HVAC Tech Responsibilties:
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
HVAC Tech Benefits:
HVAC techs can get lots of overtime work since many people require fixes and upgrades during the summer and winter months. The shortage of HVAC techs means there are more opportunities than ever in this space!
In the state of Virginia, it is mandatory to hold a valid HVAC license to work as an HVAC technician.
In the state of Virginia, there are three types of HVAC licenses: journeyman, master, and contractor licenses.
A journeyman license is the most basic type of license that allows you to begin working as an HVAC technician. However, you cannot have your own company.
If you have held a journeyman HVAC license for more than a year, you can obtain a master license. With a master license, you can supervise repair and installation services.
The contractor license in Virginia is unique because it offers three different classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. With a contractor license, you can oversee entire HVAC projects, including repair, maintenance, or installation of HVAC units.
If you obtain a Class C license, your work must be valued at no more than $10,000 for a single project or $150,000 for all projects in a year.
If you obtain a Class B license, your restrictions will be set to $120,000 for a single project and $750,000 for all projects in a year.
If you qualify for a Class A license, there is no monetary cap on the projects you can oversee.
Salary-wise, someone with a journeyman license can expect to earn an average of $48,000. For a master HVAC technician, the salary is around $93,000. Technicians with a contractor’s license have varying salaries based on the class of license they possess. If you have a Class A license, you can potentially make millions of dollars each year as you own a contracting company.
The state of Virginia offers promising employment opportunities for mechanics and installers of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration units. The field is expected to experience a significant growth rate of 15% from 2016 to 2026, driven by the increasing demand for complex climate-control systems. If you have knowledge of computers and electronics, you'll have the best chances for a successful career in HVAC.
A career in HVAC offers several advantages, including the opportunity to become a technician without the need for an expensive bachelor's degree. HVAC technicians also enjoy substantial room for career advancement, with the possibility of progressing from an entry-level position to a managerial role.
If you are interested in becoming an HVAC technician in Virginia, it is important to understand the requirements for obtaining a license based on the type of license you are seeking.
If you plan to work on HVAC projects valued at more than $1,000, you will need a contractor's license. To obtain this license, you must meet the following criteria:
Attending a reputable HVAC training school is highly recommended to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for the certification test. Some top schools in Virginia for HVAC training include:
These schools offer associate's degree programs in HVAC, and degrees in related fields such as electrical/electronics and building maintenance and repair can also fulfill the educational requirements. Most programs are hybrid courses, combining online and in-person classes.
If you prefer gaining practical experience instead of attending school, you can qualify for a journeyman license with either:
For a master license, one year of experience with a journeyman license is sufficient. However, many technicians choose to gain more experience before pursuing a master license.
The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation is responsible for administering HVAC licenses in Virginia.
To obtain a journeyman or master license, you must pass two exams: a trade exam and a regulatory exam. The fees for these exams are $100 for a journeyman license and $125 for a master license. The exams consist of 85 questions, and you will have 210 minutes to complete them. Topics covered include warm air heating, ventilation, refrigerants, and fire safety.
For higher level licenses (Class B and Class A), additional exams focusing on board rules and regulations, state labor laws, fiscal responsibility, business organization, and contract management are required. Attending a trade school or college program for HVAC will prepare you for these exams.
HVAC licenses in Virginia must be renewed every two years, and a fee of $90 is required for renewal. Failure to renew within 30 days of the original license expiration will result in a reinstatement fee of $140.
The time required to obtain an HVAC license in Virginia depends on the type of license:
The timeline may vary for contractor licenses.
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