HVAC Tech Classes in Wisconsin (Top Schools)

Wisconsin has a thriving HVAC industry, with 5,350 professionals as of May 2021 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

So it’s no wonder that the employment level has increased and the salary has become more competitive.

It has created plenty of job prospects for those willing to develop their skills and careers.

On this page, you’ll learn how to become a legally recognized HVAC technician in Wisconsin.

HVAC Programs in Wisconsin

Due to its high technical work, you must possess extensive knowledge and skills before entering the industry.

You can acquire these from approved HVAC programs, which provide you with the training and experience to learn the trade.

The table below lists some of the accredited HVAC schools in Wisconsin that you can check out.

How to Get Certified or Registered in Wisconsin

There’s no mandatory state-level licensing for HVAC technicians and contractors in Wisconsin.

But if you want to have a legal credential, you can apply for the following:

• HVAC Qualifier Certification – an optional state-level certification that validates your qualifications or skills
• HVAC Contractor Registration – a mandatory state-level requirement that validates your ability to legally operate an HVAC business

These will be issued by the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Application Requirements for Certification or Registration

To obtain your certification or registration, you must meet its requirements.

HVAC Qualifier

You must have…

• Completed and submitted the Application for HVAC Qualifier Certification form
• Paid the initial credential fee
  • Application fee – $15
  • Exam fee – $25
• Provided proof of meeting one of the education and/or experience requirements
  • At least 1,000 hours per year for at least 4 years of experience in supervising or performing HVAC work
  • At least 4 years of HVAC program, apprenticeship program, or mechanical engineering course in an accredited school
  • Any combination of 4 years of experience and education listed above
• Successfully passed the required exam

HVAC Contractor

You must have…

• Obtained a Business Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• Designated a business representative
  • Sole proprietary – owner
  • Partnership – any of the partners
  • Corporation – chairman of the board or CEO
• Completed and submitted the Application for HVAC Contractor Registration form
• Paid the initial credential fee
  • Application fee – $15
  • Credential fee – $160

Taking the HVAC Qualifier Certification Exam

DSPS will administer the HVAC Qualifier Certification exam.

Here are the exam details:

• It will consist of 100 questions in 4 hours
• It will be an open-book exam, covering topics contained in the following:
  • Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 320-325, SPS 341, and SPS 345
  • 2005 SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards Manual-Metal and Flexible
  • 2013 ASHRAE Fundamentals
  • 2015 NFPA 54 (only those parts dealing with gas piping and gas piping installations per Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 365.0400)
  • 2015 International Model Code
    • Building (IBC)
    • Mechanical (IMC)
    • Fuel gas (IFGC)
    • Energy conservation (IECC)
    • Existing buildings (IEBC)
    • Amendments to those codes in Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 361-366
• Passing rate – 70%

Renewal Requirements

Your certification or registration will expire every four years on the issuance date.

To renew, you must submit the following:

• Completed renewal form (mailed or online)
• Renewal fee
  • HVAC Qualifier – $60
  • HVAC Contractor – $160

EPA Certification

As mandated by federal law, any technician working with refrigerants must get the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.

Having it ensures you have the competency to properly handle and dispose of refrigerants, which causes ozone depletion.

To learn how to get certified, check out our guide to the EPA certification.

Potential Salary

Per BLS, HVAC technicians in Wisconsin can earn an annual mean wage of $59,130 as of May 2021.

Those in the 10 percentile can earn up to $37,710, while those in the 90th can earn more than $94,110.

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

HVAC Schools by City

• Madison
• Milwaukee