Are you interested in becoming an HVAC technician and wonder what a journeyman’s license is? You’re not alone. The most frequent industries for journeymen are plumbing, electrician and HVAC technician. This person has completed a certain number of training hours and passed a journeyman’s license exam.
What is a Journeyman’s License for HVAC Techs?
HVAC journeymen are usually required to complete a specific number of hours of class lectures and on-the-job training to qualify to take a state-licensed journeyman’s exam.
HVAC Journeyman in Kentucky
In Kentucky, to become an HVAC journeyman, you must complete classroom training, and have a minimum number of years of validated experience. Kentucky allows applicants to obtain required job experience at a technical school, a qualified apprenticeship program, or by serving as a supervised technician according to the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
The Journeyman HVAC license allows the HVAC technician to install any system of air conditioning, warm-air heating, and ventilation, including HVAC equipment and any duct system necessary to make an air-conditioning system complete. The exam consists of 60 questions focused on general HVAC knowledge, systems and sizing, HVAC equipment, piping, refrigeration systems, electrical, maintenance, plan reading, estimating, and Math. You will have 3 hours to complete the exam.
Electrician Journeyman in Texas
In Texas, to become a journeyman electrician, you must have 7,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a Master HVAC technician in Texas. This experience must be documented and signed off on an Experience Verification Form, according to the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations.
Can You Transfer HVAC Program Credits to a Journeyman’s License?
Yes, you can transfer your credits from Interactive College of Technology’s HVAC technician program. HVAC journeyman’s license issuers want technicians to have a certain number of hours of lecture as well as on-the-job training. Attending ICT is a great way to gain the knowledge, skills, and required training to become an HVAC journeyman.
How Do You Become an HVAC Technician?
A great way to start working toward a journeyman’s license and/or become an HVAC technician is to attend Interactive College of Technology’s HVAC Residential training program or HVAC/R Technology program.
What Do You Learn During an HVAC Technician Program?
Throughout the HVAC technician program, you will prepare for day one of your new career and will be ready to take the necessary certification exams. Some of the courses you will complete during an HVAC Technician program include:
Gas, Electric, and Heat Pump Heating Systems
As an HVAC technician, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll work on heating systems. Whether you’re maintaining, repairing, or installing them, you’ll need a complete understanding of how they work. During your HVAC technician training program, classes will be dedicated to working with gas-burning furnaces, electric furnaces, and heat pumps, which are the three most common types of heating systems you’ll find in homes and businesses.
These courses will also feature dedicated lessons on the specifics of how each type of heating system functions. Because the method for producing heat is so different for each type of heating system, you will need to learn about all three, as well as their components and the procedures required for maintaining, repairing, and installing them. While gas-burning and electric furnaces are fairly similar, heat pumps are entirely different in virtually every way.
Residential and Commercial Refrigeration
Did you know that working with refrigeration systems is a significant aspect of being an HVAC technician? Once you’ve started your career, you will be required to work with residential and/or commercial-grade walk-in refrigerators and freezers. To ensure that you’re fully experienced and knowledgeable regarding this part of the HVAC industry, the training program will cover residential and commercial refrigeration.
In addition to learning about refrigerators and freezers and how they operate, you will also get hands-on experience. Projects will offer repair scenarios as well as practice different exercises to become familiar with the refrigeration equipment.
Principles of Electrical Circuits
There are many mechanical problems that can arise with different HVAC systems. You will probably need to work with electrical circuits to repair many HVAC system issues.
Working with electricity is always dangerous, so proper procedure and safety measures are important to learn and follow. By the time you’re finished with your training, you’ll have the knowledge necessary to safely work with all these electrical circuits.
HVAC/R Computer Fundamentals
In the modern world, the footprints of advancing technology can be found in practically every industry, and HVAC/R is no exception. When it comes to modern HVAC/R systems, computerized controls are increasingly prominent. Although not every job you’ll perform as an HVAC technician will be focused on the computerized elements of the equipment, having an understanding of how they work will certainly help you do your job more effectively.
During your HVAC/R program, you will cover the fundamentals of the computerized controls and systems that you may encounter on the job. You’ll learn how artificial intelligence and other smart technology work to analyze a system’s external environment and keep it functioning smoothly and efficiently. You’ll also learn how to effectively diagnose any problems that arises with refrigerators and HVAC systems.
Low Voltage Controls and Thermostats
Typically, low voltage thermostats can handle between 12 and 24 volts of electricity. Rather than powering individual heating units, they can power the home’s main HVAC source and indirectly provide heat using control signals.
While you’re attending classes to become an HVAC technician, you will learn about the differences between low and high-voltage thermostats, what they’re most commonly used for, and how to properly work with them. In many cases, to help home or business owners solve their HVAC-related problems, you’ll need to be an expert on low voltage thermostats.
Customer Service and Safety
Most HVAC technicians have two main goals: keeping their customers comfortable and safe. When handled improperly or without caution, HVAC systems can be very dangerous. During your training, courses will be dedicated to proper safety techniques and precautions. Safety should always be your first priority.
Externship
The final class of your HVAC training program involves an externship. During an externship, you will gain important experience in the field. You will shadow your counterpart and try to diagnose and fixes real HVAC systems, under strict supervision. Externships are also a great way to boost your resume and stand out among an employer’s candidates.
EPA Certification
Because of the nature of HVAC equipment, their energy consumption, and the output of gas-burning appliances, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has certain regulatory power over the industry. To become a working HVAC technician, you’ll need to pass an EPA-approved test to earn Section 608 Technician Certification. Additionally, there are four separate types of EPA certifications that you can earn depending on what kind of systems you intend to work with.
NATE Certification
The other primary certification you’ll want to obtain as an HVAC technician is NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification. NATE is a coalition made up of the EPA and the ASHRAE, and they certify HVAC/R technicians through a series of tests. Reputable contractors will often only hire NATE-certified technicians, and most customers with knowledge of the industry strongly prefer to work with them as well.
To earn your NATE certification, you’ll be required to pass the series of tests with a score of 70% or higher. However, you’ll also need at least two years of experience working in the HVAC field. Your HVAC technician training course will provide you with the lessons and experience that you’ll need to take your tests and earn your NATE certification.
What Are the Benefits of Completing an HVAC Technician Program?
There are many benefits to enrolling in and completing an HVAC technician program. You’ll get hands-on experience with real equipment, have frequent access to your instructor’s extensive knowledge, and be given the opportunity to ask questions and receive one-on-one help with anything you’re struggling with. By the time you’re finished, you’ll have learned the most important lessons that are necessary for moving your career forward in the HVAC industry. You will also have the confidence to succeed as an HVAC technician.
Want to Learn More?
Now that you know what a journeyman’s license is and how it pertains to the HVAC industry, it is time to learn more about Interactive College of Technology.
The HVAC residential training program at our Pasadena, TX, Chamblee, GA, and Newport, KY campuses offer training in all phases of repair and maintenance of residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This program prepares you for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification in the management of refrigerants and North American Technicians Excellence (NATE) Certification.
An externship is a part of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning residential training program and assigns you to a partnering company for 135 hours, giving you the opportunity to put your new skills to use and gain real-life career training experience. Plus, after you graduate, our Lifetime Career Placement Support program will be there to help you find work whenever you need it.
Let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.
