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HVAC

Class Description

HVAC technicians install, service, and repair heating and cooling systems. Employers hire at the helper and apprentice level while you keep training, and the work doesn't slow down.

This is one program, start to finish. You begin with NCCER Introductory Craft Skills, the 40-hour CORE credential every craft requires, and move straight into HVAC Level 1 the week it ends. You register for both at the same time. No gap, no second application, no waiting for the next term to open.

HVAC Level 1 is part of the required training for many company apprenticeship programs.

Total Course Hours:

40 hours CORE + 120 hours HVAC Level 1

Full Tuition Cost:

FastForward price for Virginia residents: $533 (CORE) + $833 (HVAC Level 1)

Course Structure & Schedule

This is an in-person hybrid program. You will be in the lab for hands-on work and online for coursework.

Location: Richmond, VA - Reynolds Community College Downtown Campus

Credential: NCCER CORE and NCCER HVAC Level 1

Schedule: Daytime or evening

Part 1 — NCCER Introductory Craft Skills (CORE)

This is the credential every trade requires before craft-level training. You cover:

  • Basic safety
  • Hand tools and power tools
  • Construction drawings
  • Construction math
  • Basic communication and employability skills
Part 2 — NCCER HVAC Level 1

Starts the week CORE ends. Classroom and lab training in entry-level HVAC skills. Instruction covers topics such as:

  • HVAC field calculations
  • Basic electricity
  • Basic heating and cooling systems
  • Includes test preparation for the EPA-608 refrigerant certification exam
    • There may be an additional cost for EPA 608 certification.

NOTE: Registration in NCCER CORE, or previous NCCER CORE certification, is required for enrollment in HVAC Level 1. Already have your CORE credential? Call us — you may be able to enter Level 1 directly.

Going further: HVAC Level 2

After Level 1, Level 2 covers commercial airside systems; chimneys, vents and flues; hydronic systems; air quality equipment; leak detection, evacuation, recovery and charging; alternating current and basic electronics; circuit troubleshooting; troubleshooting gas heating and cooling; heat pumps; installation and maintenance practices; and sheet metal duct systems.

Textbook included. Delivered live in classroom and lab.

What's Included in Tuition?

  • Instructor-led classroom and lab training for both CORE and Level 1
  • Course materials
  • NCCER CORE credential upon successful completion
  • NCCER HVAC Level 1 credential upon successful completion
  • Registration in the NCCER Registry

Upcoming Class Dates

Daytime — CORE + HVAC Level 1

  • Starts 08/25/2026, finishes 01/27/2027
    • CORE: 08/25/2026 – 10/13/2026
    • HVAC Level 1: 10/13/2026 – 01/27/2027

Evening — CORE + HVAC Level 1

  • Starts 09/01/2026, finishes 12/09/2026
    • CORE: 09/01/2026 – 09/30/2026
    • HVAC Level 1: 10/01/2026 – 12/09/2026

NCCER – HVAC Level 2 08/25/2026 – 12/02/2026

Getting Started

Step 1: Complete the CCWA Financial Assistance Application if interested in seeing if you qualify to have the last 1/3 of your tuition cost paid for.
Step 2: Submit your completed application to tuitionassist@ccwa.vccs.edu.
Step 3: Create a student profile. Click here to create a profile.

Contact

John McGarry Coordinator, Trades & Construction 804-523-2284
jmcgarry@ccwa.vccs.edu