Real World Training for a Hands-On Career.
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology Lower Division Certificate Program in Columbia
Looking for a hands-on career where your skills keep people safe and comfortable? The Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology program at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Tech’s Columbia campus helps you build the technical skills you need to install, maintain, and repair the systems that control indoor environments. You train on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems using tools and equipment found in today’s residential and commercial settings. This program prepares you to enter the workforce with real-world experience to perform the tasks of an HVAC technician and take on the demands of the growing HVAC field1.
Build your future in climate control and enroll in the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology Certificate program at our Columbia, Maryland campus today.
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology Certificate Program Delivery
Day, afternoon and evening programs are available. Hands-on instruction is provided on-campus, with some coursework delivered online. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Tech also utilizes animations and simulations so you can experience interactive learning that enhances skill development, reinforces concepts, and allows you to practice troubleshooting in a risk-free environment.
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology Certificate Program Length
- Total Semester Credit Hours: 50.0
- Instructional Hours: 1200
- Completion Time: Approximately 52 weeks
HVAC Classes and Curriculum
Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Tech academic approach ensures that our programs align with current employer requirements and technological advancements. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training, your courses are designed to provide you with entry-level HVAC knowledge and skills. You learn to correctly test, diagnose, replace, repair, and adjust the components of HVAC mechanical and electronic systems. You also gain exposure to robotic systems used in advanced manufacturing environments. You also learn invaluable skills in professionalism, customer service, and career success.
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology Certificate Program Learning Objectives
- Install, service, and maintain residential and commercial HVAC systems.
- Understand and apply electrical and mechanical concepts.
- Interpret wiring diagrams and schematics for HVAC systems.
- Recover and recycle refrigerants in accordance with .
- Use diagnostic tools and instruments to troubleshoot HVAC systems.
- Work with air distribution systems and perform airflow measurements.
- Follow and environmental best practices.
- Communicate clearly with customers and coworkers.
- Prepare for EPA Section 608 certification, NATE Certification, and other relevant exams.
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology Certificate Program Career Outcomes
As a graduate of the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology Certificate program you may find entry-level employment at:
- Commercial building maintenance firms
- Residential construction contractors
- Refrigeration service providers
- Facilities management teams
HVAC Training in Columbia
As a student in ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Tech’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology Certificate program in Columbia, you train in well-equipped facilities, using advanced tools like and simulation software. Many instructors hold the prestigious Certified Master HVAC Educator (CMHE) credential, a distinction earned by only 140 professionals nationwide. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Tech’s blend of technical instruction, energy auditing training, and access to specialized opportunities like the Hussmann advanced training program provides a strong pathway to a career in climate control technology in Maryland, where salaries are more than the national HVAC average2.
HVAC Opportunities in Maryland
Students and graduates of the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology Certificate program may qualify to work at a variety of area businesses including organizations3 such as:
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Systems Technology — Columbia
HCRX101 — Lower Division Certificate Program
CIP Code: 15.0501
SOC Code: 49-9021
Day, Afternoon, Evening Programs
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 50.0 |
|---|---|
| Instructional Hours | 1200 |
| Weeks to Complete — Day | Approximately 52 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Afternoon | Approximately 52 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
| Weeks to Complete — Evening | Approximately 52 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
Program Objective
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology program will introduce students to electrical and mechanical concepts as they apply to HVAC systems. Students will be prepared to enter this field possessing fundamental skills required to service, troubleshoot, and repair commercial and residential indoor HVAC air management systems. Students also learn proper refrigerant recovery and recycling techniques, and are encouraged to complete Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification testing.
Upon completion of this program, graduates can expect to meet the essential entry-level skills and knowledge required of a HVAC technician. With additional experience graduates may pursue opportunities allowing them to work independently, without direct supervision, supervise crews or teams of other technicians, or start their own business. Graduates may also choose to specialize in one or more specific areas of the HVAC market including refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating.
In addition to the technical training, a critical aspect of a ÐÔÊӽ紫ý education is developing the professional skills that are required by our employers. Students will need to demonstrate skill proficiency through a series of professional development activities and seminars which are integrated into each course. The modules include Student Success, Financial Literacy, Professional Development, and Career Success.
Students will be required to complete out-of-class assignment in each course.
Foundation Courses
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None |
Course Description
This course is designed to present the learner with an understanding of the principles of energy, heat, and combustion; basic refrigeration and the effects of temperature and pressure on liquids and gasses. Procedures used in the fabrication of tubing assemblies, cutting, bending, flaring, swaging and soldering are also taught. Pressure testing and leak detection procedures are also emphasized.
Students will learn to apply the basic theory of heat transfer, basic principles of energy and matter, and the application of safe work practices. They will learn to use the tools and equipment used by the HVAC-R technician and the proper selection of fasteners for particular tasks. Students will also learn the different types of tubing used in the HVAC-R industry and the types of jointing processes for different types of tubing. Students will be given the opportunity to complete their OSHA 30 certification during this course. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
Core Courses
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None |
Course Description
This course is designed to explore the sources and principles of electrical energy and its generation and control. Conductors, insulators, thermal and magnetic switching are discussed. Types and application of electric motors are emphasized. Procedures used in wiring panels and switching devices as well as single and poly-phase electrical systems are also discussed.
Students will learn how to apply safety procedures while working with electricity and electrical devices and equipment. They will learn to distinguish the difference between series and parallel circuits and how to apply principles of electricity to electrical formulas as they relate to basic circuits and equipment. Students will also learn to apply automatic controls used in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration industry. They will learn the application of various types of electric motors and controls used in the industry. In addition students will learn to diagnosis and troubleshoot electric motors and motor controls. In the process they will learn to use various types of test equipment. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
HCR102 |
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce the learner to gas and electric heating systems. This includes gas fired boilers hot water, steam, along with warm air gas furnace. Students will then learn the components that make up these complex heating systems. Each student will then apply this knowledge to master the operation of each system both mechanically and electrically prior to learning proper troubleshooting techniques. A portion of this course will be dedicated to the principles of combustion and methods of testing combustion efficiency on various heating systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
HCR102 |
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce the learner to oil-fired and hydronic heating systems. This includes oil fired boilers hot water, steam, along with warm air oil furnaces. Students will then learn the components that make up these complex heating systems. Each student will then apply this knowledge to master the operation of each system both mechanically and electrically prior to learning proper troubleshooting techniques. A portion of this course will be dedicated to the principles of combustion and methods of testing combustion efficiency on various heating systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
None |
Course Description
This course is designed to present the student with the principles governing the operation of refrigeration systems and the refrigeration cycle. They will learn about refrigerants, compressors, evaporators, condensers, metering and control devices as well as service procedures, such as evacuating refrigerants and oil charging, leak detection and mechanical checks.
Students will learn how to plot a refrigeration cycle for refrigerants on a pressure/enthalpy diagram, choose a leak detector for a particular type of leak, perform two different types of evacuation, and perform a high side and triple evacuation. They will learn to charge a system using various methods. Students will also learn to diagnose and troubleshoot various problems within the refrigeration system. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
HCR102, HCR105 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with the necessary information about the various types of air conditioning systems, their characteristics and applications as well as combination systems, ductless systems and heat pump systems. This course also explores the various components e.g.: compressors, motors, controls, and air handlers as well as servicing and troubleshooting of systems and controls. They will learn to select the correct instruments for checking an air conditioning unit with a mechanical problem. Students will also learn to calculate the correct operating suction pressures for both standard and high-efficiency air conditioning equipment under various conditions. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
HCR101 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with the necessary information about the theory of heat exchange as applied to heat and cooling loads, as well as the calculation of those loads. A duct project is completed and tested during this course. Students will learn the sources of indoor air pollution, the procedures for eliminating contamination sources, how molds reproduce, reasons for cleaning air ducts, reasons for providing humidification in winter months, and factors used when sizing humidifiers.
Students will also learn to determine factors for evaporation requirements, plot airflow conditions on the air-friction chart, determine requirements for filtration systems, perform service inspections on humidifier units, perform load calculations, plot wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures, and calculate winter heat loss. Basic energy auditing principles are taught towards the latter portion of this course, this includes solar energy and geothermal concepts. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
HCR102, HCR105 |
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the learner with commercial refrigeration theory and application. Students will learn the various types of commercial refrigeration systems and their application such as supermarket display cases to various refrigerated cabinets used in food preservation. Students will also learn the difference between package units and remote commercial system arrangements. Heat loads and pressure-enthalpy diagrams will be discussed as they relate to commercial refrigeration systems. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
HCR102, HCR105 |
Course Description
This course will provide the learner information on various types of commercial air conditioning systems found in the HVACR Industry. Rooftop units, economizers, enthalpy controls, along with variable refrigerant flow systems. Each topic will be examined to gain deeper knowledge on how these components operate in conjunction with one other. In addition, chillers, cooling tower along with absorption cooling system are explored to provide the learner knowledge of how each component help to achieve cooling in large buildings/ industrial manufacturing. The latter portion of this course is comprised of teaching commercial refrigeration troubleshooting. This includes refrigeration system diagnosis, component diagnosis and the servicing procedure of these systems. Students will practice their newly acquired skills on various refrigeration systems providing troubleshooting mechanical and electrical scenarios found in the field. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
|---|---|
| Lab / Shop Hours | 60 |
| Internship Hours | 0 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 |
| Prerequisites |
HCR101, HCR102, HCR103, HCR104, HCR105, HCR107 |
Course Description
This course is designed to present the learner with additional electrical concepts. Students will receive a brief overview of electrical concepts such as series circuits, parallel circuits, motors and controls. Various types of electrical schematics will be discussed. Students will apply these concepts to heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment by examining their operation. This course will emphasize strongly on usage of the electrical meter and manufacturer schematics used in troubleshooting heating, and cooling equipment.
Students will also learn DC inverter motor technologies by examining bridge rectification and motor inverter technologies for both compressors and fans. Students will learn how to maintain, service and troubleshoot various DC components. A large portion of this course will be comprised of the learner strengthening their hand-on skills both mechanically and electrically. The learner will troubleshoot and repair various heating, and cooling equipment. Professional development exercises and seminars are also included in this course.
Notes:
Course numbers and sequences are listed here for reference only. The actual delivery sequence of courses contained in this program may vary depending on individual campus scheduling. Maximum Time Frame: 75 semester credits.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, , retrieved June 17, 2025.
2 O*Net Online, Retrieved June 29, 2025.
3 These companies have hired one or more 2021 – 2024 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý graduates to work in their field of study.
Mode of Delivery: Residential, Blended Learning or Online are the methods we may use to deliver content in each course. The Residential courses are offered on ground at the campus. Blended courses are offered by delivering a fraction of the course in an online format as well as traditional face to face method. Online courses are delivered 100% online. The Blended delivery and online delivery plan will implement distance education activities into each course in the program of study. The use of simulations, case studies, assessments and multimedia may be used to enhance the students understanding of the learning objectives outlined in the course syllabus.
The listing of credits is not meant to imply that credits can be transferred into college or other private career school programs. Transfer credits are at the sole discretion of the receiving school.
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