HVAC Technician
Train at Summit College — El Cajon Campus — 720 instructional hours across 9 modules, eligible for EPA Section 608 Universal Certification.
Learn the operations, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The program is specifically structured to prepare you to test for the EPA Section 608 Universal Certification prior to graduation and the NATE Core Certification after graduation.
What Is an HVAC Technician?
The HVAC program at Summit College is a basic HVAC education program encompassing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. The content in each course focuses on learning objectives identified by HVAC industry groups (such as AHRI and NATE) as key knowledge for an HVAC technician.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will understand the operations, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems and be prepared for entry-level positions in the HVAC industry.
As a requirement of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, HVAC/R technicians practicing in refrigerants must pass the EPA 608 Certifications within the type of equipment being worked on. This program prepares students to be eligible to test for the EPA 608 Universal Certification, which encompasses EPA 608 Certification Type I, II, and III.
HVAC technicians install, service, and repair the systems that control temperature, humidity, and air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The role blends mechanical, electrical, and refrigerant work — from troubleshooting and brazing pipe to charging refrigerant and diagnosing system components.
HVAC/R technicians are required by the U.S. EPA to hold Section 608 certification to service refrigerant-containing equipment
Job Growth Outlook
720 instructional hours · 9 modules (4 weeks each) · 54 quarter credits
Training Duration
How HVAC Technician Training Is Delivered
Format
Residential — on-ground lecture (didactic) and lab skills. Teacher/Student Ratio 1:35 Lecture / 1:20 Lab.
Typical Timeline
9 modules × 4 weeks each — 720 total instructional clock hours (360 lecture / 360 lab) and 54 quarter credit hours
Flexibility
Students must maintain 80% overall program attendance and complete all 9 modules to be eligible for a Certificate of Completion.
Learning Flow
Each module includes 12 hours of estimated homework outside the classroom. Students gain hands-on experience with 3-ton residential & commercial AC units, 3-ton heat pumps, 3-ton & 5-ton condensers, and ice maker / refrigerator / freezer units.
Coaching Support
What You'll Learn in HVAC Technician Training
Core Skills
The foundational skills you'll build in this program.
- HV510 Principles of Heat, Energy & Pressure
- HV520 Electrical Systems & Components
- HV525 HVAC Brazing Techniques
- HV575 Green Job Training
- HV530 Commercial Environmental Systems
- HV540 Commercial Refrigeration
- HV550 HVAC System Design
- HV560 Residential & Commercial Systems
- HV570 Refrigerants & Refrigeration Systems
Tools & Technology
Practical tools and frameworks used in the field.
- 3-Ton Residential & Commercial AC units
- 3-Ton Heat Pump
- 3-Ton and 5-Ton Condenser units (various)
- Ice Maker, Refrigerator and Freezer units (various)
- Oxyacetylene welding, flame cutting, brazing and soldering equipment
- Refrigerant recovery/recycle units
- HVAC/R service valves, gauges, and piping
- Electrical test instruments for motors, starting components, and protection devices
Safety & Compliance
Safety protocols and compliance requirements.
- Industry safety standards for refrigerant handling, brazing, and welding
- Electrical safety including Lock Out / Tag Out procedures
- EPA Section 608 no-venting laws
- Refrigerant recovery, recycling, and proper charging
- PPE — safety glasses, gloves, and uniform
- 80% overall attendance requirement
Is HVAC Technician Training Right For You?
This program is designed for motivated learners who want a structured path into a career in summit college — el cajon campus.
This Program Is For You If...
- You want a hands-on skilled trade with strong demand
- You're comfortable working with mechanical, electrical, and refrigerant systems
- You want EPA Section 608 Universal Certification eligibility built into your training
- You can commit to on-ground residential lecture and lab classes
- You're targeting roles in residential service, commercial HVAC, or refrigeration
Consider Other Options If...
- You want a fully online, self-paced program
- You're looking for a desk-based or office-only role
- You can't commit to the 9-module on-ground schedule
- You aren't comfortable with physical work, ladders, rooftops, or confined mechanical spaces
Certifications for HVAC Technician
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
EPA Section 608 Universal Certification
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Required by the U.S. EPA for anyone who performs maintenance, service, repair, or disposal of refrigerants. The Universal Certification encompasses Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure refrigerant equipment), and Type III (low-pressure refrigerant equipment).
Focus: 25 Core questions plus 25 questions each for Type I, Type II, and Type III. A score of 72% (18 of 25) is required on each section to earn the Universal Certification.
NATE Core Certification
North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
Industry-recognized credential graduates are prepared to pursue after completion of the Summit College HVAC program.
Focus: Core HVAC/R competencies identified by industry groups such as AHRI and NATE.
Certificate of Completion — HVAC
Summit College
Awarded once the student completes all 9 program modules and meets the 80% overall attendance requirement.
Focus: Comprehensive coverage of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration competencies across 720 instructional hours.
Program is specifically structured to prepare students to be eligible to test for the EPA 608 Universal Certification prior to graduation.
* EPA Section 608 and NATE certification exams are administered by third-party organizations. Exam fees may apply and are not included in tuition unless explicitly stated by Summit College.
Career Outlook
Entry-Level Roles
- Air Conditioning Technician
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer
- HVAC Mechanic
- HVAC Service Tech
- HVAC Specialist
- HVAC Tech (per SOC 49-9021)
Advancement Path
Progress into commercial HVAC, refrigeration specialist, lead technician, service manager, or open your own HVAC service business.
Career Progression
EPA Section 608 Universal Certification opens the door to all categories of refrigerant-containing equipment, from small appliances to high-pressure residential and commercial systems and low-pressure chillers.
Tuition & Investment
What's Included
HVAC Technician Training
- 720 total instructional hours — 360 lecture + 360 lab
- 9 modules × 80 hours each (4 weeks per module)
- 54 quarter credit hours
- 1:35 Lecture / 1:20 Lab teacher-to-student ratio
- On-ground residential delivery (lecture + lab)
- Hands-on training on 3-ton AC units, heat pumps, 3- and 5-ton condensers, ice makers, refrigerators/freezers
- EPA Section 608 Universal Certification eligibility prior to graduation
- Summit College Certificate of Completion
Offer Insurance
Complete the program, follow the coaching system, and actively execute your job search — and you'll get a qualifying job offer. If you don't, we'll give you up to $9,000 back.
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Train at Summit College — El Cajon Campus
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