Becoming A HVAC Technician Kingstree SC

How to Find the Right Heating and Cooling Certificate Program near Kingstree South Carolina

air conditioner condensers in Kingstree SCOnce you have made a decision on a career as a heating and air conditioner specialist, the next step is to look for an HVAC trade school near Kingstree SC. But with so many to select from, how do you decide on the right one to obtain the training that you need? Some prospective students will make their decision based entirely on the price of tuition or how close the school is to their home. Although these are relevant factors to consider, they are not the only ones to take into account. Some of the other details that you need to investigate are the graduation completion rates of the HVAC schools, their reputations, and if they are accredited by professional trade organizations. These and additional criteria will be covered in more detail later in this article. But before we tackle how to select an HVAC trade school, let’s take a look at what a heating and cooling professional does to become a licensed skilled tradesman.

How to Become an HVAC Specialist

Kingstree SC HVAC Tech installing water heaterHVAC is an acronym that is widely used in the industry that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning”. HVAC professionals provide services for the installation, repair and maintenance of central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and heating systems. As skilled tradesmen, they are commonly mandated to be licensed, however every state and local municipality has its own criteria. Acquiring professional certification is not compulsory, but an optional means for Kingstree SC HVAC specialists to establish that they are exceptionally proficient and knowledgeable in their area of specialization. There are multiple acknowledged certifications within the trade that are offered. Below are some of the important ones.

  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE is a nationally acknowledged certification for HVAC techs. The certification is attained by passing a competency exam and may be acquired in one or more specialties.
  • HVAC Excellence. This certification makes available both a professional and a master specialist credential. Two years of field experience together with passing a comprehensive examination are required for the professional level certification. Master specialists need to have 3 years of experience together with a passing result on the professional level exam. As with NATE, certifications are provided in multiple specialties.
  • EPA Section 608. This certification is mandatory for technicians that handle refrigerants. There are 3 types of certification offered, one for small appliances, and the additional two for low and high pressure refrigerants.

Because licensing may be required in your location, and you may also wish to obtain certification, it’s essential that you choose an HVAC trade school that will prepare you for both. And since you will more than likely be dealing with refrigerants, make sure that the program you select prepares you for passing the EPA Section 608 examinations.

HVAC Certificate and Degree Training Programs

radiator heater in Kingstree SC homeThere are a number of alternatives available for HVAC instruction in a technical or vocational school. You can obtain a certificate, an Associate Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree. Acquiring a certificate will take the least amount of time, usually completed in just 6 months, though some programs are longer. A certificate will qualify you for the majority of HVAC positions, especially if you are licensed and have certification applicable to the position. The degree training programs can provide a competitive advantage for securing employment and will furnish more in-depth training than the certificate programs. Following is a short explanation of each credential offered near Kingstree SC.

  • Certificate. Normally requiring a high school diploma, certificate programs are preferred among entry level residential or commercial HVAC technicians. They furnish a solid foundation of skills for job opportunities within the trade.
  • Associate Degree. The Associate Degree in HVAC program delivers a more comprehensive understanding of heating and a/c systems than the certificate program. Normally requiring two years to finish, some degrees include an internship or work-study program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree. The Bachelor’s Degree in HVAC is tailored more for a career in management or even business ownership. Some programs call for an Associate Degree, while others are a standard four year program. In addition to learning how to service and maintain heating and air conditioning systems, you will also learn how to design them.

Selecting the appropriate credential program will be based on what your future career aspirations are, as well as the time and financial resources that you have to invest. One option is to start with a certificate or even an Associate Degree program, and after acquiring some experience in the field in Kingstree SC, eventually going back to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree. If this is your strategy, make certain to ask the HVAC technician school you are considering about how their returning student program works.

HVAC Training Online

Kingstree SC student attending HVAC school onlineEnrolling in an HVAC school online is one option to attaining your education and receiving a certificate or degree. Almost all schools will call for some attendance on campus to complete practical training. Many also provide internship or work-study programs in addition to or as an alternative to practical lab work. But since the balance of the classes can be attended via the internet, this option may be a more convenient solution for some Kingstree SC students that are pressed for time. And many online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus choices. Even commuting expenses from Kingstree and study supplies can be lessened, helping to make education more affordable. And a large number of online schools are fully accredited (more on this later). So if your work or family commitments have left you with limited time to attend classes, maybe an HVAC online training program will make it less complicated to fit school into your active schedule.

Questions to Ask HVAC Certification Classes

Questions to ask Kingstree SC HVAC training schoolsOnce you have chosen the type of certificate or degree that you want to obtain, either on campus or online, you can start to decrease your list of schools. As you are probably aware, there are numerous HVAC vocational schools in the Kingstree SC area and all over the United States to pick from. That’s why it is imperative to have a checklist of important qualifiers when making school assessments. As earlier mentioned in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will undoubtedly be the first 2 variables you will look at. Following are several additional ones that you should explore before enrolling in your school of choice.

Accreditation.  Many HVAC trade schools in the Kingstree SC area have acquired either a regional or a national accreditation. They can attain Institutional Accreditation, which involves the school’s programs as a whole, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to a specific program, for example HVAC technology. Confirm that the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education approved accrediting organization, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping guarantee that you get an excellent education, it can assist in securing financial aid or student loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited schools. Also, many states mandate that the HVAC training course be accredited in order to qualify for licensing.

High Completion Rates.  Ask the Heating and Air Conditioning schools you are considering what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the portion or percentage of students who enroll in and finish the course. A low completion rate may suggest that students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. It could also indicate that the teachers were not competent to train the students. It’s also essential that the schools have higher job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a broader list of alumni, which can mean more contacts for the school to utilize for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate can not only affirm that the school has a good reputation within the field, but additionally that it has the network of Kingstree SC HVAC employers to help students obtain apprenticeships or employment.

Apprenticeship Programs.  Numerous HVAC vocational programs are taught along with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating technical and vocational programs will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of HVAC businesses or trade unions. Check if the schools you are considering have referring partnerships with local Kingstree SC HVAC specialists. An apprenticeship not only offers a valuable experience by furnishing hands-on training, but it also furnishes employment opportunities and helps to establish relationships in the local HVAC professional community.

Modern Facilities.  Make sure that the campus facilities and the tools that you will be instructed on are up-to-date and what you will be working with in the field. If you are presently in an internship or an apprenticeship, consult with the HVAC tech you are working with concerning what you should be expecting. Otherwise, ask a local Kingstree SC HVAC contracting company if they can provide some suggestions. Also keep in mind that unless you can move, the school needs to be within driving distance of your Kingstree SC home. Take note that if you decide to enroll in an out-of-state school, besides the added moving costs there can be higher tuition fees compared to in-state residents.

Smaller Classes.   It’s desirable that you get as much personalized training as possible, which can be difficult in larger classes. Ask if you can monitor a couple of the classes so that you can observe how large they are and witness first hand the interaction between students and instructors. Speak with a few of the students and get their comments relating to class sizes and instruction. Last, talk with a few of the instructors and learn what their level of expertise is and what degrees or certifications they hold.

Flexible Scheduling.  Confirm that the class schedules for the programs you are reviewing are flexible enough to fulfill your needs. If you are only able to attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Kingstree SC, confirm that the programs you are considering provide those options. If you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you select offers part-time enrollment. Finally, ask what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Considering an HVAC School near Kingstree SC?

Perhaps you are considering enrolling in an HVAC training program in the Kingstree South Carolina area.  If so, you may find the following background information about the location of your new school campus both interesting and informative.

Kingstree, South Carolina

The original town was laid out as Williamsburg by the Lords Proprietors in colonial times. But a lone, unusually large white pine was found along the Black River. Since tall white pines were ideal for use as masts for ships, it was claimed by the Crown on behalf of the king. The broad arrow mark was carved into the tree to prevent any colonists from cutting it. Though white pines are native to the Appalachians as far south as Georgia, it is the only tree of King George’s ever found in the South.[5]:166 Over time, the county kept the name Williamsburg, but the county seat became known as The King's Tree, giving rise to its modern name.[6]

General Francis Marion, known as the Swamp Fox, defeated the British at the Battle of the Lower Bridge in March 1781. There is a historical marker to mark the battle between US Highway 521 and the Black River.[7]

After the British had captured Charles Town during the revolution, General Marion gained supporters from Major John James. The Battle of King's Tree took place on August 27, 1780. The city sustained losses including, Indiantown Presbyterian Church being burned to the ground.[6]

Becoming A HVAC Technician Kingstree SC

Choosing the ideal HVAC school program is a crucial first step toward a rewarding career in the heating and air conditioning field. You originally came to this website because you wanted more information regarding Becoming A HVAC Technician. However, as we have covered in this post, you should select an Heating and Cooling training program and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the HVAC profession. Other features to search for are lots of practical training and state-of-the-art facilities. You should check out each of the schools in person that you are most interested in to inspect the campus and speak with both the faculty and current students. Attempt to get a feel for the quality of the training and the interaction between them. Also, ask about scheduling choices and whether or not night or weekend classes are offered if needed. And remember to inquire about financial assistance and student loan options as well. If you ask the right questions as we have outlined in our guidelines for comparing schools, you’ll be able to narrow down your options so that you can make an informed decision. With the right training, hard work and commitment, you can eventually become a licensed HVAC specialist in Kingstree SC.

More Hot and Cool Locations in South Carolina

  • HVAC Service Training Clover SC
  • Online Classes for HVAC Johns Island SC
  • HVAC Training Program Beaufort SC
  • Air Conditioner Diploma Course Mc Cormick SC
  • Heating and Air Training Chesterfield SC
  • Heating Certificate Moore SC
  • HVAC Technician Online Courses Richburg SC
  • HVAC Training School Bishopville SC
  • HVAC Certificate Programs Blackville SC
  • Heating and Cooling Schools Near Me Seneca SC
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 10

    Carolina Heating & Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1604 Lake City Hwy, Johnsonville, SC 29555

    Rudd Heating and Air
    3 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    3447 S Live Oak Dr, Moncks Corner, SC 29461

    COASTAL AIR SOLUTIONS
    3 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    409 S Live Oak Dr, Moncks Corner, SC 29461

    Reliable Electric Heating & Air
    6 Reviews
    Electricians, Lighting Fixtures & Equipment, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    8245 Hwy 707, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

    JS Pope Heating & Air
    2 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Water Heater Installation/Repair, Appliances & Repair
    Phone:
    4160 N Fraser St, Georgetown, SC 29440

    ARS / Rescue Rooter Myrtle Beach
    17 Reviews
    Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Water Heater Installation/Repair
    Phone:
    1221 Harbour Towne Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

    Always Affordable Services
    3 Reviews
    Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    1000 S Commons Dr, Ste 102, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

    After Hours Heating & Cooling
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
    Phone:
    2328 Mallard Ln, Florence, SC 29501

    Brian's Mechanical
    5 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Insulation Installation
    Phone:
    Summerville, SC 29485

    Ductz Of Greater Columbia
    1 Reviews
    Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC, Air Duct Cleaning
    Phone:
    415 Cedarcrest Dr, Lexington, SC 29073