HVAC/Refrigeration - Certificate Program
Want to develop valuable skills in a reliable trade? Eastern Florida's Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning /Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Career and Technical Certificate (CTC) program can help you to achieve that goal. This program is designed to prepare you for entry-level positions in the HVAC/R field.
You'll be part of a group of students who will progress together through a career-specific curriculum totaling 1,350 clock hours over a one-year period. The training covers various aspects, such as basic refrigeration, residential systems, electrical circuitry, load calculations, installation, system service, repair, and more. By the end of the program, you'll have gained knowledge and hands-on experience in these areas.
Additionally, you'll be eligible to take the EPA certification exam, which is a crucial industry-standard requirement for all HVAC/R professionals.
HVAC/R Certificate - Course Curriculum
Eastern Florida's HVAC/R training program is a full-time program that takes about one year to complete, with the cohorts starting in both August (Cocoa Campus) and January (Palm Bay Campus) each year. The program consists of three sets of clock-hour courses, with each set lasting 450 clock-hours. All classes for this certificate are held in person on 麻豆直播's Cocoa and Palm Bay Campuses with a class schedule that runs from Monday to Friday, starting at 7:30 AM and concluding at 3:30 PM.
HVAC/Refrigeration - Certificate Program
Program Overview
- Certificate Type
- Career and Technical Certificate (CTC)
- Delivery Method
- On-Campus
- Location
- Cocoa & Palm Bay
- Total Clock Hours
- 1350
- Academic Community
- Industry/Manufacturing & Construction
- Contact Information
HVAC Career and Technical Certificate - Admissions Information
Spring 2027 Application Deadline: December 3rd
Fall 2027 Application Deadline: July 15th
The HVAC/R program at Eastern Florida is a limited access program. For consideration into the program, students must complete the 麻豆直播 admission application, which includes selecting HVAC/R as their program of study, and answering the additional program-specific question required for the selection process. Complete the steps below by the published deadline in order to be reviewed as part of the program's formal selection process. Admission to 麻豆直播 does not guarantee admission to the program.
For HVAC/R transfer students coming from other colleges or vocational-technical centers, evaluation will be made on a case-by-case basis. If you've completed certain courses at a Brevard Public Schools high school, you may qualify for advanced standing credit and could receive college credit for your previous coursework, which can save you time and money. We understand that everyone's situation is unique, and we'll consider your individual circumstances.
How to Apply for the HVAC/R Program
- Complete & submit the online to 麻豆直播.
- Select "CTC Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration" as your desired program of study.
- Be prepared to submit a paragraph of intent with the application: "In 250 words or less, describe why you want to enroll in this program and what you hope to do once you鈥檝e completed the program. Please include any relevant academic, professional, and/or personal experience."
- A $30 non-refundable fee is due at the time of application.
NOTE: This step pertains ONLY to students who are not currently enrolled at 麻豆直播. If you're:
- A returning/readmit student who applied one or more years ago, and have not completed a course in the past year, you'll need to , and will not be charged the application fee again.
- Already an active student at 麻豆直播 (in another major), you will need to complete a Major/Program Change Form and submit it to the Admissions Office.
If you have additional questions about the application process or program requirements, please email the HVAC/R program advisor.
After admission, students will receive an email with instructions for accessing the my麻豆直播 student portal. Use the Message Center to review any outstanding enrollment requirements or admissions holds that could delay your enrollment if selected for the program.
The TABE (Test for Adult Basic Education) is a required exam that students must take within six weeks of starting the HVAC/R program unless exempt. The current version of the exam administered at 麻豆直播 is TABE 13/14 Level A. Students without a licensure or another exemption must meet the minimum score requirement(s) on the TABE to graduate from the HVAC/R program. It is not an entrance exam.
Many students qualify for a TABE exemption. See the TABE Exemptions page to determine if you qualify. If you do not meet one of the exemptions, you can schedule the TABE at an 麻豆直播 Assessment Center using the RegisterBlast appointment system. Our team will also review your record for exemptions and let you know.
Learn more about the TABE, including score requirements, exemptions options, and how to take the test at an 麻豆直播 Testing Center on the TABE page.
Brief Costs and Financial Aid Eligibility
If you're considering the HVAC/R program at Eastern Florida, it's important to know about the costs involved. The in-state tuition for this program is around $3,460. However, please note that there might be additional fees for things like course materials, labs, or equipment.
There are various financial assistance options available to help you manage these costs. Depending on your eligibility, you may qualify for Federal financial aid, scholarships, payment plans, or Veterans Educational Benefits. These resources can help reduce the amount of money you need to pay out of your own pocket. The Financial Aid Office is a good resource as you explore your options.
College Courses You Would Take
During interactive instruction, you can expect to learn important techniques, such as using test gauges correctly, understanding different types and uses of electricity related to HVAC/R, mastering soldering and brazing techniques safely, handling refrigerant recovery systems properly, identifying materials needed for copper tubing connection, troubleshooting common HVAC/R issues, and much more.
If you've recently completed AC Refrigeration and Heating Technology courses through Brevard Public Schools, you may be eligible to receive free college credit for these classes through advanced standing credit. If this applies to you, reach out to the program advisor.
Here are some of the courses required for 麻豆直播's HVAC/R program:
Learn system charging, instrument calibration, hands-on compressor work, and more in this practical HVAC/R course covering the major components of AC and refrigeration systems.
Analyze controls, troubleshoot circuits, identify components, and use motors as you receive hands-on instruction in wiring and equipment.
Explores troubleshooting, commercial refrigeration, chilled water AC, and rooftop units. Includes EPA and ICE exam prep, plus hands-on training in labs and simulations.
Covers refrigeration systems like ice machines, freezers, chill water systems, cooling towers, and pumps, including hands-on training in maintenance and computer simulations.
Why Study HVAC at Eastern Florida?
HVAC/R Professionals are In-Demand
As an HVAC/R professional, you'll find opportunities in installation, service, and repair, working with mechanical and refrigeration contractors in residential, commercial, and industrial settings across Florida and the entire country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% growth in demand for qualified technicians in the next decade.
It's More Than Just Air-Conditioning
HVAC/R goes beyond just air-conditioning! Refrigeration mechanics handle commercial refrigeration systems in various places like supermarkets, warehouses, cruise lines, and shipping vehicles. Furnace installers work on heating systems in homes, businesses, and industries. At 麻豆直播, you'll learn the skills to work with AC, refrigeration, and furnaces. Get ready to expand your knowledge and excel in the diverse field of HVAC/R.
Learn From Experienced Instructors
At Eastern Florida, you'll have skilled HVAC/R instructors, who will guide you in gaining experience and confidence. They provide hands-on training using modern equipment and simulations. With personalized instruction, you'll develop effective work habits. Safety is a top priority, with OSHA industry standards emphasized in the HVAC/R lab and throughout the program.
HVAC Training in Action
鈥淚t鈥檚 good to get your hands on things. We really get hands-on, learning the proper
techniques and how to figure out issues. It鈥檚 a great skill that can be used anywhere
in the world, and there are great job opportunities.鈥�
鈥� Nicholas Veit, 麻豆直播 Student
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