Does a career in HVAC interest you? There's a massive demand for HVAC technicians nationally and pay for technicians averages at $20 per hour. Before you start your career as an HVAC technician, you must be familiar with different certifications and credentials needed in your state for you to work.
There are various requirements to work as an HVAC technician for every state. You might find it helpful to download some HVAC apps that'll keep you updated with the latest news and trends in the industry. If you'd like to get a head start, you're welcome to read this article as it'll highlight requirements in Georgia as well as opportunities for other certifications that may interest you.
HVAC Licensing Requirements for Georgia
To work in HVAC, it isn't a prerequisite that you come to Georgia and attend an HVAC program at the educational institutes in the county. However, it is a requirement that you have a license for Conditioned Air Contractor to work on equipment or other conditioned air systems. The only other requirement to work as an HVAC contractor is that you should have your high school GED or diploma.
This is a requirement in most other states. Other than the Conditioned Air Contractor license, it would be best if you acquire either a NATE certification or an EPA 608 certification. If you have both, the better since more certifications mean you can get yourself jobs that pay higher in large companies.
If you're building your own company, look for an organized HVAC truck that'll help you keep your equipment in check. It's also essential that you brush up on HVAC safety tips to ensure you and your crew stay safe at work.
Conditioned Air Contractor License
The conditioned Air Contractor License is a requirement if you're going to service, repair, install, contract, or bid for air-conditioning systems. You will also need a license to maintain electrical connections to different networks. Certification for air conditioning is available in two different classes.
Before you sit any certification exam, you should apply to find out whether or not you're eligible. Professionals recruiting technicians always lookout for an Air Contractor License, so you should have yours ready to present before you get contracted for work.
Class I (Restricted)
This certification is for contractors who service conditioned air contracting. The equipment is usually 60,000BTU for cooling and 175,000BTU for heating.
Class II (Unrestricted)
Class II technicians are allowed to work with any air conditioning systems and equipment because the licenses are unrestricted. Renewal of licenses takes place every two years. Currently, it costs $75 to renew a license, and the Board will send you a notice for renewal in the eight weeks leading to the expiration of your license.
It is possible to renew your conditioned air contractor license[c.b1] online. You will find the requirements on the website for Georgia's Secretary of State. You can also get a catchy HVAC slogan that matches your business vision and goals and one that your clients can associate you with.
Class II
- Recorded experience of five years
- Recorded experience working with conditioned air systems and installations which exceed 60,000 BTU cooling and 175,000 BTU heating.
- Work as a lead mechanic for two years with one of the two years being entirely commercial work and one year as a service supervisor or service tech
- Two years of experience as a commercial supervisory and a heat loss and duct and gain design course approved by the Board.
- Having an engineering technology diploma acquired from a technical school is equal to an experience of two years.
- A certificate program accounts for one year of experience.
NATE Certification
NATE is the short form of North American Technician Excellence. 87% of clients would prefer to work with certified technicians. Successful completion of NATE tests shows that you're knowledgeable in a particular area of HVAC. NATE certification isn't a requirement in Georgia, but it helps to have on a resume.
EPA Certification
EPA Certification is required by Section 608 Refrigeration and Recycling Rule. HVAC professionals must learn about protecting the environment as they work with dangerous materials.
EPA certifications don't expire, so you don't have to worry about renewing them. You get life certification once you pass your exam. There are practice tests here if you'd like some help preparing for the exam. Technicians can acquire three different certifications:
EPA Section 608 HVAC Type I
This certification allows an HVAC tech to service small equipment with refrigerant that's five pounds or less.
EPA Section 608 HVAC Type II
Getting this certification allows any tech to work with appliances with high pressure, such as split and automotive systems.
EPA Section 608 HVAC Type III
If you get this certification, you can work on appliances with low-pressure.
Georgia HVAC Salaries
Service technicians in Atlanta make averagely $20.38 per hour. If you have other certifications or different skills, you're well on your way to making more than the average amount in wages. Entry-level technicians make roughly &27,000, while the annual median salary for an HVAC tech in Georgia is $42,270. The wages for senior techs in Georgia is $63,000.
HVAC Work Industry in Georgia
Statistics from the Labor Bureau (US Department, 2014) show that in the HVAC industry, more than 8,000 people received employment in Georgia. Salaries in the Georgia HVAC Industry aren't constant, and they change according to different locations. Techs working in the Atlanta/Sandy Springs/Marietta area get the highest annual wages of up to $47,000 each year.
Locations with salaries in the same range include Richmond/Augusta County. It is, however, essential to realize that it isn't only the urban areas in Georgia that are great for work. There are only 110 techs that work in Gainesville. This ensures that wages are higher in places such as Atlanta, where the fees are $24/hr.
Examination Process
You have to get an application from the Construction Licensing Board in Georgia State before you apply for your Conditioned Air License. You will only pay $30 for the application fee, and the Board should approve your application 60 days before you sit your exam.
Conditioned Air License Exam
- Booking the test is open
- It contains 100 questions that you're required to finish within 7 hours.
- To pass, you have to get 70% of the questions right.
- It costs $240 for the exam
- The exam covers part of the industry, such as system design, installation, maintenance, regulations, repairs, and laws.
You will receive an identification card in the mail if you pass your exam. There are state agreements between Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas that'll license you in these States. However, if you don't pass your exam, you will have to fill in a New Examination Scheduling Form that'll allow you to apply for a different exam date. You must complete 4 hours extra every year of additional education to keep your license valid. It is also essential that you get acquainted with the best HVAC tools.
NATE Exam
- Below are the steps you'll need to follow to acquire NATE certification:
- You have to choose your technician type, whether it be installation or service.
- Decide on the specialty exam you'd like to take other than the main exam.
- Find out where testing in your area is and register.
EPA Exam
You can get Section 608 EPA certification both on-site in Georgia and online. There's a 12-page manual that's brief and exhaustive and helps techs prepare before the exam. You can buy and take the EPA exam at ESCO Testing online. The overall cost of certification is $24.95 for the first trial. After that, the charge is $5.95 for consecutive tests at getting the certificate.
Conclusion
The next decade will see a rise in job growth for professionals within the HVAC industry. Jobs in tech currently pay more than the national average, and expansion at 14% will continue till 2024. Now is the time to get certified and work in HVAC.
If you're thinking of building a successful HVAC business, you must do it by investing a little money, effort, and time while getting certified for your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Georgia Warm Air License?
It is also called the Conditioned Air Contractor license.
