Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) - Residential Air Conditioning and Commercial Refrigeration, SCERT

Short-Term Certificate: (HRES-SCERT)

About the Program

The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Associate of Applied Science degree and College Certificates are designed to provide students an opportunity to develop their skills and competencies for entry-level positions in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration field. The curriculum focuses on the ability to maintain, install and repair climate control and refrigeration devices in residential, industrial and commercial buildings. The program provides students with training in the layout and design of cooling, heating and refrigeration systems, the use of the latest tools, gauges and testing equipment used in the field, as well as troubleshooting and inspection of equipment. The program certificates and degree prepare students for federal, state and local licensing exams.

This Program Offers:

• Short-Term Certificate: 16 credit hours

Program Goals:

• To teach students the principles and technical application of installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, air conditioning and cooling systems according to industry standards
• Students will be prepared to pass federal, state and local licensing/certification exams

Program Outcomes:

• Exhibit knowledge of basic principles of electricity, electrical current, and circuitry for heating, refrigeration and air conditioning devices
• Describe and apply refrigeration theory and refrigeration cycle, troubleshoot, diagnose and repair sealed systems
• Demonstrate proper application and use of tools, test equipment, safety procedures, and safety techniques of basic shop tools used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry
• Apply mathematical, reading, and communication skills essential to the HVAC service industry
• Apply and describe the sequence of operation for industrial systems
• Exhibit knowledge and hands-on ability to perform electrical repairs in an efficient and safe manner
• Exhibit knowledge and hands-on ability to perform soldering and brazing techniques in a safe manner
• Exhibit knowledge of equipment used in the HVAC field and use it in a safe manner
• Distinguish quality standards of products commonly used in professional HVAC operations and install HVAC equipment compliant with local codes

College Certificate Goals:

• Teach students the principles and technical application of installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems according to industry standards
• Students will be familiar with operation and maintenance of low and high pressure boilers and/or operation, maintenance, installation and servicing of non-domestic refrigeration systems, depending on the certificate
• Students will be prepared to pass federal, state and local licensing/certification exams

Admission Requirements

Students are required to do the following:

• Fulfill all WCCCD admission requirements
• Declare intent to enter the program on WCCCD Admission Application or in the Student Services Office
• Complete an Educational Development Plan (Plan of Work), outlining the student’s plan for program completion
• Fulfill course placement requirements based on the ACCUPLACER® assessment