Controlling the temperature and maintaining air quality is a very challenging task for an HVAC technician. As a technician, you must follow procedures, and there's no room for mistakes.
Many skilled HVAC technicians claim to be HVAC experts, but a license in Arizona will surely make you the top choice.
Without an Arizona HVAC license, your business will not reach its full potential. But don't you worry! I am here to help you build a successful HVAC business in Arizona. I will share all the procedures and resources you need to follow and know.
Are you ready to be the next Rockstar HVAC technician in the state of Arizona? Let's roll!
Do you need an HVAC License in Arizona? Here's the answer.
An HVAC license is mandatory, and you can't work in this industry without a valid license. Enrolling and completing an HVAC training program in Arizona will help you reach this step. If you can't join the program, you can become an apprentice and train under a journeyman.
Regardless of your path, the two options above are good enough to equip you with HVAC trading skills. If you are looking to become a technician or contractor in Arizona, an HVAC license is one of the best HVAC tools you need to have.
How much does an HVAC Technician make?
The average annual salary for Arizona HVAC technicians is about $45,000.
Did you know that the demand for HVAC technicians and contractors rises daily? Not only in Arizona but also in the surrounding states. So getting an HVAC license will surely boost the success of your HVAC business.
What do HVAC Technicians learn?
Remember that before securing a career in the HVAC/R industry in Arizona, you must have a high school diploma and specialized HVAC Training.
Various schools in Arizona provide training programs, and to give you an idea, here is the training that these schools cover:
- Refrigeration School in Phoenix or any other school that offers programs relevant to the field.
In the HVAC/R classes, you will learn the apprentice physics principles for technicians. In the HVAC/R classes, you will learn the apprentice physics principles for technicians. Training schools teach the unit mechanics and how you can repair and maintain them to ensure that they are working smoothly.
- Training for ductwork installation.
As an HVAC apprentice, you train on home and business construction to know the best way and place for ductwork installation.
- HVAC precision skills and the interpretation of technical plans
As HVAC/R technicians, you will not only be limited to air conditioner mechanics but also be trained to read and adhere to engineering and blueprints.
- Electrical and pipe-fitting skills
The training shows you how to test joints for gas leakages and to read pressure gauges. After the training, you can replace defective thermostats, breaker controls, and fuses, fabricate ductwork, and repair wiring to the installed units.
What are the training schools in Arizona that offer HVAC Training Programs?
Ready to become an HVAC technician in Arizona? Here is a list of the training school in the state of Arizona:
- Westport Continuing Education
- Stamford Adult Education
- Nassau Community College SUNY
- East Sore Region Adult and Continuing Education
- Gateway Community College
You can contact the schools to request enrollment requirements and pricing information.
Once you enroll in one of these schools, you are expected to master the following HVAC Technician skills:
- You can properly use soldering appliances and hand tools.
- You can use torches and other devices involved in plumbing and construction.
- You can easily operate an organized HVAC truck.
- You can work on refrigerated equipment properly (requires enrollment in formal refrigeration classes) - This specified education teaches refrigerants' various regulations. For instance, you get the guidelines for recycling and handling refrigerants in the Clean Air Act, under Section 608. You must know the best technique to handle leaking refrigerants and the best time to repair, retrofit, or replace equipment.
How are Apprentices monitored?
As an HVAC/R tech, you can get training from an HVAC/R journeyman or certified technicians who have been practicing for a long time. If you are training the trade under a journeyman, you are considered to be under apprenticeship. You are exempted from EPA licensing requirements because the technician closely monitoring you is experienced and certified.
Is ongoing education relevant to HVAC Technicians?
If you graduate from a vocational training program, you can't consider yourself a professional. Since you are not yet finished with the training, you need regular updates about the environmental protection decrees and state and federal laws and regulations. Continuing professional development is essential for anyone looking to become a successful HVAC tech.
You must be diligent in your record profiling. The ongoing education teaches you how to profile records of any task with refrigerants. You must hold certifications authorizing you to buy and use these chemicals.
How do I get a Contractors License?
HVAC technicians and contractors in Arizona must get licenses from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. If you are an HVAC technician, you will obtain your license following the fulfillment of the specialty commercial certification classification guidelines.
The following are some of the things you must fulfill to obtain the contractor's license:
- You have at least four years of experience in heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning.
- Pass an exam on business management and a
- Pass the test of Air conditioning and Refrigeration Trade.
- You must sit for the Solar Examination if you wish to handle solar unit projects.
- You must be a lifelong learner and be ready to adapt as technology advances and changes.
- You must be willing to enroll in classes that teach the servicing and installation of new equipment.
- You need to continue keeping up with the regulations and codes.
Remember that learning is a life-long process for HVAC technicians.
What is the examination process for Arizona HVAC License applicants?
As an aspiring Arizona license applicant, you have two scenarios here:
- Earning EPA licenses - You can obtain EPA licenses by passing written exams. As an HVAC technician in Arizona, you must possess an EPA Section 608 tech licensing. You must pass the EPA-approved exam to become a certified technician. Upon certification, your details will not expire. Don't worry; there are practice tests that can help you get ready for the exam.
- Running your HVAC business - You must get a contractor license in Arizona.
Contractors planning to service all appliances need to get the Universal Certification to replace the individual licenses. Some schools offering on-site training for this license include the Refrigeration School and the Universal Technical Institute in Scottsdale. These two institutions also serve as examination centers.
More about Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 Licenses
In Arizona, you need a Type I license to be able to service small equipment. Type II certifications are crucial for technicians servicing high-pressure equipment, while servicing or disposing of low-pressure equipment requires Type III licensing.
What are the HVAC Schools in Arizona?
Here are some HVAC Schools in Arizona where you can inquire:
- National Technical Institute
- The Refrigeration School, Inc.
- Vocational Training Institute
- West-MEC (Northeast Campus)
- UEI College - Phoenix
- EVIT Power Campus
There are numerous HVAC schools in the state, and you can find them using your area ZIP code.
Who administers the Contractor Certification Examinations?
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors administers the test through the PSI Exams. The exams can be computer-based or written and may be taken in:
- Yuma
- Tucson
- Tempe
- Scottsdale
- Phoenix
- Glendale
- Flagstaff
You may register for the examination online after paying the exam fees. Taking the examination on your computer sends you the results immediately, and you will know if you have passed upon clicking the "SUBMIT" button. Your score appears on the screen once you complete the test. Candidates taking written exams receive unofficial score reports after completing the test.
You can get more information about the exams from the Candidate Information Bulletin. It provides you with a registration form you can print and mail. You can also get the Arizona edition of the NASCLA Contractors Guide to law, project management, and business from the PSI Online Store.
The trade exam contains two parts:
- The Refrigeration (Commercial/Residential)
- Air Conditioning
The Air Conditioning test is lengthy. Candidates are given 6.5 hours to complete the exam. If you are taking the Solar Exam, you are given 1.25 hours to complete it. The candidates seeking the Arizona Business Management Test must complete it in 3 hours.
What are the reference materials for the exam?
I know that taking the exam puts a lot of pressure on your end, but some resources will guide you to grab that HVAC License in Arizona.
You can get the content online of the exam from PSI Online. Exam questions are based on Codebooks and trade knowledge.
Here are a list of pointers to remember:
- You can use calculators in the exam.
- You are allowed to bring a copy of the Code of the Federal Regulations 29 CFR Part 1926, featuring the newest amendments to the exam room.
-
Other reference materials include:
- The International Plumbing Code, 2009
- The International Mechanic Code, 2009
- The International Fuel Gas Code
- Be sure to study and familiarize yourself with the reference materials you want to use in the exam. You can highlight, underline, notate, and index the references before the test.
- Writing in the reference materials during the test is prohibited. Doing so subjects you to penalties. You are also not allowed to use post-it notes.
You also need to observe the following guidelines before the exams:
- You must have permanent tabs. Temporary notes are prohibited.
- You must not insert extra bookmarks, loose papers, or index cards into the references.
- Any reference printed from the internet must be hole-punched and inserted into spiral bounds or binders.
Here is a list of reference materials that you should study:
- Solar Water and Pool Heating Design and Installation Manual, 1997, Florida Solar Energy Center.
- Low-Pressure Boilers, Frederick M. Steingress, Daryl R. Walker, 2009, 3rd edition, American Technical Publishers, Inc.
- Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Althouse, Turnquist, Bracciano, 19th or 20th edition, Goodheart-Wilcox.
- ACCA Ductulator, Air Conditioning Contractors of America
An important thing to remember!
You are not allowed to bring these reference materials into the exam room.
Bottom Line
If you want to become an HVAC technician in Arizona, you must be ready to spend time learning the trade and continue sharpening your skills as a journeyman. You must get the license and abide by the state and federal regulations. Enrolling in training programs in schools in Arizona will also boost your chance of obtaining an HVAC license.
With the industry's current growth, it is possible to get the latest news and safety tips from HVAC apps, where you can create a catchy HVAC slogan for your business. You also need to check licenses when recruiting technicians to help your business.
Need more tips?
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