The HVAC Technician Certificate is a comprehensive HVACR training program for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration installers and technicians. This program is designed for learners using an online, mentor facilitated, self-paced environment that are interested in:

• Entry-level into the HVACR industry Continuing education for upgrading skills, or
• Becoming Certified or Licensed (NATE, etc.)

The content presented throughout the program are learning objectives that have been identified by HVAC/R industry groups as key knowledge for a HVAC/R technician.

All industry organizations are promoting education, training and certification. Some of these are ARI (Air Conditioning Refrigeration Institute), NATE (North American Technician Excellence), RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineer Society) and ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America), to mention a few.

NATE has endorsed our courses with "Recognized Training" status. This program follows the general consensus among industry leaders regarding the knowledge and skills needed by HVAC/R industry workers. If you wish to see what the industry recommends for study, ARI , NATE and NSSB (National Skills Standards Board) each have an HVAC curriculum guide/outline posted on their web sites.

The HVAC Core Technician Certificate program is offered in 8 course sections, with a subscription length of 120 days per course. Each course contains 12 modules. The modules cover specific HVACR concepts by incorporating a presentation that utilizes some or all of the following; text reading assignments, web site tours, applied exercises, inline quizzes, industry terminology definitions, video clips, animations, images, handouts and a 20 question module final exam. All courses include a mid term and a final exam.

Back to top

FEATURES

This nationally recognized HVAC online certification training program is offered in partnership with HVACReducation.net to bring you the only online HVAC Core Technician Certificate program of its kind on the web. This on-line program is only offered in partnership with major colleges and universities.

Back to top

TOPIC HIGHLIGHTS

1. HVACR Fundamentals
1. 101a: This first session is designed to explore the common aspects of HVAC/R technology. Discussion will focus on such topics as heat transfer methods, basic terminology and definitions, and applied physics for HVAC/R systems.
1. Introduction to the Industry HVAC/R Measurements Heat Energy Pressure Gas Works
2. Air Works
2. 101b: The second half covers the primary safety considerations of the HVAC/R workplace.
1. Hazard Communication Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Personal Safety in Confined Space and Ladders Electrical Lockout/Tagout Fire Extinguishers and Compressed Gas Safety
2. Back Protection and HVAC/R Hazardous Materials
2. HVAC/R Electrical 1
1. Elec1a: Basic electrical theory such as Ohms Law, circuit schematic symbols, circuit characteristics, will be discussed as it specifically applies to DC & AC circuits in the HVAC/R industry.
1. Introduction What is Energy? Atomic Theory Basic Circuits Parallel Circuits
2. Power
2. Elec1b: A continuation of the Electrical 1 course, concepts presented and discussed are oriented towards alternating current production and application, specifically to devices utilized in HVAC/R systems.
1. Magnetism Alternating Current Loads, Resistive, and Inductive Capacitors Impedance and Power Distribution
2. Transformers
3. HVAC/R Electrical 2
1. Elec2a: The first portion of this course covers common control components found in HVAC/R systems. Presentations and examples are given for specific devices and their electrical sequence of operation in normal HVAC/R applications. The final module of this first half discusses wiring and schematic reading.
1. Control Methods, Temperature, and Pressure Residential Heat/Cool Thermostats at Low Voltage Really Good Relay Stuff Contractors Go/Starters Go with Protection Power Wiring
2. Odds and Ends Around a Schematic
2. Elec2b: The second portion of the course is dedicated to common single- phase and small three-phase electric motors. Presentations focus on basic motor theory, common types of motors, starting components and protection devices and motor troubleshooting.
1. Basic Electric Motor Theory Shaded Pole and Split-Phase Motors CSIR and CSR Motors PCS and Multiple Speed Motors Dual Voltage and Variable-Speed Motors
2. Basic Three-Phase Motors
4. HVAC/R Systems 1
1. The first half of this course is an introduction to HVAC comfort parameters. Topics covered include human comfort, air properties, intro to psychrometrics, and airflow measurement methods and calculations.
1. Heat Transfer Concepts Comfort (humans and machines) Conditions of Air Introduction to Psychrometrics Using the Psychrometric Chart
2. Air Flow Measurement
2. The second half of this course is devoted to develop an ability to perform residential / light commercial heat-loss calculations (for heating systems) and size heating duct systems.
1. The Basic Building Envelope Heat-Loss Issues Heating Equipment Selection Distribution Basics Duct Sizing
2. Common Installation Standards
5. HVAC Cooling
1. This course will serve as an introduction to the mechanical compression refrigeration cycle and the components necessary for operation. Students will be introduced to the common components and the terms and definitions of the cycle. HVAC/R Fundamentals is required prior to taking this course.
1. Basic Refrigeration Cycle Physics Compression and Compressors Condensation and Condensers Expansion and Metering Devices Evaporation and Evaporators
2. The System Makes a Cycle
2. The second half of this course covers the cooling side of an HVAC system in residential / light commercial applications. Presentations and course-work will require the student to calculate heat gain and then size and design a basic cooling system.
1. The Basic Building Envelope Heat Gain Issue Cooling Equipment Selection Distribution Basics Duct Sizing
2. Common Installation Standards
6. HVAC Heating 1
1. The first portion of this course is to introduce the concept of combustion at a fundamental level. The focus will be on the current high-pressure gun oil burner.
1. Combustion Basics for Oil Fuel Storage and Delivery Issues High Pressure Gun Burner Burner Components Combustions Analysis and Adjustment
2. Mid Term Exam
2. The second half of the course covers combustion basics for natural gas and propane fuels as found in residential and light commercial applications. Presentations cover the common types of gas heating equipment.
1. Gas Combustion Basics Common Components and Safety Issues Natural Draft Induced Draft Direct Vent
2. Sealed Combustion
7. HVAC Heating 2
1. Heat Pump: The first half of this course is designed for a technician as an introduction to reverse-cycle air source heat pumps. Content covers the components and operational differences of a heat pump vs. a straight cooling system. A prerequisite is the HVAC Cooling 1 course.
1. The Heat Pump Concept Three Cycle Modes Control Systems Common Installation Criteria
2. Heat Pump Service
2. Hydronics: The second half of this course introduces the popular Hydronic heating system. The focus of this portion will be to prepare the learner to understand the installation and operation of a residential Hydronic system.
1. System Concept Residential Boilers Pumps and System Accessories Hydronic Controls
2. System Design Basics
8. HVACR Completion
   1. HVAC/R Refrigeration: This course is a continuation and further study of the HVAC/R Cooling 1 course. The first 6 modules will describe the application of common accessories found in a refrigeration cycle system, refrigerant piping arrangements and pipe sizing, system operation and trouble shooting.
   1. Refrigerants and Mass Flow Compressor Accessories and Applications Low Side Accessories and Applications High Side Accessories and Applications Refrigerant Pipe Sizing and Specific Applications
   2. Common Capacity Control Methods
   2. The HVAC/R Accessories: This second half rounds out a technician's knowledge of a complete HVAC comfort system. Topics include the common HVAC system accessories that make up a total comfort system.
   1. Humidifiers EAC UV Light Filtrations Associated Controls
   2. Installation

Back to top

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

A 70% or better must be achieved in order to receive a Certificate of Completion.

Back to top

COURSE OBJECTIVES

HVACReducation.net expects successful completers to display the following abilities and achievements:

• Demonstrate proper safety practices and procedures, in the lab and the workplace, while installing, designing, troubleshooting and servicing HVAC/R systems.
• Gain competency in the area of fossil fuel combustion systems found in residential and light commercial applications as demonstrated by successfully passing the entry level on the local Gas Fitters exam and or Fuel Oil license exam in areas where licenses are issued.
• Demonstrate competency in the area of refrigerant handling as evidenced by completion of the EPA Refrigerant Handlers Certification Exam to the level of Type 1 and Type 2 license. Type I and Type II cover residential to commercial systems for HVAC & Refrigeration.
• Understand the importance of good work habits, communication practices and computation skills as they relate to the HVAC/R industry workplace.
• Demonstrate a high level of ability to access industry technical information for the HVACR workplace on the Web.
• Obtain required overall industry competencies in the areas of HVAC/R as evidenced by completion of one of the ICE (Industry Competency Exam) administered by the Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. (Residential HVAC, Light Commercial HVAC, Commercial Refrigeration)

OR


• Obtain required overall industry competencies in the areas of HVAC/R as evidenced by completion of one of the NATE (North American Technician Excellence) "Installation" level certifications by completion of the "Installation Core" exam and one "Specialty" exam. (Air Conditioning, Heat Pump, Gas, Oil, Air Distribution) administered by the NATE organization.

Back to top

PDF BROCHURE

Please click here to download the PDF brochure for the Gatlin online courses offered by OCPE.

Back to top

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Prerequisites for this Certificate program is a willingness to study, ask questions, and an ambition to gain entry level knowledge for HVACR employment or improve skills already developed to move upward in the HVACR industry.

This program is applicable to a new student of the HVACR industry or an existing worker in the industry. You will begin your studies of HVACR by learning the foundational concepts that support the installation, operation, design and analysis of heating and cooling systems.

From that foundation you will move on through more in depth sections covering all of the common residential/light commercial HVAC systems.

This program is designed for learners using an online, mentor facilitated, self-paced environment that are interested in:

• Entry-level into the HVACR industry.
• Continuing education for upgrading skills.
• Becoming Certified or Licensed (NATE, etc)

System:

• Windows 98/NT/2000/XP Pentium processor 166 MHz or higher Macintosh OS X Power Mac and iMac (Macs with PowerPC processors)
• Note: Windows 98 support will continue so long as official support from Microsoft is available.

Browser:

• Internet Explorer 5.5 (most recent service pack) and above Netscape Navigator 7.1 and above** Browser settings: cookies, Java and JavaScript enabled
• **Note: iMac users are required to use Netscape 7.1 or greater. Official Safari support may come in the near future.

Memory:

• 64 minimum MB, 128 MB recommended Resolution
• Best viewed with 800 x 600

Internet Connection:

• 56.6 KBPS (recommended)

Back to top

Chris Compton brings with him a total of 28 years experience in the HVACR field. He is certified at the Installation and Service level in all five of the NATE certifications and is a part-time George Mason University , OCPE, Gatlin instructor. In 1998 he was selected as one of the top 10 outstanding Trades and Industry Educators in the U.S. by ACTE (Association of Career and Technical Education) formally AVA (American Vocational Association). He received the Imperial award from RSES for his CMS (Commercial Refrigeration) in 1997 and is a CMS member of RSES.

Seven years ago Chris Compton, a 13 year HVACR instructor at North Idaho College, was looking for a way to implement HVACR curriculum on the Internet. He saw a unique opportunity to help traditional students as well as non-degree seeking students, contractors and the industry in general, all those searching for a way to educate their workers to be successful in the ICE and NATE exams or those needing re-training programs for individuals looking for a career change.

During this time Chris has taken many telelearning courses on how to set up online curriculum and the psychology behind online learning, how to create web pages, video instruction and design courses for the web. Currently, Chris is the Project Director and Content Development Manager {as well as chief cook and bottle washer} of the online effort called HVACReducation.net.

Back to top

1. How do I register for a Gatlin online course?

Gatlin does not offer courses directly to the public. It offers courses through George Mason University and other colleges and universities. Please contact our office at 703-993-2113 or click here for more information or to register for a course.

2. How much do Gatlin online courses cost?

To view the prices for all Gatlin courses that are offered by George Mason University, please click here.

3. Why do I have to take Gatlin courses through a participating school?

That is the only way Gatlin Education Services offers its courses. They do not deal directly with the public.

4. Do I have to travel to register for or to attend a Gatlin online course?

All Gatlin courses are delivered entirely online, so you do not have to go to a class or travel to a school. Please contact our office at 703-993-2113 or click here for more information or to register for a course.

5. How long does it take to complete a Gatlin course?

All of our Gatlin courses are asynchronous. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. Most courses are designed to be completed within 180 days. You may request an extension if you think you will need more time to complete a course. Please contact us at 703-993-2113 or click here if you have any questions or if you would like to register for a course.

6. Do I have to buy additional materials?

Please refer to the green Included Materials box located on the upper right hand side of this page. If materials are included in this course, they will be shipped by Gatlin to you via UPS ground service after you have registered for a course.

7. Can I get financial aid for Gatlin courses?

George Mason University offers financial assistance through the Sallie Mae Training Loan Program for qualifying students. Call 703-993-2113 for more information. GES also provides a loan opportunity for students (www.collegeloanapplication.com).

8. What happens when I complete the course?

If you obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater in a course, we will award you a George Mason University certificate of completion.

9. Who will be my instructor?

Each student is paired up with a George Mason University, OCPE, Gatlin facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (by e-mail or by telephone) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

10. What are the system requirements in order to take an online course?

Please see the "PC requirements" section listed for individual courses.

11. When can I start the course?

You can register for a course at any time.

Back to top