Licenses and Certifications for HVAC Technicians

As part of the day-to-day work in the field, you’ll often be handling chemicals like refrigerants. Due to the toxic and volatile nature of the materials and systems that HVAC technicians work with, it’s important that you know how to handle them safely. Through a formal HVAC training program, you’ll learn safety procedures for handling a variety of chemicals, but you’ll also need to prove to employers that you know what you’re doing. The best way to do that is through recognized industry certifications. Some are specific to states or federal law in the handling and disposal of dangerous materials, while others focus on honing skills that will make the holder a more competent and qualified professional. It’s important to do research to learn which ones you are required to have and which ones will benefit you and your career.

Steve Strapple, Skilled Trades Academic Lead at Penn Foster Group, explains why certification is important to those in the workforce: “Education is going to open doors to bigger opportunities. Every certification means more money in their pocket because they are more qualified."

Read more: HVAC Technician Career Guide

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all professionals who work with refrigerants be certified to do so. Being an EPA-certified HVAC technician allows you to buy refrigerants, but also to service a variety of air conditioning and refrigeration systems in both residential and commercial settings. There are three specializations for this exam: small appliances, high-pressure refrigerants, and low-pressure refrigerants. Any technician applying for this certification must choose one. You can refer to the EPA’s website on A/C and refrigeration technician certification for details.

Generally, you’ll need to earn your EPA certification before employers will consider you for a job as an HVAC technician, so it’s an important step toward starting a career in the field. Once you do become certified, you don’t need to renew it unless there happens to be a change in EPA regulations or laws.

Provided by North American Technician Excellence, the ICE certification is a leader in measuring basic competency in the HVAC industry. According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, these “exams measure industry-agreed standards of basic competency for entry-level (one year or less) technicians.”

This certification is geared toward HVAC professionals who have one year or less of experience. It measures baseline competency in residential, light commercial A/C and heating and commercial refrigeration. It is available to take both online and in-person.

Unlike EPA certification, ICE certification isn’t a requirement to get a job as an HVAC tech. However, having the credential on your resume can help you stand out to employers or show clients that you have the skills to get the job done.

Read more: How to Study Online for a Hands on Job as an HVACR Technician

ICE exams in HVAC are designed for entry-level HVAC technicians. If you’re a recent graduate of an HVAC training program, just got a job in the field, or have been working for less than a year, this credential is for you!

While it’s not required for employment, taking and passing the ICE exams can benefit your job prospects and career growth. Being ICE-certified shows that you are competent in the basic skills and knowledge that HVAC technicians need to do well on the job.

There are three different ICE exams:

• Residential, which includes both a core and specialty exam.
• Light Commercial A/C and Heating.
• Commercial Refrigeration.

You don’t need to take all three exams, but doing so can be beneficial to starting your career as an HVAC tech.

Read more: 10 Skilled Trades Jobs In Demand for 2023

Each of the three ICE exams covers 100 questions. The questions are multiple-choice, and you’ll need to get at least a 60% to pass the exam. If you fail an exam the first try, you can retake it, though you’ll need to pay the testing fee for each time you take an exam.

The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) exam is another certification that isn’t necessarily required to work in the field, but is one that can definitely be beneficial to your career as an HVAC technician. This is an entry level exam designed to support technicians who have worked in the field for 6-12 months, according to the NATE website.

Being NATE-certified shows that you’re a professional who knows what you’re doing and can be especially appealing to employers who are looking for skilled, knowledgeable HVAC techs. NATE offers both entry-level and senior level exams, so you can demonstrate your skills as a new technician and then again as an experienced technician. This means the exam can be very worthwhile at any stage of your HVAC career.

Read more: 10 Reasons to Become an HVAC Technician

The nonprofit organization HVAC Excellence offers a variety of optional certifications for different skill levels. The professional level certifications are for those with at least two years verified field experience and a passing grade on the core exam. It is only awarded to technicians that can pass both the prerequisite and closed book exams. These exams will test competency in a variety of areas that include, but are not limited to heat pump service, gas heat, combustion analysis and light commercial refrigeration.

Professional level certification isn’t a requirement to grow your career as an HVAC technician, but it can be beneficial in demonstrating your skills and knowledge in the field. Having industry-recognized certifications on your resume can help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or if you’re looking to move up in your current HVAC role.

A great way to learn the skills and knowledge you’ll need to do the job as well as pass your certification exams is to enroll in a training program. Penn Foster’s HVACR program helps prepare you for the EPA certification, and even covers the cost in your tuition! Having a trusted training program on your resume can help set you apart when applying for jobs.

Interested in becoming an HVAC technician? Get started by enrolling in Penn Foster’s online HVAC training, which can help you take the first steps toward this new career while also helping you prepare to sit for important certification exams! Not sure if this is the right program for you or need help enrolling? Contact our Admissions Team today at 1-888-427-6500!