HVAC Tech Classes in Texas (Top Schools)

When it comes to carrying out work in conditioning, ventilation and cooling system repair, installation and maintenance, then requirements are different for each state.

Texas does not differ much from other states in terms of requirements.

However, in Texas, there is a clear distinction made between “environmental air conditioning” and the “commercial refrigeration and process cooling or heating.”

That is why there are two types of licensing.

You will need to complete a Texas HVAC certification program.

After that, you need to pass the state-administered exam and fill out certain forms.

One of them is a Texas ACR Contractor License Application.

Here is all you need to know!

HVAC Licenses

There are two types of licenses in Texas.

They are Class A license or a Class B HVACR licenses.

A technician who holds a Class A license can work on a unit of any size.

On the other hand, a technician who has the Class B license can work on cooling systems that are 25 tons and under, and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs/hour and under.

The license certifies that you can carry out work in air conditioning and refrigeration contracting for commercial refrigeration and process cooling or heating which fall within the scope of your license type.

There is an option to complete HVAC certification program online.

This will provide you with more flexibility in terms of your schedule.

This is especially good for you if you have a part-time job or if you are taking care of your family.

In order to prepare for your certification exam, and obtain your license be sure to go over all the requirements you need to meet in order to obtain the HVAC license.

License Requirements

To obtain the license you must be at least 18. In addition to that you need to supply proof that you have 36 months of hands-on experience.

All the information about taking this exam including various rules, laws and guidelines are available on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website.

The fee you will have to pay id $115. Once your application has been approved, the state will send a notification to the exam provider, who will in turn notify you to schedule your test.

The test can be taken as many times as you want in the time frame of one year from filing your application.

However, it is still obligatory that you pay the fee for each attempt.

When you pass the test, a license will be awarded to you.

This license will allow you both to provide HVAC services to the general public and to work as a contactor in the HVAC industry.

You will also need proper liability insurance to begin working on appropriate systems or equipment.

Therefore, you have to fulfill the following requirements:

1. ​Be at least 18 years old
2. Register as an ACR technician (no exam)
3. Have at least 4 years of experience working with AC and refrigerators under the supervision of a licenses technician within the past 6 years.
4. Apply for the ACR contractors certification exam
5. Determine which license you want
6. Take the ACR contractors certification exam
7. Find a job 

ACR Certification Exam

You need to meet the eligibility requirements discussed above in order to schedule and take this exam.

If your application is approved, you should contact the PSI to schedule the exam. You can contact them at 1-800-733-9267.

There are two types of exams depending on the Class of your license.

The tests for Class A and Class B are different in length and the time you have at your disposal.

Class A exam consists of 120 questions that you need to complete in 240 minutes.

Class B exam has 100 questions, and you will have 180 minutes to complete them.

The topics that are featured in the exam are: Absorption systems, basic refrigeration components, boilers, business and law, combustion air, controls, design and responsibility, equipment requirements, heat loads, HVAC systems, piping, pressure relief protection, refrigeration principles, service, testing, ventilation, and venting.

In case you want to take the environmental air exam, the topics are quite similar.

However, they are more specific in terms of the environmental impact the systems can have.

Salary

The job market for HVAC industry is constantly growing. It is estimated that there will be a 30% increase in the number of jobs.

Your salary will be dependent of many factors. Some of them are your licenses, certifications, experience, education, and employers.

As a beginner in San Antonio you can make an average salary of $37,730; and $38,790 in Austin.

Here is a table of salaries you can expect as a HVAC technician in the ten largest cities in the state of Texas:

Schools

The best way you can prepare for your exams as well as for the job itself is to finish an official HVAC training program.

These programs will make you become a valuable asset to any company. You will get theoretical and practical knowledge.

Here is a table of schools that offer approved HVAC training programs in Texas:

Conclusion

If you were waiting for the perfect timing to start your HVAC career, this is it.

The job market is excellent and the number of jobs is only expected to grow.

The jobs pay more than the national average.

The only thing you should do to be a top-earning technician is to invest a bit of hard work, money and time.

HVAC Schools by City

• Austin
• Brownsville
• Dallas
• El Paso
• Fort Worth
• Houston
• McAllen
• San Antonio