HVAC/Refrigeration Technician

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.  

This 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.   Students can continue their education and obtain additional certificates and/or pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Energy Technology.  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 10% from 2022 to 2032 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 720.​  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.  prepare to pass the EPA 608 (refrigerant) Universal Certification exam;

2.  perform basic installation and repair tasks associated with heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems; and

3.  demonstrate effective skills to work as an entry level HVACR technician. 

CCBC Pathway & Track

Technology and Engineering Pathway: HVAC Track - 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 receive a 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

Traditional Schedule: Approximately 9 months

Fast Track Option: 14 weeks (days), 15 weeks (evenings)

Courses are offered at CCBC Catonsville and Dundalk.

Program Requirements

High School Diploma or GED. Minimum age of 18.

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 or demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning. A maximum of 175.5 program hours may be earned from prior learning. 

Program Course Sequence

Traditional Schedule:

Fast Track Schedule:

Additional Information

In addition to the Basic HVAC Certificate, students can pursue an Advanced Certificate program and/or Building Automation Systems Program Certificate. These certificates are offered as non-credit or credit courses.​

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

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

Administrative Assistant:  Audrey White | awhite5@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4775 | Dundalk | STAT 120

Technical Standards

Technical Standards for CCBC’s HVAC/Refrigeration Technician Training Programs (Basic Certificate & Advanced Certificate)

The primary goal of The Community College of Baltimore County’s HVAC/Refrigeration Technician Training Program is to adequately prepare students for entry-level employment as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

The duties of an HVAC/Refrigeration Technician require the ability to work indoors and outdoors, often in extreme temperatures, confined spaces, elevated locations, and physically demanding conditions. Technicians must perform tasks that involve electrical systems, pressurized refrigerants, moving mechanical components, and potentially hazardous materials. Work frequently requires sustained concentration, attention to detail, and adherence to safety and environmental regulations. A high level of manual dexterity, physical endurance, problem solving ability, and professional integrity are essential.

Following is a partial listing of the types of skills typically required for adequate job performance.

Physical Requirements

A. Sufficient strength, stamina, and mobility to:

• Stand, walk, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, twist, and climb ladders or scaffolding for extended periods
• Work in confined spaces such as crawlspaces, attics, mechanical rooms, and rooftops
• Lift, carry, push, or pull equipment, tools, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds independently, and safely participate in team-lifts or utilize mechanical assists for heavier objects (such as compressors or recovery cylinders).
• Maintain balance and body control while working at heights or on uneven surfaces
• Work efficiently to meet service deadlines, emergency calls, or production requirements
• Arm-hand‑ steadiness
• Manual and finger dexterity

B. Fine motor coordination sufficient to perform precise tasks such as:

• Safely handling hand tools, power tools, sharp instruments, and electrical testing devices
• Connecting and disconnecting refrigerant gauges, hoses, and recovery equipment
• Performing detailed mechanical and electrical adjustments
• Assembling, disassembling, cleaning, and maintaining HVACR components
• Operating and adjusting controls on heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems
• Operating and navigating digital interfaces, mobile diagnostic applications, smart tool sensors, and microprocessor-based controls.

C. Adequate vision, hearing, and sensory perception to:

• Read and interpret analog gauges, digital meters, wiring diagrams, schematics, and digital displays
• Distinguish color-coded wiring, piping, and safety indicators
• Detect air leaks, unusual sounds, vibrations, or odors that may indicate equipment malfunction
• Safely monitor system performance and environmental conditions

Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism

A. Have the ability to:

• Work in a professional manner under physically demanding, stressful, or time sensitive conditions
• Demonstrate accuracy, attention to detail, and thorough documentation of service records
• Commit to learning evolving technologies, codes, equipment, and energy efficiency standards
• Follow all applicable safety regulations, environmental laws, and workplace policies
• Interact professionally with customers, supervisors, inspectors, and coworkers from diverse backgrounds
• Respect client property, privacy, and confidentiality
• Maintain required certifications and licenses, including EPA Section 608 certification
• Uphold ethical standards related to refrigerant handling, environmental protection, and workplace safety
• Willingly assist in training or mentoring others as required

B. Sufficient communication skills to:

• Give and receive accurate verbal and written instructions
• Read, understand, and follow technical manuals, service bulletins, and safety documentation
• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers regarding system operation, maintenance, and safety concerns
• Report hazards, equipment malfunctions, or errors through proper communication channels
• Communicate calmly and effectively during emergencies or service disruptions

Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability To:

• Apply critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, and troubleshooting skills
• Exercise sound judgment when working with electrical systems, pressurized refrigerants, and mechanical equipment
• Accurately utilize technical manuals, schematics, codes, and digital resources
• Perform duties while exposed to noise, heat, cold, dust, chemicals, and potentially hazardous materials
• Adapt to changing job conditions, work environments, and customer demands
• Accept supervision, instruction, and constructive feedback

Environment Requirements

A. The HVAC/Refrigeration profession involves risks and/or discomforts that require special safety precautions, including, but not limited to:

• Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, hard hats, and protective footwear
• Working around electrical hazards, moving machinery, pressurized systems, and refrigerants regulated under federal environmental law
• Exposure to chemicals, cleaning agents, oils, refrigerants, and other potentially hazardous materials
• Working in environments with extreme temperatures, loud noise, and outdoor weather conditions
• Compliance with OSHA safety standards and EPA Clean Air Act regulations, including proper refrigerant recovery and handling
• Obtaining and maintaining EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, which is federally required to handle refrigerants
• Meeting employer, externship, or job‑site requirements, which may include criminal background checks and random drug testing, consistent with industry employment practices.

Note on Licensing and Employment Context: 

While completion of the CCBC HVAC/Refrigeration Technician Training Program prepares students for entry-level employment, individuals providing HVACR services in the State of Maryland must hold a valid license issued by the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors. Students entering the field must register for an Apprentice License. Crucially, successful completion of CCBC’s HVACR training program provides formal educational credits that the Board may apply toward the 3-year combination of experience and study required to sit for the Maryland Journeyman license exam. Apprentices must work under the direct guidance of a licensed Master or Journeyman technician and may not contract work independently.

Sources

• Federal Industry & Safety Standards
  • These technical standards are informed by nationally recognized occupational data for this occupation, which defines the essential physical, cognitive, environmental, and professional requirements of the occupation. O*NET OnLine
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -Section 608 of the Clean Air Act – Technician Certification & Refrigerant Handling Requirements
    https://www.epa.gov/section608
  • OSHA / HVAC Safety & Workplace Risk Overview - Common hazards, PPE, and safety expectations for HVAC field technicians
    https://www.fieldax.com/blog/hvac-compliance-safety-standards-us-guide/
• State of Maryland Licensing & Regulatory Requirements
  • Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors - Official licensing requirements for apprentice, journeyman, and master HVACR professionals
    https://www.labor.maryland.gov/license/hvacr/hvacrlicreq.shtml
• Industry & Workforce Context
  • Maryland HVAC License & Certification Guide (2026) - Overview of HVAC training pathways, employment outlook, and licensing structure in Maryland
    https://www.servicetitan.com/licensing/hvac/maryland