Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

The HVAC program is designed to teach students the principles and technical application of
installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, air conditioning, and cooling systems according to
industry standards. Students will be prepared to pass federal, state, and local licensing/certification exams. An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, 1-year certificate, and short-term certificates in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC) from WCCCD prepare HVAC installers.

  • HVAC mechanics
  • HVAC technicians
  • Refrigeration Technician
  • Geothermal Technician
  • Boiler Operator

What’s the Job Outlook for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Professionals?

Employment for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, June 2024, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

64
credits required to complete a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) A.A.S.
28
credits required to complete a HVAC Short-Term: 3rd Class Refrigeration Certificate
33
credits required to complete a HVAC: Geothermal Technology Certificate
30
credits required to complete a HVAC: High Pressure Steam Certificate
34
credits required to complete an HVAC: Sheet Metal Design and Fabrication Certificate
$57,300
median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers as of May 2023

What’s Required to Complete the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Program?

A certificate in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) from WCCCD ranges from 28-34 credits to complete. An AAS in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) from WCCCD requires 64 total credits.

As a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) student at WCCCD, you’ll take both general education courses and courses required for a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) major.

Some students plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their AAS. If that’s your goal, you might choose specific courses. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Degree?

Most Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) students take five semesters (2.5 years) to complete AAS degree prerequisites and required courses.  

What Will I Learn as a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Student?

WCCCD Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) students will learn about general building, facilities, and property maintenance, which includes basic electrical, basic plumbing, and appliance repair. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including liberal arts and other HVAC disciplines.      

Our Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are an excellent learn additional skills to change careers or update skills in your field. They also require a smaller number of courses to complete, saving you money tuition, and helping you land some jobs sooner. 

Here are the certificate programs we offer in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). 

  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - 3rd Class Refridgeration, SCERT
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - Geothermal Technology, CERT
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - High Pressure Steam, CERT
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) -  Sheet Metal Design and Fabrication, CERT

Recommended course sequencing

Semester 1 Total: 14 Credits


Semester 2 Total: 13 Credits


Semester 3 Total: 11 Credits


Semester 4 Total: 13 Credits


Semester 5 Total: 13 Credits


HVAC: A.A.S. Program Total: 64 Credits


Note: Program total hours may not include prerequisites.

Semester 1 Total: 11 Credits


Semester 3 Total: 9 Credits


HVAC: High Pressure Steam Certificate Total: 30 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Semester 1 Total: 11 Credits


Semester 3 Total: 13 Credits


HVAC: Sheet Metal Design Certificate Total: 34 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Semester 1 Total: 9 Credits


HVAC: Geothermal Certificate Total: 33 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Semester 1 Total: 8 Credits


Semester 2 Total: 8 Credits


Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - Residential Air Conditioning and Commercial Refrigeration SCERT Program Total: 16 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Semester 1 Total: 11 Credits


Semester 2 Total: 11 Credits


HVAC: 3rd Class Refrigeration Certificate Total: 28 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Semester 1 Total: 7 Credits


Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - Advanced ACERT Program Total: 13 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Semester 1 Total: 3 Credits


Semester 2 Total: 6 Credits


Semester 3 Total: 3 Credits


Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - Boiler Operations ACERT Program Total: 12 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Semester 1 Total: 5 Credits


Semester 2 Total: 5 Credits


Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - Sheet Metal Design and Fabrication ACERT Program Total: 10 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

ACERT Total: 10 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Where is WCCCD’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Program Offered?

The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program is offered at our Eastern and Ted Scott campuses. Both campuses also offer similar certificates and degrees. As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.

It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.