HVAC training courses today!

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

What Is an Auto Technician? Careers and Certifications

What is an auto technician, and what is this career like in 2012? Ever changing technology has made automotive mechanic careers a bit more complex than previous decades. Employers highly value automotive technicians that have successfully completed an auto technician training program and look for candidates who hold an additional auto mechanic certification or two, such as ASE or Snap-on.

If you've been thinking about a career as an auto technician or auto mechanic, read on to find out how you can boost your job prospects.

Receive auto technician training and hands-on experience with state of the art tools, equipment and diagnostic computers and become prepared to begin your professional career as an automotive technician.

1. Description of Automotive Mechanic Careers 2. Automotive Repair Career Growth 3. Auto Mechanic Certification: · ASE Certification · Snap-on Certification

1. Description of Automotive Mechanic Careers

Automotive mechanics and technicians typically tend to the inspection, maintenance, and repair of automobiles. They perform basic services like oil changes and tire rotations, diagnose any problems and take care of any necessary repairs.

Good reasoning skills, an extensive knowledge of automobiles and strong communication and analytical skills are all qualities that employers tend to look for in a good automotive mechanic.

2. Auto Repair Career Growth

Automotive careers can be rewarding personally and financially. Though the outlook for automotive mechanic career growth is not quite as high as some other professions, there is still demand for automotive technicians. With the ASE and Snap-on certifications, competition should be greatly decreased, so someone with those credentials should have no problem finding positions.

As older automotive technicians start to retire there may be much need for highly trained individuals to take their place.

3. Auto Mechanic Certification

Having an auto mechanic certification can make you more desirable to employers. Snap-on certifications and ASE certifications are valuable for an automotive technician to have, and employers love them.

ASE Certifications

The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is the automotive industry standard for automotive technicians. You should choose an auto mechanic school that can prepare you for ASE Certification testing. A good Automotive program will prepare you to take this exam with its auto technician training program.

ASE has 40+ exams that an automotive technician can take which are grouped by specialty. These exams focus on real world knowledge of job-related skills. Retesting every 5 years is required to keep your ASE Certification current.

Two years of experience and a passing grade on one of the above ASE examinations listed below are required for each area of certification. You can substitute a reputable auto technician training program for 1 year of experience.

Electrical systems Engine repair Brake systems Suspension and steering Heating and air-conditioning

Snap-on Certification

Having a Snap-on Industrial certification allows an automotive technician to successfully use Snap-on diagnostic equipment. Because of the sophistication of today's vehicles, sophisticated diagnostic tools, such as Snap-on tools, are becoming more and more important to identify and diagnose repair problems.

Look for a school that can offer the benefits of a partnership with Snap-on Industrial, a program dedicated to the use of Snap-on tools and diagnostics.

Instructors will be Snap-on certified and are trained to prepare each student to sit for the Snap-on examination. Each student also receives a set of Snap-on tools and a tool chest upon graduation from the program.

In Summary

The first step to making a major life changing decision, such as choosing a career as an Automotive Technician, is to become as informed as possible about what that career entails:

Competitive salaries Job versatility Lots of room for advancement

If that sounds like a good career choice for you, take the next step and contact the Automotive program at your local Technical College to begin your automotive technician career training today!

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing

An HVAC technician can enjoy a variety of benefits including job stability and a hands-on career field. As you complete your HVAC training, make sure to get the right certification and licensing to start you out on a good path to success.

Just follow these 4 simple steps:

Complete an HVAC training program. Take your HVAC certification or licensing or exams. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship. Apply for entry level HVAC technician jobs.

1. Complete an HVAC training program.

Enroll in an HVAC training program at a local HVAC training school. You can usually complete these programs in less than 2 years. Some colleges may even award you with an associate degree in the process.

2. Take your HVAC certification or licensing exams.

Licensing in Colorado

Some states will require heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers to be licensed, others will not. Colorado happens to be one of the states that allow licensing for HVAC technicians to be handled at the county level. Each county may or may not require licensing through their respective building departments. However, it is a good idea to look into it if it's available, for the purpose of doing work that requires permits.

For details on how to get your Heating Mechanic IV license in El Paso County, for example, visit the Contractor Licensing & Registration page at the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Pikes Peak RBD) website.

HVAC Certification

If you choose to work in refrigeration you will need to be certified in EPA 608, as required by federal law. For this you must pass a written exam specific to the types of equipment and refrigerants you will be handling. Most quality HVAC training programs include federal EPA 608 training and certification preparation.

Being certified in the HVAC field can allow for higher paying jobs. In the HVAC Excellence program there are several certification exams to choose from for students just starting out. Professional level certifications are also available and require employment verifications and core testing to advance your career. Check them out!

15 Employment Ready HVAC Certifications

Electrical - Suggested prerequisite for all other certifications in the HVAC Excellence program Light Commercial Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures Electric Heat Gas Heat Certification Oil Heat Residential and Light Commercial Hydronic Heat Heat Pump Carbon Monoxide System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Procedures Fuel Oil Combustion Natural Gas Combustion Analysis Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Analysis Light Commercial Refrigeration

Take advantage of what's out there, like specialized HVAC training schools, hands-on training, and a multitude of certifications. Now that you know what you have to do and where to get it done, you can be on your way to a new career as an HVAC Technician.

3. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship.

After completing your HVAC training, you may choose an apprenticeship as your next step. Simply apply to or enroll in an apprenticeship program with an experienced HVAC organization in your area. Learn everything they have to offer and put it to practice. Your apprenticeship may last anywhere from 6 to 36 months.

4. Apply for entry level HVAC Technician jobs.

You can also enter the HVAC field directly after completing a training program and receiving your degree and/or certifications. Many HVAC contractors and employers often hire entry level HVAC technicians to "train in" to their organizations.

Many HVAC programs offer career placement assistance for graduates. Contact your local HVAC training school today and you can be on your way to a rewarding career in HVAC with a good transcript and a healthy resume.

Sources

Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Contractors Licensing and Registration, pprbd.org/contfiles/ContLicensing.aspx HVAC Excellence, Technician Certification, hvacexcellence.org/EmploymentReady.aspx United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition, bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook

If you enjoy working with your hands, then you might be thinking about a career as an HVAC technician. People with HVAC careers work with heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration. HVAC jobs can be a good fit for the right prospects.

Look into the wide selection ofHVAC careers below, and decide what's right for you.

HVAC Careers HVAC Jobs - Employment Growth HVAC Job Prospects HVAC Technician Career Details

HVAC Careers

HVAC Technicians can establish successful and dependable HVAC careers for themselves and can choose to work in a variety of environments, including:

Option 1 - Work for a building contractor as an HVAC technician in these fields

Plumbing Heating Air-conditioning

Option 2 - Work for places that need HVAC technicians to install and maintain their heating and cooling systems

Refrigeration and A/C service and repair shops Schools Stores that sell heating and air-conditioning systems Local governments Federal Government Hospitals Office buildings Other organizations that operate large A/C, refrigeration, or heating systems.

Option 3 - Work for yourself as an independent contractor in the HVAC specialization of your choice!

HVAC Jobs - Employment Growth

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to increase 28 percent during the 2008-18 decade."

Population growth increases the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial climate-control systems. Indoor air quality and environmental concerns are also factors in career growth and have led to the development of new energy-saving heating and A/C systems.

HVAC Job Prospects

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that "job prospects for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected to be excellent, particularly for those who have completed training from an accredited technical school or a formal apprenticeship."

Many technicians are going into retirement which is creating job openings all over the country. As it is, many contractors have reported a shortage in skilled HVAC technicians.

HVAC Training Schools

HVAC training schools provide you with hands-on training on modern equipment. They can also prepare you for taking HVAC certification exams.

HVAC Technician Benefits

Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically receive employer-sponsored benefits of some sort. This can include...

Health insurance Pension plans Work-related training Provide uniforms, company vans, and tools.

About 15% of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are members of a union.

In Summary

If a new career with job stability sounds good to you, then why not give one of your local HVAC training schools a call and sign up for your HVAC training courses today!

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing

An HVAC technician can enjoy a variety of benefits including job stability and a hands-on career field. As you complete your HVAC training, make sure to get the right certification and licensing to start you out on a good path to success.

Just follow these 4 simple steps:

Complete an HVAC training program. Take your HVAC certification or licensing or exams. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship. Apply for entry level HVAC technician jobs.

1. Complete an HVAC training program.

Enroll in an HVAC training program at a local HVAC training school. You can usually complete these programs in less than 2 years. Some colleges may even award you with an associate degree in the process.

2. Take your HVAC certification or licensing exams.

Licensing in Colorado

Some states will require heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers to be licensed, others will not. Colorado happens to be one of the states that allow licensing for HVAC technicians to be handled at the county level. Each county may or may not require licensing through their respective building departments. However, it is a good idea to look into it if it's available, for the purpose of doing work that requires permits.

For details on how to get your Heating Mechanic IV license in El Paso County, for example, visit the Contractor Licensing & Registration page at the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Pikes Peak RBD) website.

HVAC Certification

If you choose to work in refrigeration you will need to be certified in EPA 608, as required by federal law. For this you must pass a written exam specific to the types of equipment and refrigerants you will be handling. Most quality HVAC training programs include federal EPA 608 training and certification preparation.

Being certified in the HVAC field can allow for higher paying jobs. In the HVAC Excellence program there are several certification exams to choose from for students just starting out. Professional level certifications are also available and require employment verifications and core testing to advance your career. Check them out!

15 Employment Ready HVAC Certifications

Electrical - Suggested prerequisite for all other certifications in the HVAC Excellence program Light Commercial Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures Electric Heat Gas Heat Certification Oil Heat Residential and Light Commercial Hydronic Heat Heat Pump Carbon Monoxide System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Procedures Fuel Oil Combustion Natural Gas Combustion Analysis Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Analysis Light Commercial Refrigeration

Take advantage of what's out there, like specialized HVAC training schools, hands-on training, and a multitude of certifications. Now that you know what you have to do and where to get it done, you can be on your way to a new career as an HVAC Technician.

3. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship.

After completing your HVAC training, you may choose an apprenticeship as your next step. Simply apply to or enroll in an apprenticeship program with an experienced HVAC organization in your area. Learn everything they have to offer and put it to practice. Your apprenticeship may last anywhere from 6 to 36 months.

4. Apply for entry level HVAC Technician jobs.

You can also enter the HVAC field directly after completing a training program and receiving your degree and/or certifications. Many HVAC contractors and employers often hire entry level HVAC technicians to "train in" to their organizations.

Many HVAC programs offer career placement assistance for graduates. Contact your local HVAC training school today and you can be on your way to a rewarding career in HVAC with a good transcript and a healthy resume.

Sources

Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Contractors Licensing and Registration, pprbd.org/contfiles/ContLicensing.aspx HVAC Excellence, Technician Certification, hvacexcellence.org/EmploymentReady.aspx United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition, bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

What Is an Auto Technician? Careers and Certifications

What is an auto technician, and what is this career like in 2012? Ever changing technology has made automotive mechanic careers a bit more complex than previous decades. Employers highly value automotive technicians that have successfully completed an auto technician training program and look for candidates who hold an additional auto mechanic certification or two, such as ASE or Snap-on.

If you've been thinking about a career as an auto technician or auto mechanic, read on to find out how you can boost your job prospects.

Receive auto technician training and hands-on experience with state of the art tools, equipment and diagnostic computers and become prepared to begin your professional career as an automotive technician.

1. Description of Automotive Mechanic Careers 2. Automotive Repair Career Growth 3. Auto Mechanic Certification: · ASE Certification · Snap-on Certification

1. Description of Automotive Mechanic Careers

Automotive mechanics and technicians typically tend to the inspection, maintenance, and repair of automobiles. They perform basic services like oil changes and tire rotations, diagnose any problems and take care of any necessary repairs.

Good reasoning skills, an extensive knowledge of automobiles and strong communication and analytical skills are all qualities that employers tend to look for in a good automotive mechanic.

2. Auto Repair Career Growth

Automotive careers can be rewarding personally and financially. Though the outlook for automotive mechanic career growth is not quite as high as some other professions, there is still demand for automotive technicians. With the ASE and Snap-on certifications, competition should be greatly decreased, so someone with those credentials should have no problem finding positions.

As older automotive technicians start to retire there may be much need for highly trained individuals to take their place.

3. Auto Mechanic Certification

Having an auto mechanic certification can make you more desirable to employers. Snap-on certifications and ASE certifications are valuable for an automotive technician to have, and employers love them.

ASE Certifications

The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is the automotive industry standard for automotive technicians. You should choose an auto mechanic school that can prepare you for ASE Certification testing. A good Automotive program will prepare you to take this exam with its auto technician training program.

ASE has 40+ exams that an automotive technician can take which are grouped by specialty. These exams focus on real world knowledge of job-related skills. Retesting every 5 years is required to keep your ASE Certification current.

Two years of experience and a passing grade on one of the above ASE examinations listed below are required for each area of certification. You can substitute a reputable auto technician training program for 1 year of experience.

Electrical systems Engine repair Brake systems Suspension and steering Heating and air-conditioning

Snap-on Certification

Having a Snap-on Industrial certification allows an automotive technician to successfully use Snap-on diagnostic equipment. Because of the sophistication of today's vehicles, sophisticated diagnostic tools, such as Snap-on tools, are becoming more and more important to identify and diagnose repair problems.

Look for a school that can offer the benefits of a partnership with Snap-on Industrial, a program dedicated to the use of Snap-on tools and diagnostics.

Instructors will be Snap-on certified and are trained to prepare each student to sit for the Snap-on examination. Each student also receives a set of Snap-on tools and a tool chest upon graduation from the program.

In Summary

The first step to making a major life changing decision, such as choosing a career as an Automotive Technician, is to become as informed as possible about what that career entails:

Competitive salaries Job versatility Lots of room for advancement

If that sounds like a good career choice for you, take the next step and contact the Automotive program at your local Technical College to begin your automotive technician career training today!

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing

An HVAC technician can enjoy a variety of benefits including job stability and a hands-on career field. As you complete your HVAC training, make sure to get the right certification and licensing to start you out on a good path to success.

Just follow these 4 simple steps:

Complete an HVAC training program. Take your HVAC certification or licensing or exams. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship. Apply for entry level HVAC technician jobs.

1. Complete an HVAC training program.

Enroll in an HVAC training program at a local HVAC training school. You can usually complete these programs in less than 2 years. Some colleges may even award you with an associate degree in the process.

2. Take your HVAC certification or licensing exams.

Licensing in Colorado

Some states will require heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers to be licensed, others will not. Colorado happens to be one of the states that allow licensing for HVAC technicians to be handled at the county level. Each county may or may not require licensing through their respective building departments. However, it is a good idea to look into it if it's available, for the purpose of doing work that requires permits.

For details on how to get your Heating Mechanic IV license in El Paso County, for example, visit the Contractor Licensing & Registration page at the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Pikes Peak RBD) website.

HVAC Certification

If you choose to work in refrigeration you will need to be certified in EPA 608, as required by federal law. For this you must pass a written exam specific to the types of equipment and refrigerants you will be handling. Most quality HVAC training programs include federal EPA 608 training and certification preparation.

Being certified in the HVAC field can allow for higher paying jobs. In the HVAC Excellence program there are several certification exams to choose from for students just starting out. Professional level certifications are also available and require employment verifications and core testing to advance your career. Check them out!

15 Employment Ready HVAC Certifications

Electrical - Suggested prerequisite for all other certifications in the HVAC Excellence program Light Commercial Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures Electric Heat Gas Heat Certification Oil Heat Residential and Light Commercial Hydronic Heat Heat Pump Carbon Monoxide System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Procedures Fuel Oil Combustion Natural Gas Combustion Analysis Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Analysis Light Commercial Refrigeration

Take advantage of what's out there, like specialized HVAC training schools, hands-on training, and a multitude of certifications. Now that you know what you have to do and where to get it done, you can be on your way to a new career as an HVAC Technician.

3. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship.

After completing your HVAC training, you may choose an apprenticeship as your next step. Simply apply to or enroll in an apprenticeship program with an experienced HVAC organization in your area. Learn everything they have to offer and put it to practice. Your apprenticeship may last anywhere from 6 to 36 months.

4. Apply for entry level HVAC Technician jobs.

You can also enter the HVAC field directly after completing a training program and receiving your degree and/or certifications. Many HVAC contractors and employers often hire entry level HVAC technicians to "train in" to their organizations.

Many HVAC programs offer career placement assistance for graduates. Contact your local HVAC training school today and you can be on your way to a rewarding career in HVAC with a good transcript and a healthy resume.

Sources

Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Contractors Licensing and Registration, pprbd.org/contfiles/ContLicensing.aspx HVAC Excellence, Technician Certification, hvacexcellence.org/EmploymentReady.aspx United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition, bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing

An HVAC technician can enjoy a variety of benefits including job stability and a hands-on career field. As you complete your HVAC training, make sure to get the right certification and licensing to start you out on a good path to success.

Just follow these 4 simple steps:

Complete an HVAC training program. Take your HVAC certification or licensing or exams. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship. Apply for entry level HVAC technician jobs.

1. Complete an HVAC training program.

Enroll in an HVAC training program at a local HVAC training school. You can usually complete these programs in less than 2 years. Some colleges may even award you with an associate degree in the process.

2. Take your HVAC certification or licensing exams.

Licensing in Colorado

Some states will require heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers to be licensed, others will not. Colorado happens to be one of the states that allow licensing for HVAC technicians to be handled at the county level. Each county may or may not require licensing through their respective building departments. However, it is a good idea to look into it if it's available, for the purpose of doing work that requires permits.

For details on how to get your Heating Mechanic IV license in El Paso County, for example, visit the Contractor Licensing & Registration page at the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Pikes Peak RBD) website.

HVAC Certification

If you choose to work in refrigeration you will need to be certified in EPA 608, as required by federal law. For this you must pass a written exam specific to the types of equipment and refrigerants you will be handling. Most quality HVAC training programs include federal EPA 608 training and certification preparation.

Being certified in the HVAC field can allow for higher paying jobs. In the HVAC Excellence program there are several certification exams to choose from for students just starting out. Professional level certifications are also available and require employment verifications and core testing to advance your career. Check them out!

15 Employment Ready HVAC Certifications

Electrical - Suggested prerequisite for all other certifications in the HVAC Excellence program Light Commercial Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures Electric Heat Gas Heat Certification Oil Heat Residential and Light Commercial Hydronic Heat Heat Pump Carbon Monoxide System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Procedures Fuel Oil Combustion Natural Gas Combustion Analysis Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Analysis Light Commercial Refrigeration

Take advantage of what's out there, like specialized HVAC training schools, hands-on training, and a multitude of certifications. Now that you know what you have to do and where to get it done, you can be on your way to a new career as an HVAC Technician.

3. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship.

After completing your HVAC training, you may choose an apprenticeship as your next step. Simply apply to or enroll in an apprenticeship program with an experienced HVAC organization in your area. Learn everything they have to offer and put it to practice. Your apprenticeship may last anywhere from 6 to 36 months.

4. Apply for entry level HVAC Technician jobs.

You can also enter the HVAC field directly after completing a training program and receiving your degree and/or certifications. Many HVAC contractors and employers often hire entry level HVAC technicians to "train in" to their organizations.

Many HVAC programs offer career placement assistance for graduates. Contact your local HVAC training school today and you can be on your way to a rewarding career in HVAC with a good transcript and a healthy resume.

Sources

Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Contractors Licensing and Registration, pprbd.org/contfiles/ContLicensing.aspx HVAC Excellence, Technician Certification, hvacexcellence.org/EmploymentReady.aspx United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition, bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing

An HVAC technician can enjoy a variety of benefits including job stability and a hands-on career field. As you complete your HVAC training, make sure to get the right certification and licensing to start you out on a good path to success.

Just follow these 4 simple steps:

Complete an HVAC training program. Take your HVAC certification or licensing or exams. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship. Apply for entry level HVAC technician jobs.

1. Complete an HVAC training program.

Enroll in an HVAC training program at a local HVAC training school. You can usually complete these programs in less than 2 years. Some colleges may even award you with an associate degree in the process.

2. Take your HVAC certification or licensing exams.

Licensing in Colorado

Some states will require heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers to be licensed, others will not. Colorado happens to be one of the states that allow licensing for HVAC technicians to be handled at the county level. Each county may or may not require licensing through their respective building departments. However, it is a good idea to look into it if it's available, for the purpose of doing work that requires permits.

For details on how to get your Heating Mechanic IV license in El Paso County, for example, visit the Contractor Licensing & Registration page at the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (Pikes Peak RBD) website.

HVAC Certification

If you choose to work in refrigeration you will need to be certified in EPA 608, as required by federal law. For this you must pass a written exam specific to the types of equipment and refrigerants you will be handling. Most quality HVAC training programs include federal EPA 608 training and certification preparation.

Being certified in the HVAC field can allow for higher paying jobs. In the HVAC Excellence program there are several certification exams to choose from for students just starting out. Professional level certifications are also available and require employment verifications and core testing to advance your career. Check them out!

15 Employment Ready HVAC Certifications

Electrical - Suggested prerequisite for all other certifications in the HVAC Excellence program Light Commercial Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures Electric Heat Gas Heat Certification Oil Heat Residential and Light Commercial Hydronic Heat Heat Pump Carbon Monoxide System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Procedures Fuel Oil Combustion Natural Gas Combustion Analysis Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Analysis Light Commercial Refrigeration

Take advantage of what's out there, like specialized HVAC training schools, hands-on training, and a multitude of certifications. Now that you know what you have to do and where to get it done, you can be on your way to a new career as an HVAC Technician.

3. Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship.

After completing your HVAC training, you may choose an apprenticeship as your next step. Simply apply to or enroll in an apprenticeship program with an experienced HVAC organization in your area. Learn everything they have to offer and put it to practice. Your apprenticeship may last anywhere from 6 to 36 months.

4. Apply for entry level HVAC Technician jobs.

You can also enter the HVAC field directly after completing a training program and receiving your degree and/or certifications. Many HVAC contractors and employers often hire entry level HVAC technicians to "train in" to their organizations.

Many HVAC programs offer career placement assistance for graduates. Contact your local HVAC training school today and you can be on your way to a rewarding career in HVAC with a good transcript and a healthy resume.

Sources

Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Contractors Licensing and Registration, pprbd.org/contfiles/ContLicensing.aspx HVAC Excellence, Technician Certification, hvacexcellence.org/EmploymentReady.aspx United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition, bls.gov/oco/ocos192.htm HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

What Is an Auto Technician? Careers and Certifications

What is an auto technician, and what is this career like in 2012? Ever changing technology has made automotive mechanic careers a bit more complex than previous decades. Employers highly value automotive technicians that have successfully completed an auto technician training program and look for candidates who hold an additional auto mechanic certification or two, such as ASE or Snap-on.

If you've been thinking about a career as an auto technician or auto mechanic, read on to find out how you can boost your job prospects.

Receive auto technician training and hands-on experience with state of the art tools, equipment and diagnostic computers and become prepared to begin your professional career as an automotive technician.

1. Description of Automotive Mechanic Careers 2. Automotive Repair Career Growth 3. Auto Mechanic Certification: · ASE Certification · Snap-on Certification

1. Description of Automotive Mechanic Careers

Automotive mechanics and technicians typically tend to the inspection, maintenance, and repair of automobiles. They perform basic services like oil changes and tire rotations, diagnose any problems and take care of any necessary repairs.

Good reasoning skills, an extensive knowledge of automobiles and strong communication and analytical skills are all qualities that employers tend to look for in a good automotive mechanic.

2. Auto Repair Career Growth

Automotive careers can be rewarding personally and financially. Though the outlook for automotive mechanic career growth is not quite as high as some other professions, there is still demand for automotive technicians. With the ASE and Snap-on certifications, competition should be greatly decreased, so someone with those credentials should have no problem finding positions.

As older automotive technicians start to retire there may be much need for highly trained individuals to take their place.

3. Auto Mechanic Certification

Having an auto mechanic certification can make you more desirable to employers. Snap-on certifications and ASE certifications are valuable for an automotive technician to have, and employers love them.

ASE Certifications

The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is the automotive industry standard for automotive technicians. You should choose an auto mechanic school that can prepare you for ASE Certification testing. A good Automotive program will prepare you to take this exam with its auto technician training program.

ASE has 40+ exams that an automotive technician can take which are grouped by specialty. These exams focus on real world knowledge of job-related skills. Retesting every 5 years is required to keep your ASE Certification current.

Two years of experience and a passing grade on one of the above ASE examinations listed below are required for each area of certification. You can substitute a reputable auto technician training program for 1 year of experience.

Electrical systems Engine repair Brake systems Suspension and steering Heating and air-conditioning

Snap-on Certification

Having a Snap-on Industrial certification allows an automotive technician to successfully use Snap-on diagnostic equipment. Because of the sophistication of today's vehicles, sophisticated diagnostic tools, such as Snap-on tools, are becoming more and more important to identify and diagnose repair problems.

Look for a school that can offer the benefits of a partnership with Snap-on Industrial, a program dedicated to the use of Snap-on tools and diagnostics.

Instructors will be Snap-on certified and are trained to prepare each student to sit for the Snap-on examination. Each student also receives a set of Snap-on tools and a tool chest upon graduation from the program.

In Summary

The first step to making a major life changing decision, such as choosing a career as an Automotive Technician, is to become as informed as possible about what that career entails:

Competitive salaries Job versatility Lots of room for advancement

If that sounds like a good career choice for you, take the next step and contact the Automotive program at your local Technical College to begin your automotive technician career training today!

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

What Is an Auto Technician? Careers and Certifications

What is an auto technician, and what is this career like in 2012? Ever changing technology has made automotive mechanic careers a bit more complex than previous decades. Employers highly value automotive technicians that have successfully completed an auto technician training program and look for candidates who hold an additional auto mechanic certification or two, such as ASE or Snap-on.

If you've been thinking about a career as an auto technician or auto mechanic, read on to find out how you can boost your job prospects.

Receive auto technician training and hands-on experience with state of the art tools, equipment and diagnostic computers and become prepared to begin your professional career as an automotive technician.

1. Description of Automotive Mechanic Careers 2. Automotive Repair Career Growth 3. Auto Mechanic Certification: · ASE Certification · Snap-on Certification

1. Description of Automotive Mechanic Careers

Automotive mechanics and technicians typically tend to the inspection, maintenance, and repair of automobiles. They perform basic services like oil changes and tire rotations, diagnose any problems and take care of any necessary repairs.

Good reasoning skills, an extensive knowledge of automobiles and strong communication and analytical skills are all qualities that employers tend to look for in a good automotive mechanic.

2. Auto Repair Career Growth

Automotive careers can be rewarding personally and financially. Though the outlook for automotive mechanic career growth is not quite as high as some other professions, there is still demand for automotive technicians. With the ASE and Snap-on certifications, competition should be greatly decreased, so someone with those credentials should have no problem finding positions.

As older automotive technicians start to retire there may be much need for highly trained individuals to take their place.

3. Auto Mechanic Certification

Having an auto mechanic certification can make you more desirable to employers. Snap-on certifications and ASE certifications are valuable for an automotive technician to have, and employers love them.

ASE Certifications

The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is the automotive industry standard for automotive technicians. You should choose an auto mechanic school that can prepare you for ASE Certification testing. A good Automotive program will prepare you to take this exam with its auto technician training program.

ASE has 40+ exams that an automotive technician can take which are grouped by specialty. These exams focus on real world knowledge of job-related skills. Retesting every 5 years is required to keep your ASE Certification current.

Two years of experience and a passing grade on one of the above ASE examinations listed below are required for each area of certification. You can substitute a reputable auto technician training program for 1 year of experience.

Electrical systems Engine repair Brake systems Suspension and steering Heating and air-conditioning

Snap-on Certification

Having a Snap-on Industrial certification allows an automotive technician to successfully use Snap-on diagnostic equipment. Because of the sophistication of today's vehicles, sophisticated diagnostic tools, such as Snap-on tools, are becoming more and more important to identify and diagnose repair problems.

Look for a school that can offer the benefits of a partnership with Snap-on Industrial, a program dedicated to the use of Snap-on tools and diagnostics.

Instructors will be Snap-on certified and are trained to prepare each student to sit for the Snap-on examination. Each student also receives a set of Snap-on tools and a tool chest upon graduation from the program.

In Summary

The first step to making a major life changing decision, such as choosing a career as an Automotive Technician, is to become as informed as possible about what that career entails:

Competitive salaries Job versatility Lots of room for advancement

If that sounds like a good career choice for you, take the next step and contact the Automotive program at your local Technical College to begin your automotive technician career training today!

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook

If you enjoy working with your hands, then you might be thinking about a career as an HVAC technician. People with HVAC careers work with heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration. HVAC jobs can be a good fit for the right prospects.

Look into the wide selection ofHVAC careers below, and decide what's right for you.

HVAC Careers HVAC Jobs - Employment Growth HVAC Job Prospects HVAC Technician Career Details

HVAC Careers

HVAC Technicians can establish successful and dependable HVAC careers for themselves and can choose to work in a variety of environments, including:

Option 1 - Work for a building contractor as an HVAC technician in these fields

Plumbing Heating Air-conditioning

Option 2 - Work for places that need HVAC technicians to install and maintain their heating and cooling systems

Refrigeration and A/C service and repair shops Schools Stores that sell heating and air-conditioning systems Local governments Federal Government Hospitals Office buildings Other organizations that operate large A/C, refrigeration, or heating systems.

Option 3 - Work for yourself as an independent contractor in the HVAC specialization of your choice!

HVAC Jobs - Employment Growth

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to increase 28 percent during the 2008-18 decade."

Population growth increases the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial climate-control systems. Indoor air quality and environmental concerns are also factors in career growth and have led to the development of new energy-saving heating and A/C systems.

HVAC Job Prospects

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that "job prospects for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected to be excellent, particularly for those who have completed training from an accredited technical school or a formal apprenticeship."

Many technicians are going into retirement which is creating job openings all over the country. As it is, many contractors have reported a shortage in skilled HVAC technicians.

HVAC Training Schools

HVAC training schools provide you with hands-on training on modern equipment. They can also prepare you for taking HVAC certification exams.

HVAC Technician Benefits

Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically receive employer-sponsored benefits of some sort. This can include...

Health insurance Pension plans Work-related training Provide uniforms, company vans, and tools.

About 15% of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are members of a union.

In Summary

If a new career with job stability sounds good to you, then why not give one of your local HVAC training schools a call and sign up for your HVAC training courses today!

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook

If you enjoy working with your hands, then you might be thinking about a career as an HVAC technician. People with HVAC careers work with heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration. HVAC jobs can be a good fit for the right prospects.

Look into the wide selection ofHVAC careers below, and decide what's right for you.

HVAC Careers HVAC Jobs - Employment Growth HVAC Job Prospects HVAC Technician Career Details

HVAC Careers

HVAC Technicians can establish successful and dependable HVAC careers for themselves and can choose to work in a variety of environments, including:

Option 1 - Work for a building contractor as an HVAC technician in these fields

Plumbing Heating Air-conditioning

Option 2 - Work for places that need HVAC technicians to install and maintain their heating and cooling systems

Refrigeration and A/C service and repair shops Schools Stores that sell heating and air-conditioning systems Local governments Federal Government Hospitals Office buildings Other organizations that operate large A/C, refrigeration, or heating systems.

Option 3 - Work for yourself as an independent contractor in the HVAC specialization of your choice!

HVAC Jobs - Employment Growth

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to increase 28 percent during the 2008-18 decade."

Population growth increases the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial climate-control systems. Indoor air quality and environmental concerns are also factors in career growth and have led to the development of new energy-saving heating and A/C systems.

HVAC Job Prospects

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that "job prospects for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected to be excellent, particularly for those who have completed training from an accredited technical school or a formal apprenticeship."

Many technicians are going into retirement which is creating job openings all over the country. As it is, many contractors have reported a shortage in skilled HVAC technicians.

HVAC Training Schools

HVAC training schools provide you with hands-on training on modern equipment. They can also prepare you for taking HVAC certification exams.

HVAC Technician Benefits

Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically receive employer-sponsored benefits of some sort. This can include...

Health insurance Pension plans Work-related training Provide uniforms, company vans, and tools.

About 15% of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are members of a union.

In Summary

If a new career with job stability sounds good to you, then why not give one of your local HVAC training schools a call and sign up for your HVAC training courses today!

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing   

What Is an Auto Technician? Careers and Certifications

What is an auto technician, and what is this career like in 2012? Ever changing technology has made automotive mechanic careers a bit more complex than previous decades. Employers highly value automotive technicians that have successfully completed an auto technician training program and look for candidates who hold an additional auto mechanic certification or two, such as ASE or Snap-on.

If you've been thinking about a career as an auto technician or auto mechanic, read on to find out how you can boost your job prospects.

Receive auto technician training and hands-on experience with state of the art tools, equipment and diagnostic computers and become prepared to begin your professional career as an automotive technician.

1. Description of Automotive Mechanic Careers 2. Automotive Repair Career Growth 3. Auto Mechanic Certification: · ASE Certification · Snap-on Certification

1. Description of Automotive Mechanic Careers

Automotive mechanics and technicians typically tend to the inspection, maintenance, and repair of automobiles. They perform basic services like oil changes and tire rotations, diagnose any problems and take care of any necessary repairs.

Good reasoning skills, an extensive knowledge of automobiles and strong communication and analytical skills are all qualities that employers tend to look for in a good automotive mechanic.

2. Auto Repair Career Growth

Automotive careers can be rewarding personally and financially. Though the outlook for automotive mechanic career growth is not quite as high as some other professions, there is still demand for automotive technicians. With the ASE and Snap-on certifications, competition should be greatly decreased, so someone with those credentials should have no problem finding positions.

As older automotive technicians start to retire there may be much need for highly trained individuals to take their place.

3. Auto Mechanic Certification

Having an auto mechanic certification can make you more desirable to employers. Snap-on certifications and ASE certifications are valuable for an automotive technician to have, and employers love them.

ASE Certifications

The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is the automotive industry standard for automotive technicians. You should choose an auto mechanic school that can prepare you for ASE Certification testing. A good Automotive program will prepare you to take this exam with its auto technician training program.

ASE has 40+ exams that an automotive technician can take which are grouped by specialty. These exams focus on real world knowledge of job-related skills. Retesting every 5 years is required to keep your ASE Certification current.

Two years of experience and a passing grade on one of the above ASE examinations listed below are required for each area of certification. You can substitute a reputable auto technician training program for 1 year of experience.

Electrical systems Engine repair Brake systems Suspension and steering Heating and air-conditioning

Snap-on Certification

Having a Snap-on Industrial certification allows an automotive technician to successfully use Snap-on diagnostic equipment. Because of the sophistication of today's vehicles, sophisticated diagnostic tools, such as Snap-on tools, are becoming more and more important to identify and diagnose repair problems.

Look for a school that can offer the benefits of a partnership with Snap-on Industrial, a program dedicated to the use of Snap-on tools and diagnostics.

Instructors will be Snap-on certified and are trained to prepare each student to sit for the Snap-on examination. Each student also receives a set of Snap-on tools and a tool chest upon graduation from the program.

In Summary

The first step to making a major life changing decision, such as choosing a career as an Automotive Technician, is to become as informed as possible about what that career entails:

Competitive salaries Job versatility Lots of room for advancement

If that sounds like a good career choice for you, take the next step and contact the Automotive program at your local Technical College to begin your automotive technician career training today!

HVAC Jobs and Career Outlook   How to Get Your HVAC Certification and HVAC Licensing