Blog Post

Your Guide to Becoming an HVAC Technician

By Admin | Jan 15, 2025

Are you considering a career in the HVAC industry? HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians play an essential role in maintaining comfort and safety in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This rewarding profession offers stability, competitive pay, and opportunities for growth. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what it takes to become an HVAC technician and how to start your journey.

 

What’s Required to Work in HVAC

To get started in an HVAC career there are really only two things you need. A license and experience. A license is required in most states for you to perform the work and the experience isn’t necessarily a requirement, but who wants to hire an HVAC tech with no experience?

Fortunately, going through an apprenticeship or training program will provide you with the work hours necessary to get your license and provide experience so that you’re not green going into the workforce.

Some job opportunities may require different licenses so be sure to check the requirements for the state in which you want to work. (Here is where to find licensing information for us here in Maryland and Delaware)

In a moment we will break down the steps to becoming a licensed HVAC professional, but before we do, ask yourself do you have what it takes to be an HVAC Technician.

 

Do you have what it takes to be an HVAC Tech?

HVAC isn’t for everyone. However, it can be a great career with ample opportunities for those who are a good fit. To know if you have what it takes, let’s take a moment to understand what an HVAC tech does and the skills required to be one.

What an HVAC tech does on a daily basis

Most people know that HVAC technicians install, repair, and maintain heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. But what’s actually involved? Let’s look at what their daily tasks may include:

  • Diagnosing system issues using specialized tools.
  • Installing new HVAC systems and components.
  • Performing routine maintenance to improve efficiency and lifespan.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
  • Discussing issues and solutions with homeowners and property owners.

As an HVAC technician, you’ll combine technical skills with problem-solving to deliver reliable solutions. 

 

Essential Skills and Qualities

Success in this field requires more than the desire to be an HVAC specialist. It requires a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Key qualities of successful techs include:

  • Mechanical aptitude: Comfort with tools, machinery, and technical systems.
  • Problem-solving skills: Ability to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.
  • Attention to detail: Precision in system installation and repairs.
  • Communication skills: Explaining complex systems to clients in simple terms.
  • Physical stamina: Comfort working in various conditions, from tight spaces to outdoor environments.

As an HVAC technician, you will need to have the essential skills to do your daily tasks but also understand that you will have to work in uncomfortable conditions on a daily basis. Some days you will do a lot of driving, some days you’ll have to crawl through small crawl spaces, and some days you’ll have to deal with angry clients.

Some love the ups and downs of HVAC while others don’t last long. It’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide for yourself.

 

Steps to Becoming an HVAC Professional

Depending on your state, there are certain educational and training requirements to get your HVAC license. For example, to obtain your journeyman license in Maryland, you must: 

  • Must have been licensed as an apprentice for at least four years and during that period must have completed at least 6,000 hours of training in providing HVACR services under the direction and control of a licensed HVACR contractor
  • Pass the journeyman examination with a score of 70%; and
  • Currently, hold an apprentice license.

States require this type of training and licensing to ensure individuals performing the duties are qualified to protect consumers from potential hazards by guaranteeing a certain level of competency and upholding safety standards related to electrical systems, natural gas, and refrigerants.

A high school diploma or GED is not technically required to get licensed but is necessary to get into an apprenticeship school or trades skills program.

 

Earn Qualifications and training hours

Trade schools, training programs, and apprenticeship schools are all great ways to learn the HVAC trade and develop skills. However, not every program will offer everything necessary to get licensed or get employment once out of the program. 

The best way to get your necessary training is to join an apprenticeship. Not only will you learn the HVAC trade, but you’ll also get the required training hours for licensing. 

At UA Local 486 Apprenticeship School students not only learn the fundamentals but get real hands-on experience on job sites working directly with HVAC technicians.  

 

Obtain Licensing

Once the necessary qualifications have been obtained, the only thing left to do is to obtain your license. While your training school may have helped prepare you, you’re on your own at this point. 

The first thing you will need to do to obtain your license is to pass a state-required exam. After years of proper training, this should be no problem for you to pass. 

After passing your exam, you will finally be able to apply for your license. Be sure you will be able to prove you meet all the requirements.

 

Find a Job

Your final step in becoming an HVAC technician is to find a job where you can put your skills to use. Many of our apprentices have relationships with companies and get offers as they prepare for graduation, but others who choose not to continue working with their current company can find jobs simply by applying to other HVAC companies in their area.

Starting your own HVAC business is another great option but most states will require a higher level of licensing that will require additional work experience before obtaining.  

For most apprentices and students graduating from a training program who don’t have a job lined up, the advice is the same. Determine what type of work you want to do, and apply to companies that fit your needs.

 

Why Choose UA 486 Local Apprenticeship School For Training

If you’re in Maryland or Delaware we highly recommend checking out our apprenticeship school for your HVAC training. Our apprenticeship program is more than just training – it’s a pathway to creating a fulfilling career. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Experienced Instructors: Learn from industry veterans with decades of experience.
  • Real On-The-Job Training: Apply the skills you learn on real job sites with licensed HVAC contractors.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train on the latest equipment and technology.
  • Job Placement Support: Connect with top employers in the HVAC field.
  • Additional Certifications And Qualifications: Learn complementary skills and gain additional certifications in addition to your HVAC licensing.
  • Earn While You Learn: Earn competitive wages while you learn, minimizing student loan debt.

At the UA Local 486 Apprenticeship, our goal is to create the best tradesmen and women around. And we aim to achieve this by offering some of the best training, benefits and job support. 

Take the First Step Today!

If you are in MD or DE and ready to start your journey toward a rewarding career as an HVAC technician, we are here to guide you. Our program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and support to excel in this dynamic industry.

Apply today or request more information and build a future you can be proud of!