General Information
NCCER Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Levels 1-4
The increasing development of HVAC technology causes employers to recognize the importance of continuous education and keeping up to speed with the latest equipment and skills. Hence, technical school training or apprenticeship programs often provide an advantage and a higher qualification for employment. With this in mind, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) provides relevant curriculum designed by highly qualified subject matter experts from the industry. This four-level program is North American Technician Excellence (NATE) recognized and presents theoretical and practical skills essential to your success as an HVAC installer or technician.
HVAC Levels 1-4 are delivered over four semesters as a hybrid program with 4-hour weekly classroom and lab sessions and online homework/activities due each week. Level 1 is offered each fall semester.
- HVAC Level 1 introduces the HVAC craft with foundational training in the following modules: Introduction to HVAC; HVAC Trade Math; Basic Electricity and Electrical Safety; Fundamentals of Heating Systems and Combustion Processes; Fundamentals of Cooling Systems and Refrigeration / Heat Transfer Processes; Introduction to Air Distribution Systems; Basic Copper, Plastic, and Steel Piping Practices, including Soldering, Brazing, Flaring, and Threading. Pre/co-requisite: NCCER Core Curriculum.
- HVAC Level 2 covers Commercial Airside Systems, Chimneys Vents and Flues, Introduction to Hydronic Systems, Air Quality Equipment, Leak Detection, Evacuation, Recovery and Charging, Alternating Current, Basic Electronics; Introduction to Control Circuit Troubleshooting, Troubleshooting Gas Heating and Cooling, Heat Pumps, Basic Installation and Maintenance Practices, Sheet Metal Duct Systems, and Fiberglass/Flexible Duct Systems. Prerequisite: HVAC Level 1.
- HVAC Level 3 focuses on Fasteners and Hardware, Wiring Terminations, Troubleshooting Control Circuits and Motors, Troubleshooting Cooling and Heat Pumps, Troubleshooting Gas and Oil Heating, Troubleshooting Accessories, Zoning, Ductless and Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems, Commercial Hydronic Systems, Steam Systems, Retail Refrigeration Systems, and Customer Relations. Prerequisite: HVAC Level 2.
- HVAC Level 4 includes modules in Water Treatment, Indoor Air Quality, Energy Conservation Equipment, Building Management Systems, System Air Balancing, Construction Drawings and Specifications, Heating and Cooling System Design, Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Systems, Alternative and Specialized Heating and Cooling Systems, and Fundamentals of Crew Leadership. Prerequisite: HVAC Level 3.
Trainee Requirement Details
Each level provides up to 80 hours of classroom/lab training with online homework and activities to be completed outside of class. Textbooks, online access code, and all materials are included in tuition. Computer/tablet and internet access are required for homework completion. Eighth-grade competence in reading and mathematics is recommended. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in NCCER Core Curriculum.
FastForward Financial Assistance Funding
Qualifying Virginia residents may be eligible for FastForward financial assistance, which could reduce the cost of tuition by two-thirds.
Get more information on upcoming courses:
Contact Robin Jennings, FastForward Career Coach at (540) 863-2899 or rjennings@mgcc.edu for more information and to register.