NCCER HVAC Level 1

Short-term Training Certifications

PURPOSE: The Community College Workforce Alliance works in partnership with Reynolds and Tyler Community Colleges to serve students with a fast track to the workforce with training and credentialing programs that can be completed in weeks or months. CCWA offers workforce training and certifications in transportation and logistics, construction and trades, customer service, health care and manufacturing. These programs are supported through state-funded tuition assistance available to all Virginians, making Short-term Training Programs low cost or no cost. Short-term Training Programs also offer career coaching and job connections.

OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Short-term Training credentials prepare students for entry-level careers in high-demand occupational fields offering good starting wages - many with benefits and promotion opportunities.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: There are no admissions requirements. Tuition assistance is available to all residents of Virginia, regardless of income. Classes may be free to those qualifying for additional financial aid.

PROGRAM NOTES: In certain industries, prior convictions may prohibit employment. Drug testing and a pre-employment physical may be required for some occupations. Some companies may have minimum age requirements for select positions.

NCCER HVAC Level 1

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is the credentialing body for the NCCER CORE Curriculum certification. The NCCER HVAC Level 1 certification course is part of the required training for many companies' apprenticeship programs. This course is intended for students interested in entering the HVAC industry and it can help you get a foot-in-the-door to a helper or apprentice position. Instruction will cover topics such as HVAC Field Calculations, Basic Electricity, Basic Heating and Cooling Systems, and will include test preparation for the EPA-608 refrigerant certification exam. There may be an additional cost for EPA 608 certification. Registration in NCCER CORE, or previous NCCER CORE certification is required for enrollment in HVAC Level 1.

NCCER HVAC Level 1

Bright Outlook

Green Leaf

Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.

Sample of reported job titles: Ammonia Refrigeration Technician; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Technician (HVAC / R Technician); Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Service Technician (HVAC Service Technician); Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technician (HVAC Technician); HVAC/R Service Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Service Technician); Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Technician; Service Technician; Transportation Refrigeration Technician

Labor Statistics
Projected Employment 2026 (Virginia): 13,250
Current Wage Range (Entry-Experienced): 29,460-76,230


Bright Outlook Bright Outlook occupations are expected to have rapid growth over the next 10-years (employment increase of 10% or more in the Richmond, MSA over the period of 2018-2028) or are expected to have a high demand (projected to have 750 or more job openings in the Richmond, MSA over the period of 2018-2028).

Green Leaf Icon"Green occupations will likely change as a result of the green economy. Green economy activities and technologies are increasing the demand for occupations, shaping the work and worker requirements needed for occupational performance, or generating new and emerging occupations." -- O*NET

1 This program may prepare you for one or more of the listed jobs; however, graduates may not be qualified for all of the jobs listed in this section.

Reynolds Community College makes every attempt to provide students with the best, most accurate information possible. The data was sourced from an external agency (O*NET) on August 1, 2019.

CCWA has funding through the Short-term Training Program for this certification prep course. The financial assistance can help pay for training that supports attainment of industry credentials. If you have limited income and want to earn an industry credential, please contact us and find out how CCWA can support your efforts.

Sign up for an upcoming Short-term Training orientation.

Sessions will be held at CCWA on the Parham Road Campus of Reynolds Community College in the Workforce Development and Conference Center (WDCC) located at 1651 E. Parham Rd. Richmond, VA 23228.

For more registration information, contact a CCWA Career Coach at careercoach@ccwa.vccs.edu.