Program Description
HVAC/Refrigeration Technicians install and/or repair heating, central air conditioning, or refrigeration systems, including oil and gas furnaces and boilers. Students typically begin a career as an entry-level HVAC Helper/Apprentice. Only certified technicians are permitted to perform refrigerant recovery in order to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and requirements.
Like the basic program, this advanced program features both HVAC theory and practice. Students will perform hands-on training throughout the program and work with various types of HVAC equipment in a laboratory setting. Criminal background checks and random drug testing are required for employment.
Students in this program should be detail-oriented and have the ability to follow safe work practices. In addition to dependability and integrity, mathematical and mechanical aptitudes are desirable for this field. HVAC technicians should have the ability to stand or crouch for long periods of time and have the capacity to lift 35 pounds regularly.
HVAC/Refrigeration Technicians can find employment opportunities in both commercial and residential settings. Property maintenance companies, HVAC repair contractors, utility providers, and industries that use refrigeration or climate control are all potential employers. 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 certificate, students will be able to:
- prepare to pass the EPA 608 (refrigerant) Universal Certification exam;
- perform installation and repair tasks associated with more advanced HVAC systems;
- calculate and design heating and cooling internal loads for commercial and residential installations; and
- demonstrate more advanced skills for work as a beginning HVACR 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 Credential
CCBC Credential:
Students will earn a CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).
External Credential:
Students who pass the EPA test will receive EPA 608 Universal certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Certifying Organization:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA class only)
www.epa.gov
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 Length
Approximately 9 months
Program Requirements
Students must have completed the HVAC/Refrigeration Technician (Basic Certificate) prior to starting this program.
Application Process
To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application. Upon acceptance, an email will be sent with additional information directing you to your next steps.
Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.
Prior Learning Assessment
This program has potential options for waiving 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 110.5 hours may be earned from prior learning.
Program Course Sequence
| Course Number | Course Title | Course Hours | Textbook Information (approximate cost, subject to change) | Costs T=Tuition/F=Fees | | VOC044 Shared with credit class AIRC121 | EPA Refrigeration Certification | 10 | | $185 T-$56/F-$129 | | VOA991 | EPA Refrigerant Recovery Exam | 2.5 | | $50 T-$0/F-$50 | | VOA656 Shared with credit class AIRC204 | Advanced HVAC Electricity | 58 | | $569 T-$171/F-$398 | | VOA653 Shared with credit class AIRC215 | Residential Load Calculations & Air Distribution | 40 | | $569 T-$171/F-$398 | |
Program Sequence Electives (Student chooses any two courses from list below):
| Course Number | Course Title | Course Hours | Textbook Information (approximate cost, subject to change) | Costs T=Tuition/F=Fees |
| VOA692 Shared with credit class AIRC121 | Residential Estimates & Sales | 39 | | $569 T-$171/F-$398 |
| VOA859 Shared with credit class AIRC222 | Commercial Refrigeration Systems | 50 | | $569 T-$171/F-$398 |
| VOA801 Shared with credit class AIRC223 | Commercial HVAC Systems | 47 | | $569 T-$171/F-$398 |
| VOA802 Shared with credit class AIRC224 | Commercial Control Systems | 45 | | $569 T-$171/F-$398 |
| VOA631 Shared with credit class AIRC230 | Alternative & Renewable Energy Resources | 50 | | $569 T-$171/F-$398 |
| VOA953 Shared with credit class AIRC232 | Advanced Residential Systems | 50 | | $569 T-$171/F-$398 |
| Course Series Totals: (Core Program Sequence with two electives) | | varies | | $2,511 T-$740/F-$1,771 |
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 Contract Information
Program Coordinator: Dave Frey | dfrey@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-2793 | Dundalk | STAT 110
Administrative Assistant: TBA
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