Heavy dependence on HVACR systems means that there is always a high demand for HVAC technicians all across the year. Thus, this field could be pretty rewarding and lucrative. If you are looking for information on how to get HVAC certified in New Jersey, then go ahead and read this article.
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What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
As part of their job duties, HVAC technicians carry out the following tasks:
- Install, maintain and repair HVACR units.
- Test, balance and adjust HVACR equipment.
- Install electrical components.
- Disassemble equipment to check for problems.
- Suggest proposals on how to improve system performance.
The Procedure of Becoming HVAC Certified in New Jersey
The process of becoming a certified HVAC technician can be broken down into the following steps:
- Obtain a GED/High School Diploma
High school education is mandatory if you want to gain admission into an HVAC program, therefore you should work hard to get a GED or a high school diploma.
- Get Yourself Admitted to an Accredited HVAC Program
The next step is to obtain post-secondary instruction from a technical or trade school. You can admit yourself in an HVAC-R diploma/technical certificate program or an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) in HVAC-R Technology.
Most programs will help you prepare for Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 608 certification, which is a standard certification that HVAC technicians are expected to obtain. The coursework is generally composed of the following topics:
- Introduction to Climate Control.
- Air Conditioning Design and Layout.
- Basic Refrigeration Systems.
- Commercial Refrigeration Control.
- Commercial Refrigeration Design.
- Hermetic Systems.
- Fundamentals of Electricity.
- Energy Efficiency and Green Technology Systems.
- Enroll in an Apprenticeship Program
After completing your educational qualifications, you should enroll in an apprentice program right away. Working as an apprentice will teach you the skills of the trade and help you prepare for more challenging roles in the future.
- Become Professionally Certified!
It goes without saying that you have to obtain the EPA-approved Technician Certification – without this you won’t be able to find employment anywhere. You can also make yourself more marketable by obtaining a variety of industry specific certifications. You can get certified through a number of reputed organizations, such as the North American Technicians Excellence (NATE). In order to get certified, you will be expected to appear for exams that will test your fundamental job knowledge and core job skills.
Requirements to Become HVAC Certified in New Jersey
You must meet the following requirements in order to become HVAC certified:
- Should have a GED/high school diploma coupled with an Associate’s degree or a Diploma in HVAC-R Technology.
- Every certification organization has its own list of requirements. You are advised to check with the certificate awarding body before you apply.
How Much Does an HVAC Professional Make in New Jersey
The employment data published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers working in New Jersey made a yearly mean wage of $59,630 in May 2018.
The table below reflects the salary data of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, for three years.
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
---|---|---|---|
Annual Mean Salary (NJ) | $58,420 | $58,770 | $59,630 |
Annual Mean Salary (US) | $48,320 | $49,530 | $50,160 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
The data indicates that the annual mean wage of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in New Jersey increased from 2016 to 2018 and the national averages also increased during the same time period. The annual mean wages for this particular occupation for New Jersey were considerably higher than the national mean average.
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