HVACR technology
Start your path toward a high-demand HVACR career with hands-on training and industry certifications. Take the first step at Stark State College, and start earning the HVACR certifications and credentials that employers need.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Applied Science
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
4-semester degree
1-3-semester certificates
Program overview
Open the door to a rewarding HVACR career with opportunities for advancement.
Stark State’s HVACR technology program equips you with the technical know-how and hands-on training you need to meet industry standards.
The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry plays a vital role in modern life. It supports everything from health care and technology to food preservation and everyday comfort at home and work.
As the HVACR industry continues to grow and evolve with new technologies, employers increasingly seek professionals with strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, communication expertise and customer service capabilities.
Program details
Stark State’s HVACR program combines HVACR principles with hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art labs. You’ll learn to test, troubleshoot, repair and maintain electrical and mechanical residential/commercial HVACR systems and components.
Earn valuable HVACR certifications and credentials while progressing toward a two-year degree, making it easier to enter the workforce quickly or advance your education over time.
Build your career step by step with our stackable HVACR certificates, all of which apply directly toward the associate degree in HVACR technology. These include:
- HVACR commercial technician certificate
- HVACR technician certificate – Level I
- HVACR technician certificate – Level II
- One-year HVACR certificate
Enhance your resume while you’re still in school. You can earn several key industry certifications that are highly valued by employers, including:
- EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Certification
- ARI ICE (Industry Competency Exams)
- NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Exams – Four NATE-approved courses are available, including options for re-certification
EPA and ICE Tests
These tests are supported by the following organizations:
- Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute
- Air-Conditioning Contractors of America
- Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association
- Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International
- Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association
- Refrigeration Service Engineers Society
You may choose one exam or multiple exams as time permits in the testing center. The three ICE exams offered:
Residential air-conditioning and heating
- Equipment is five-ton systems or smaller (150 Questions)
- Three-and-a-half-hour exam (35 minutes per section – timed; six sections total)
- Passing the core and one specialty section (passing scores 70 on each) is necessary for certification
Light commercial air-conditioning and heating
- Equipment is six to twenty ton systems (100 Questions)
- Two-hour exam (passing score 60)
Commercial refrigeration
- Refrigeration equipment (100 Questions)
- Two-hour exam (passing score 60)
A $50 fee for each test is required. Payment methods accepted are MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Check, Cash or purchase order.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tests
608 Clear Air Act Requirement Testing
EPA tests are designed to permit the certification of technicians required by Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. The goal of this test is to check the level of understanding of the subject matter by the individual being tested. The EPA exam contains:
- Core section
- Certifications
- Type 1 – Small Appliances
- Type 2 – High-Pressure
- Type 3 – Low-Pressure
- A score of 18 and above on each section and type is passing.
- Universal certification requires all three types of equipment.
Passing the core and one specialty (type) section is necessary for certification. You may retake sections that you did not pass at another scheduled time but must pay the full testing fee. For an outline of topics contained in the EPA Certification Test, please click here.
A $40 fee for the complete EPA test, which includes all four sections, will be required. Payment methods accepted are MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Check, Cash or Purchase Order.
Scheduling an exam
To schedule a time to take an exam, contact Steve Tornero 330-494-6170 ext. 5364.
We also offer a state-accredited HVAC Technology certificate that includes many of the program’s core technical HVAC classes. If you’re looking to pursue further education, Stark State has an articulation agreement with Ferris State University, allowing you to earn a four-year degree after completing your associate degree.
Careers and outcomes
Stark State’s HVACR technology program prepares you to excel in a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Field service technician
- System design technician
- Sales professional for factories, distributors, or dealers
- Technical representative
- Project estimator or manager
- Customer service manager
In the classroom
Stark State’s HVACR program features more than 4,000 square feet of commercial/industrial and residential labs, as well as a 750-square-foot full sheet metal lab. These labs are equipped with the latest HVACR and refrigeration systems thanks to strong partnerships with local businesses. You’ll get real-world training with cutting-edge equipment to prepare for today’s job market.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
Lowest tuition around
Put your money toward your goals – not debt.
Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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Steve Tornero
Department Chair, Industrial Technologies
330-494-6170 ext. 5364
Take the next step
Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.