Building Automation Systems Technician

Program Description

Building Automated Systems (BAS) technicians work to manage and maintain a centralized system that controls the heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, and lighting inside an industrial, commercial, or residential building.  Duties may also include installation of system components, and regular system-wide safety and functionality tests. BAS specialists and engineers design systems, determine overall effectiveness, and choose components that meet the building’s energy and operational needs.  Possible career opportunities include BAS engineer, BAS equipment installer, BAS tester,​ and BAS sales representative.

This program features course and lab work that provides entry-level skills for computer-based aspects of HVAC.  The BAS field contains the integration of HVAC and networked Information Technology (IT) systems that control all major buildings today. Students will be introduced to Data Communication, Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), HVAC Electricity, and other topics.

Successful candidates must be self-motivated, independent learners, able​ to work both independently and as a team member, be detail-oriented, have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, persistence, manual dexterity, mechanical aptitude, mathematical aptitude​, ability to understand blueprints and schematics, ability to develop programming skills, ability to stand or crouch for long periods of time, and ability to lift 35 pounds.​

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 970.​  Additional career information may be found in Career Coach:   https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/​.​​

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. ​analyze commercial HVAC system design for large buildings and advanced large-scale systems; 

2. employ computer-aided design basics as they are used in the building automation industry;

3. summarize the use of information technology as it is employed in the network systems that support the building automation systems;

4. demonstrate the use of building automation system hardware and software to control HVAC system operations and energy consumption;

5. interpret construction drawings to include mechanical, electrical, and structural sets​;

6. program operational sequences for building equipment and systems;

7. commission building systems and the related components to ensure effective performance and compliance; and

8. demonstrate effective skills to work as an entry level BAS technician.

CCBC Pathway

Technology and Engineering Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

Length of Training

Approximately 12 to 18 months

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Requirements

​High School Diploma or GED

Minimum age of 18 

College level reading and math skills 

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for waving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum, and/or demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning.  A maximum of 204 hours may be earned from prior learning.

Program Sequence

Required Courses:

Data Communications Elective - A part of their program, student should choose one of the following two courses: 

Course Series Total - Required Courses and Required Choice of Elective

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Coordinator: David Frey | dfrey@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-2793 | Dundalk | STAT 110​

Administrative Assistant: Margie Anne Bonnett | mbonnett@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-5213 | Dundalk | STAT 120