Air Conditioning Trade Association
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ACTA Training Program

HVAC/R Service Technician Program

The HVAC/R Service Technician Program is a comprehensive two-year course designed to equip both beginners and experienced technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry.

Program overview

Technical training for HVAC/R service careers.

The two-year program builds from foundational HVAC/R service knowledge into advanced systems, field applications, and certification preparation.

Year 1 Focus

Foundational technical knowledge and preparation for the EPA 608 Certification Exam.

  • Fundamental Electrical Theory
  • Refrigeration Principles
  • Residential Service and Maintenance
  • EPA 608 Certification Prep

Year 2 Focus

Advanced technical skills, HVAC/R systems and applications, and NATE Certification Exam preparation.

  • Commercial Service & Maintenance
  • Advanced Industrial Chiller Servicing
  • Advanced HVAC/R Systems
  • NATE Certification Prep

Throughout this journey, students will receive guidance and support to help them achieve their goals and succeed in their certification exams. For more information about the program, please contact ACTA.

Required information

Catalog, SPFS, annual report, and student brochure.

Learning objectives

Core topics organized by program year.

Year 1

Foundational knowledge and EPA 608 Certification Exam preparation.

Fundamental Electrical Theory:Understanding electrical circuits, components, and safety practices.
Refrigeration Principles:Learning the science behind refrigeration cycles and systems.
Residential and Commercial Service & Maintenance:Learning how to service and maintain HVAC/R systems in residential and commercial settings.
Safe Refrigerant Handling:Emphasizing the importance of safe refrigerant handling practices and environmental responsibility, crucial for EPA 608 certification.

Year 2

Advanced technical skills, advanced HVAC/R systems, and NATE Certification Exam preparation.

Commercial Service & Maintenance:Learning how to service and maintain HVAC/R systems in residential and commercial settings.
Advanced Industrial Chiller Servicing:Developing expertise in the maintenance and repair of industrial chillers.
Advanced HVAC/R Systems:Year 2’s key focus is deepening technical skills and preparing students for the NATE Certification Exam and covering advanced HVAC/R systems and applications.
NATE Certification Prep.This program prepares you for two important certifications for HVAC professionals.
How our training works

Live online instruction with in-person hands-on labs.

Using ACTA's Online Campus, every student interacts "live" with their instructor, watch “how to” videos and use virtual reality simulations to practice what they’ve learned each week. Even students with little computer experience find it easy to engage in class and learn what they need to know. In addition to our online training, each school year includes 4–6 in person hands-on labs.

Check out how the virtual reality simulation works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reAzWA3oFV8

1

Live instructor interaction

Every student interacts "live" with their instructor.
2

How-to videos

Students watch “how to” videos as part of weekly learning.
3

Virtual reality simulations

Students use virtual reality simulations to practice what they’ve learned each week.
4

Hands-on labs

Each school year includes 4–6 in person hands-on labs.
Why A Trade School?

Complete training sooner and enter the workforce.

Attending a Trade School allows you the ability to complete the training within 2 years vs. 4 years at a much more affordable rate. Which also allows you the opportunity to enter the workforce sooner and begin building your career and earning an income.

At the completion of your first year of training, ACTA can begin assisting you in finding a job with an HVAC contractor. Once you successfully complete your 2 years of training, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Student Qualifications

What students need to apply and participate.

You must have a High School Diploma/GED to apply.

Computer or TabletHeadset with microphone or a dial in audio connectionInternet ConnectionVirtual Reality Headset (optional)
HVAC Career Opportunities (entry level)

Entry-level career paths.

A/C TechHVAC MechanicHVAC SpecialistHVAC TechnicianRefrigeration MechanicRefrigeration TechnicianService Technician
Certifications

Certification preparation.

This program prepares you for two important certifications for HVAC professionals:

EPA Section 608 CertificationNATE Certification

Financing
Coming Soon

BPPE Approved to Operate

Required approval information.

BPPE Approved to Operate
We are approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval indicates compliance with California state standards.

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-4:30pm

CatalogSPFS
California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education

www.bppe.ca.gov | (888) 370-7589

For more information about the program, please contact ACTA.