HVAC Tech Classes in Massachusetts (Top Schools)

When starting an HVAC career, it’s best to pay attention to the regulations of the state and localities.

Massachusetts, in particular, doesn’t have state-level requirements for HVAC technicians, but rather for refrigeration technicians.

On this page, you’ll learn how to become an HVAC professional in Massachusetts.

HVAC Programs in Massachusetts

The HVAC work, because of its complexity, requires a high degree of technical skills and knowledge.

As such, most would choose to enroll in an approved HVAC program to gain practical training and field experience.

In addition, most employers would prefer candidates who completed such programs for their foundation in HVAC work.

If you want to enroll in one, listed below are some of the accredited HVAC schools you can find in Massachusetts.

How to Get Licensed in Massachusetts

At a minimum, HVAC professionals don’t need a state-level license to provide HVAC services.

You only need to obtain EPA certification and meet employer requirements to work in the industry.

However, if you plan to service 10 tons or more of refrigeration work, then you need a refrigeration license.

Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI) issues the following licenses:

• Refrigeration Apprentice
• Refrigeration Technician
• Refrigeration Contractor

Application Requirements for Licensure

To obtain the license, you must meet these prerequisites:

• Refrigeration Apprentice
  • Must at least be 18 years old
  • Completed Application for Refrigeration Apprentice License form
  • Payment of the $40 nonrefundable application processing fee
  • Copy of your Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) ID Card
  • Note: You’re only limited to 2 license renewals unless otherwise approved by the Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters
• Refrigeration Technician
  • Completed Application for Refrigeration Technician License form
  • Payment of the $75 nonrefundable application processing fee
  • Must meet one of the employment and education requirements to obtain a DAS Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship
    • Option 1
      • Proof of at least 6,000 hours of work as a Refrigeration Apprentice
      • Proof of completing 250 hours of refrigeration course from an OPSI-approved school, which includes…
        • 100 Hours of refrigeration theory
        • 150 hours of MA electrical code training
    • Option 2
      • Proof of at least 4,000 hours of work as a Refrigeration Apprentice
      • Proof of completing 500 hours of refrigeration course from an OPSI-approved school, which includes…
        • 250 hours of practical shop-related work
        • 100 Hours of refrigeration theory
        • 100 hours of MA electrical code training
    • Option 3
      • Proof of at least 2,000 hours of work as a Refrigeration Apprentice
      • Proof of completing 1,000 hours of refrigeration course from an OPSI-approved school, which includes…
        • 700 hours of practical shop-related work
        • 100 Hours of refrigeration theory
        • 100 hours of MA electrical code training
    • Option 4
      • Copy of your license as a refrigeration technician, master technician, or equivalent from another jurisdiction
      • Documentation from employer listing work experience and certification requirements equivalent to the listed prerequisites
    • Option 5
      • Be approved by a majority vote of the Bureau
  • Copy of your CFC Certification
  • Successfully pass the licensure exam
• Refrigeration Contractor
  • Completed Application for Refrigeration Contractor License form
  • Payment of the $150 nonrefundable application processing fee
  • Proof of at least 2,000 hours of work as a Refrigeration Technician
  • Proof of completing 100 hours of additional refrigeration training from an OPSI-approved school
  • Successfully pass the licensure exam

In addition to the above-mentioned, you also need to submit the following (applicable to all):

• Copy of your high school diploma or GED equivalent
• 1” x 1.25” photo or passport photo, unless there’s an authorized use of RMV photo

Taking the Licensure Exam

OPSI will administer the exams.

So upon receiving your application, OPSI will review it and notify you about your exam eligibility within 4 to 8 weeks.

The exam will test you on the rules and regulations from the following codes:

• National codes, including codes resulting from National Academy of Science recommendations concerning the safe handling and storage of CFC materials to protect the earth’s ozone layer
• Codes relative to the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems designed to meet national conservation goals
• 522 CMR 9.00 – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems

Renewal Requirements

Your license will expire after 2 years of issuance on your birthday.

To renew, you must complete the following:

• Complete the renewal application online
• Pay the applicable renewal fee
• Complete the continuing education requirement from an OPSI-approved school (for apprentices and technicians only)

EPA Certification

The Environmental Protection Agency requires technicians planning to work with refrigerants to be certified.

The EPA Section 608 Technician Certification will examine your competency in properly handling these refrigerants.

It has 4 types that you can apply for.

• Type I
• Type II
• Type III
• Universal

To learn which type to certify for, check out our guide to the EPA certification.

Potential Salary

Massachusetts has a rising demand for HVAC technicians, with 7,550 employed as of May 2021 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With such a high job growth, salaries have become more competitive.

It ranges between $37,820 and $96,940, with an average of $65,460 annually.

The table below shows the salaries in 10 of the state’s cities that you can use for reference.

HVAC Schools by City

• Boston