Top 10 HVAC Instructor Certifications

Certifications for a HVAC instructor are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers are looking for. Certifications provide proof of an instructor’s competency, which is especially important when dealing with complex systems such as HVAC systems. A certification also shows potential employers that the instructor has taken the time to stay up-to-date on current industry trends and best practices. Finally, certifications can be used to differentiate instructors from their competition, making them more likely to land desirable positions in the field.

The purpose of the article is to examine the various certifications available to HVAC Instructors and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are HVAC Instructor Certifications?

HVAC instructor certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills to teach HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) courses. This certification is usually offered by trade organizations or educational institutions.

The certification is designed to ensure instructors have a good understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and are able to effectively communicate this knowledge to their students. It also helps employers identify qualified instructors who can provide quality instruction in the field of HVAC technology.

Having an HVAC instructor certification can be beneficial for many reasons. It can help instructors gain more credibility and recognition in their field, as well as open up new opportunities for work. It also gives instructors the confidence they need to teach difficult concepts in a clear and concise manner. Furthermore, having this certification may make it easier for an instructor to find employment at colleges or universities that specialize in teaching HVAC-related topics.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research and understand the different types of HVAC Instructor Certifications available. Each type has its own set of requirements, so it’s important to be aware of which one is right for you and your career goals.

Related: What does an HVAC Instructor do?

Top 10 HVAC Instructor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to HVAC Instructors today.

1. HVAC Excellence Certified Master HVAC Educator

HVAC Excellence Certified Master HVAC Educator is a certification program developed by the HVAC Excellence organization. It is designed to recognize and honor those individuals who have achieved a high level of excellence in teaching and training in the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R).

The certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and an on-site evaluation. The online assessment is taken after completing at least 24 hours of approved continuing education courses related to HVAC/R instruction. The on-site evaluation is conducted by a team of experienced HVAC/R professionals who evaluate the instructor’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.

To become certified as an HVAC Excellence Certified Master HVAC Educator, candidates must meet certain requirements including having five years of teaching experience in the field of HVAC/R or related disciplines; completion of at least 24 hours of approved continuing education courses; passing the online assessment with a score of 80% or higher; and successfully completing the on-site evaluation.

The cost for becoming an HVAC Excellence Certified Master HVAC Educator varies depending on the location and type of course taken. Generally speaking, it can range from $200 to $500.

2. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certified Instructor

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certified Instructor is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of HVAC/R technicians. It is designed to ensure that technicians have the necessary skills and qualifications to work in the HVAC/R industry.

The NATE Certified Instructor program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course provides information on topics such as safety, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and customer service. The in-person workshop covers topics such as teaching methods, communication strategies, assessment techniques, and instructional design.

To become a NATE Certified Instructor, you must complete both parts of the program. The online course typically takes about 8 hours to complete and the in-person workshop usually takes about 4 hours.

To get certified as a NATE Certified Instructor, you must register for the program through their website at natex.org/instructor-certification/. The cost for registration is $250 USD per person.

3. Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) Certified Instructor

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) Certified Instructor program is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of those who teach HVAC/R and related topics. The program is open to individuals who have at least five years of experience in the field and are currently employed as an instructor in an accredited educational institution or other approved training facility.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the RSES Certified Instructor program. To get certified, candidates must successfully pass three exams: a written exam on HVAC/R fundamentals, a practical exam demonstrating their ability to install, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment, and a teaching skills exam. Candidates must also submit proof of their current employment as an instructor, such as course syllabi or student evaluations.

The cost for the RSES Certified Instructor program varies depending on the type of certification sought. For individuals seeking certification as an HVAC/R Technician Instructor, it costs $300 for members and $400 for non-members. For those seeking certification as an HVAC/R System Design Instructor, it costs $500 for members and $600 for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exams or obtaining necessary materials required by RSES.

4. Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Certified Instructor

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Certified Instructor Program is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of air conditioning. It is intended to provide contractors and other industry professionals with the ability to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the HVAC industry.

In order to become an ACCA Certified Instructor, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as air conditioning systems, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety. The exam also includes questions on code compliance, energy efficiency, and customer service. The exam is administered by an independent third party testing agency and requires a minimum score of 70% in order to pass.

It typically takes between four and six months to complete the entire process from application submission to certification. Applicants are required to submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of education or experience in the HVAC field. Once approved for the program, applicants must then register for and take the ACCA Certified Instructor Exam.

The cost of becoming an ACCA Certified Instructor varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. This fee covers the cost of registration for the exam as well as any additional materials needed for study purposes such as books or practice tests.

Overall, becoming an ACCA Certified Instructor can be a great way for those interested in furthering their knowledge in the HVAC field while also demonstrating their commitment to excellence within their profession.

5. Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified Instructor

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is a national certification and standards organization that provides training and certifications to home performance professionals. BPI Certified Instructors are certified professionals who have successfully completed the BPI Instructor Training Course and have demonstrated their knowledge of building science, energy efficiency, health and safety, and other related topics.

It typically takes about two weeks to complete the BPI Instructor Training Course. The course consists of an online component as well as an in-person component which includes lectures, hands-on activities, exams, and a final exam. The cost for the course varies depending on the location but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

In order to become a BPI Certified Instructor, applicants must first pass the BPI Certification Exam with a score of at least 80%. They must also submit proof of completion of the BPI Instructor Training Course. Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply for certification through the BPI website.

The cost for becoming a BPI Certified Instructor varies depending on whether or not you are already a certified professional in another field. If you are not already certified in another field then there is an application fee of $50 USD plus any applicable taxes. For those who are already certified in another field there is no application fee but they may be required to pay any applicable taxes.

6. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Certified Instructor

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Certified Instructor program is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the fields of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and related technologies.

This certification is designed to help instructors prepare for teaching courses in these areas. It requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of experience in the HVACR industry and to pass an exam that covers topics such as system design, installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, safety, and energy efficiency.

It typically takes about two weeks to complete the application process and take the exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on the type of course you are taking; however it generally ranges from $200 - $400 USD. In addition to the cost of the exam there may be additional fees for materials or other services associated with your training.

Once certified as an ASHRAE Certified Instructor you will be able to teach HVACR courses at various levels including basic technician training programs or advanced engineering courses. You will also be eligible for discounts on ASHRAE publications and conferences.

7. National Comfort Institute (NCI) Certified Instructor

National Comfort Institute (NCI) is a professional organization that provides training and certification for HVAC technicians. NCI Certified Instructors are highly qualified professionals who have undergone rigorous training in order to teach the latest techniques and technologies in HVAC maintenance, repair, installation, and energy efficiency.

To become an NCI Certified Instructor, you must complete a two-day instructor development workshop and pass an online exam. The instructor development workshop covers topics such as instructional methods, classroom management techniques, lesson planning, and assessment strategies. During the workshop, you will also learn how to use NCI's online learning platform.

The cost of becoming an NCI Certified Instructor varies depending on the type of course you take. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$1,000 for the two-day instructor development workshop plus the cost of any additional materials or exams required for certification. Additionally, there may be fees associated with taking additional courses or maintaining your certification over time.

8. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Certified Instructor

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Certified Instructor Program is a certification program that allows individuals to become certified to teach IAPMO-approved courses. The program provides instructors with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach IAPMO-approved courses in plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, and solar thermal systems.

The program consists of an online training course and an in-person examination. The online training course must be completed prior to taking the in-person exam. The online training course focuses on topics such as plumbing codes, safety regulations, and teaching methods. Upon successful completion of the online training course, applicants are eligible to take the in-person examination.

The in-person examination consists of a written test and a practical demonstration. During the practical demonstration, applicants must demonstrate their ability to teach an IAPMO approved course by presenting a lesson plan and leading a class discussion on the subject matter. Applicants must also answer questions related to plumbing codes and safety regulations during the examination.

In order to become an IAPMO Certified Instructor, applicants must successfully complete both the online training course and the in-person examination. The entire process typically takes around 6 weeks from start to finish.

The cost for becoming an IAPMO Certified Instructor varies depending on which courses you are certified to teach. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 per certification plus any applicable taxes or fees.

9. Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) Certified Instructor

The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) Certified Instructor program is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in indoor air quality (IAQ) and mold-related issues. It is designed to equip IAQ professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to educate their clients on how to identify, assess, and remediate IAQ problems.

In order to become an IAQA Certified Instructor, individuals must successfully complete a comprehensive training course offered by IAQA. This course covers topics such as building science, indoor air pollution sources, health effects of poor IAQ, sampling methods for pollutants, and remediation techniques. Upon completion of the training course, participants are eligible to take the IAQA Certified Instructor Exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to the material covered in the training course.

The cost of becoming an IAQA Certified Instructor varies depending on the type of training program chosen. The cost typically includes tuition fees for the course as well as any applicable exam fees.

In general, it takes approximately two weeks to complete the training program and pass the exam in order to become an IAQA Certified Instructor. After passing the exam, instructors will receive a certificate from IAQA verifying their status as a certified instructor.

10. Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Certified Instructor

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Certified Instructor program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide instructors with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach the principles of HVAC/R technology. The program consists of two components: an online self-study course and a hands-on instructor workshop.

The online self-study course covers topics such as fundamentals of HVAC/R systems, system design and installation, service and maintenance, troubleshooting techniques, safety practices, energy efficiency, and more. It typically takes between 20 to 40 hours to complete the online course.

The hands-on instructor workshop provides instruction on teaching methods and strategies for delivering effective classroom presentations. This three-day workshop is held at an AHRI approved training facility or other approved location.

To become an AHRI Certified Instructor you must successfully complete both the online self-study course and the hands-on instructor workshop. Upon completion of both courses you will receive a certificate of completion from AHRI along with a lapel pin recognizing your achievement as an AHRI Certified Instructor.

The cost for the AHRI Certified Instructor program varies depending on where you take the courses but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 USD for both components combined.

Do You Really Need a HVAC Instructor Certificate?

When it comes to becoming an HVAC instructor, there are a few key questions you should ask yourself before deciding whether or not you need to get an HVAC instructor certificate. Do I have the necessary knowledge and experience to teach HVAC courses? Will having a certificate give me an advantage in the job market?

In terms of knowledge and experience, it is important to note that even if you have a degree in HVAC technology, it does not necessarily mean that you will be qualified to teach the subject. It is possible for someone with no prior teaching experience to become certified as an HVAC instructor, but having some form of teaching background is usually preferred by employers. Having an HVAC instructor certificate can demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and qualifications needed to instruct students in this field.

Having an HVAC instructor certificate can also give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. Employers often prefer candidates who have some form of certification or accreditation in the area they are looking for instructors. Having a certificate may also make your resume stand out from other applicants since many employers view certification as proof that the candidate has taken their profession seriously enough to invest in their own education.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue an HVAC instructor certificate depends on what your career goals are and how comfortable you feel teaching without one. If you do not feel confident teaching without a certification, then getting one may be beneficial for your career prospects. However, if your goal is simply to become knowledgeable about the subject and gain more practical experience, then getting an HVAC instructor certificate may not be necessary.

Related: HVAC Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About HVAC Instructor Certifications

1. What qualifications are needed to become an HVAC instructor?

Answer: An HVAC instructor must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field, a valid Journeyman’s License, and be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Section 608 Technician.

2. How long does it take to become an HVAC instructor?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become an HVAC instructor can vary depending on prior experience and educational background. Generally, it can take up to one year or more to complete all necessary certifications and training courses.

3. What type of courses do I need to take to become an HVAC instructor?

Answer: Depending on the specific program requirements, courses may include general principles of heating and air conditioning systems, electrical theory, refrigeration fundamentals, safety practices for technicians, and energy conservation methods.

4. Are there any additional certifications that I need in order to teach HVAC?

Answer: Yes, some states may require additional certification or licensing in order to teach HVAC classes. Check with your local government agencies for specific requirements in your area.

5. Are there any special requirements for teaching online HVAC classes?

Answer: Yes, most online HVAC programs require instructors to have at least 2 years of experience teaching the subject matter online or in a classroom setting before they can be approved as instructors for the program. Additionally, all instructors must adhere to the guidelines set forth by their program and/or institution when teaching online classes.