HVAC Tech Classes in New Jersey (Top Schools)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is a growing demand for HVAC technicians in New Jersey.

As of May 2021, there had been 9,160 employed individuals in the HVAC industry.

And this demand will continue to grow, with a 5% projected employment growth from 2020 to 2030.

If you want to work as an HVAC technician in New Jersey, continue reading the information below.

HVAC Programs in New Jersey

The HVAC industry has high demands for its apprentices, technicians, and contractors.

Everyone must be equipped with technical skills and practical experience to enter the industry.

Because of this, many will enroll in approved HVAC programs in order to learn the trade.

The table below lists some of the accredited schools in New Jersey that you can enroll in.

How to Get Certified in New Jersey

New Jersey only offers one type of state-level HVAC license: Master HVAC/R Contractor License.

It will be the NJ State Board of Examiners of HVAC/R Contractors that will regulate and issue the license.

Application Requirements for Licensure

To obtain the license, you must meet the following requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must meet one of the education and experience requirements
  • Completed a 4-year U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-approved HVAC/R apprenticeship program plus 1 year of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVAC/R Contractor
  • Completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree in HVAC/R from an accredited school plus 1 year of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVAC/R Contractor
  • Completed a 4-year HVAC/R-related bachelor’s degree from an accredited school plus 3 years of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVAC/R Contractor
  • Completed an HVAC/R program at an accredited trade school, community college, etc., which can satisfy 2 of the 4 years of DOL-approved HVAC/R apprenticeship program, plus 1 year of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVAC/R Contractor
• Complete the license application online
• Upload or mail supplemental documents
  • Birth certificate or passport proving you’re 21 years old
  • Passport size photo taken within the last 6 months
  • Official transcripts from accredited schools or certificates of completion from apprenticeship programs
  • Work certifications signed and sealed by the supervising Master HVAC/R Contractor
  • Forms W-2 submitted to the Internal Revenue Service proving your engagement in the HVAC/R trade
    • All W-2s while enrolled in the HVAC/R apprenticeship program
    • All W-2s for your HVAC/R journeyman year/s
  • Other documents showing you’ve completed the HVAC/R education requirements
• Pay the required fees
  • Application fee – $100
  • License fee – $160
• Successfully pass the licensure exam
• Obtain the $3,000 surety bond
• If you have an HVAC/R business, obtain a certificate of general liability insurance of $500,000

Taking the Licensure Exam

The Board has contracted with PSI to administer the Master HVAC/R Contractor exam.

Note that you can only sit for the exam once the Board has approved your eligibility.

Here are the exam details:

• You’ll take 2 exam portions, each with 50 questions to be completed in 130 minutes
  • HVAC/R trade
  • Business and law
• Exam fees
  • HVAC/R trade – $47
  • Business and law – $84
• It will be a computer-assisted exam
• It will be an open-book exam where you can use approved reference materials at the testing center
• Passing rate is 70%
• You have unlimited attempts to successfully pass the exams, but you must wait 6 months between each attempt

Reciprocity

If you’re from out-of-state, you can apply for reciprocity if you submit proof of the following:

• You’re a licensed HVAC/R contractor in another state
• Your originating state allows licensed NJ Master HVAC/R Contractors to obtain a license there
• Your originating state has substantially equivalent licensure standards with that of NJ
• You’ve met the education and experience requirements of NJ

Renewal Requirements

Your license is only valid until June 30 of every even-numbered year.

To renew, you must complete the following:

• Complete the online renewal application
• Pay the renewal fee of $160
• Complete 5 hours of continuing education
• Obtain a surety bond of $3,000 for the biennial term
• If you have an HVAC/R business, provide a certificate of general liability insurance of $500,000

EPA Certification

One of the vital components of the HVAC system is refrigerants.

However, these are hazardous chemicals that can deplete the ozone layer.

That’s why, to ensure proper and safe handling and disposal, the Environmental Protection Agency requires you to get certified.

The EPA Section 608 Technician Certification 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

HVAC technicians in New Jersey won’t lose to other professions in terms of competitive salaries.

Here’s the average salary information from BLS as of May 2021:

• Annual mean wage – $68,460
• 10th percentile – $37,560
• 90th percentile – $98,580

The table below shows the salaries in 10 of New Jersey’s cities for your reference.

HVAC Schools by City

• Jersey City