If you’re considering a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R), earning your certification is the first step toward success. At Pennco Tech, our HVAC&R program in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can open doors to stable, well-paying trade careers and teach you the skills employers value most. Here, we discuss the path toward HVAC&R certification and why it matters, as well as how our hands-on training is designed to prepare you for real-world challenges.

What Is HVAC&R Certification, and Why Does It Matter?

HVAC&R certification is a professional credential that verifies your skills, knowledge, and ability to work with heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems safely and effectively. Certification is earned by completing approved training and passing industry-recognized exams, which cover system installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, safety practices, and environmental regulations.

Certification matters because it sets a standard of competence in a highly technical and safety-critical field. Employers across Pennsylvania and New Jersey often require certified technicians because it provides confidence that a technician is properly trained and capable of performing quality, law-abiding work. Therefore, enrolling in our HVAC&R program and earning certification are smart steps toward a stable, rewarding career. Key benefits of earning certification include:

• Improved job prospects and advancement potential: HVAC&R certification makes you stand out to employers and opens doors to more opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Certified technicians are often considered first for promotions and specialized roles.
• Competitive salaries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certified HVAC technicians in these states earn competitive wages, and salaries can increase significantly with experience and additional certifications. In New Jersey, HVAC technicians earn an average salary of $71,490 per year, while those in Pennsylvania see earnings of $63,250 on average per year.
• Expanded career options within the HVAC&R field: Certification allows you to specialize in areas like refrigeration systems, energy efficiency, or advanced HVAC technologies. This flexibility gives you the chance to pursue niche roles that align with your interests and goals.

Why Choose the HVAC&R Certification Program at Pennco Tech?

If you’re ready to start your career, enrolling in our vocational school is your first step. All of our programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and provide the training and support you need. To help give you an even more competitive edge in the job market, we also provide certification testing for Section 608 of the Clean Air Act (set by the Environmental Protection Agency). Other highlights of our program include:

Flexible Daytime and Evening Classes

Juggling education on top of your busy lifestyle, such as work, family, or other commitments, can be challenging. Our flexible class schedules allow you to choose learning opportunities that work best for you, without compromising on quality or consistency.

Choose between day or evening classes to fit your schedule. Day programs include 1,200 hours of training (four terms at 300 hours each), while evening programs include 960 hours (four terms of 240 hours each). Over 50% of this training is hands-on, giving you real-world experience working on HVAC systems.

Curriculum Designed with Industry Insights

Whether you choose to further your education during the day or at night, our program features a carefully curated curriculum. Students will be taught crucial skills in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, such as:

• System design and installation: Learn to size a home, perform load calculations, design and fabricate ductwork, and install residential and commercial systems, including split air conditioners, mini-splits, and heat pumps.
• Hands-on technical training: Gain experience in piping, soldering, and brazing copper connections, working with updated thermostat controls, variable speed motors, tankless heaters, boilers, and various heat pump systems, including geothermal and radiant heating.
• Refrigeration and safety procedures: Understand refrigeration controls and applications for low, medium, and high-temperature cases, proper refrigerant handling and storage, and how to perform evacuation and recharge procedures across multiple systems.

Accreditation You Can Trust

Pennco Tech is proudly accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. From hands-on instruction to career services, we provide tools and support to help students achieve their educational goals. Our graduates also benefit from lifetime career assistance* to help with job placement and resume building.

*Availability of lifetime career assistance is contingent upon continuous institutional operations.

Pursue HVAC&R Certification Near You in PA and NJ

With flexible day and evening schedules, two convenient campuses in Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA, and strong connections with local employers, our HVAC&R certification program provides the training and support needed to launch your career. Benefit from practical experience and expert instruction that’ll help you master fundamental skills. Our ACCSC-accredited curriculum ensures you meet industry standards while building your confidence, and we offer financial aid opportunities for qualified students. Contact us today to learn more about our local HVAC&R certification program offered in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.