HVAC

Start your HVAC career with hands-on workforce training at the Monroe Center. Experienced instructors deliver real-world HVAC expertise as you build practical skills and prepare for entry-level opportunities in one of the most in-demand trades in the region. Focus on heating, cooling, refrigeration, and controls, with the opportunity to earn your EPA 608 Certification (CDC Card). Academic credit conversion is available upon program completion.

Program Information

The HVAC program at FCC prepares you for entry-level opportunities in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning industry. Through hands-on training at the Monroe Center, you will develop practical skills in HVAC equipment components and functions, in thermodynamics and refrigeration theory, brazing, electrical control circuits, installation practices, and fossil fuel and hydronic heating systems. Complete the 4-course program to become eligible for academic credit conversion.

Course Sequence Order

HVC130 Fundamentals of HVACR*
HVC131 Controls for HVACR*
HVC133 Installation and Troubleshooting
HVC132 Fossil Fuels & Hydronic Heating

*Foundational courses. Earn a Foundational Workforce Training Certificate.

FCC Completion Awards

Receive an FCC Completion Award for each course completed, recognizing your growing skills and commitment to the field.

EPA 608 Certification

Program includes valuable opportunity to earn an EPA 608 Certification (CFC card), a mandatory federal credential under the Clean Air Act for anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of appliances containing regulated refrigerants.

FCC Workforce Training Certificates

Earning a Workforce Training Certificate (WTC) demonstrates your acquired knowledge, proven skills, and recognized capabilities in the field, preparing you for direct entry into the industry. Review the certificate information below and the eligibility requirements to get started.

HVAC Foundations Workforce Training Certificate
Upon successful completion of this 2-course series, you are eligible to receive this Construction & Applied Technologies Institute credential that documents your foundational HVAC skills.

HVAC Advanced Workforce Training Certificate
Upon successful completion of this 4-course series, you are eligible to receive this Construction & Applied Technologies Institute credential demonstrating readiness for entry-level HVAC work. This program also includes a valuable opportunity to earn an EPA 608 Certification. Successful completion of this program can result in eligible academic credit conversion.

Eligibility Requirements

Participants are required to successfully complete a two or four-course series identified as a Workforce Training Certificate program, as approved by the College.
Students may request approval to transfer up to 25% of total Certificate contact hours of prior learning from an accredited institution for select Workforce Training Certificates.
Please note, course substitutions are not permitted and completion is based upon competency.

Important Information

Certificates are awarded monthly following course completion, rather than at the end of a traditional semester.
These programs consist of Workforce Training (non-credit) courses with fee structures subject to change.
Courses are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Step 1: Complete Training

Complete the following workforce training courses
Pass each final exam with a B or higher.

Step 2: Receive Academic Credit

Enroll in an FCC 3-credit course or program.
Receive academic credit for the following courses by contacting Registration and Records at registrar@frederick.edu or 301.846.2431.
- BLDT 110 - Fundamentals of HVACR (4 credits)
- BLDT 111 - Controls for HVACR (3 credits)
- BLDT 113 - Fossil Fuels & Hydronic Heating (3 credits)
- BLDT 212 - HVAC Installation & Troubleshooting (3 credits)

Get Started

Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) requirements vary by program. HVAC program requirements include:

Prerequisite

ENGL 70 or an appropriate placement test score. Accepted placement scores (Accuplacer Next Gen)

Reading: 237 or higher
Reading: 229 and Writing: At least 237
ESL Reading: At least 102
ESL Overall: At least 276

To satisfy the English prerequisite, one of the following is required:

Score above the prerequisite course on the placement test
Provide proof of completing college-level English
Meet one or more of the listed exemptions

Visit the FCC Testing Center

Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) duration & format varies by program. Please read individual course descriptions for details. The HVAC program schedule includes:

Length: Up to 12 months
Timing: Day and evening classes available
Format: In-person participation required

Continuing Education and Workforce Development tuition varies by program. Additional program and material fees may apply. Please read read individual course descriptions for details about the following:

Tuition and Fees (approximate):
- HVAC Foundations (2-course series): up to $1,400
- HVAC Advanced (4-course series): up to $2,450
A $15.00 one-time-per-year non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of your first registration of the year.
Residency fees apply to students outside Frederick County.
- Maryland students are assessed an additional $5 per course.
- Non-Maryland students are assessed an additional $10 per course.
Textbook costs vary.
EPA 608 Certification exam fees are included in program costs.

Financial assistance options are available for eligible Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) students to offset the cost of training. Resources include:

CEWD scholarships
Workforce development funding
Program-specific financial aid opportunities
Payment Plan options

Explore Financial Assistance Options Financial Assistance Request Form

Program Facts

12Months or Less

2-4Courses

1Credential

Career Opportunities

Gain the hands-on training, technical knowledge, and recognized credentials you need to launch a career in one of the most in-demand trades in the region.

Skills and Competencies

Gain practical skills in HVAC equipment components and functions, brazing techniques, electrical control circuit installation and repair, and safety practices. The Advanced track extends your training into installation, troubleshooting, fossil fuel systems, and hydronic heating, and includes the opportunity to earn your EPA 608 Certification, a credential required for working with refrigerants in the field.

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Where These Skills Apply

Apply your new skills directly to residential and commercial HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair work. Completing your Workforce Training Certificate gives employers a recognized credential that demonstrates both your technical ability and your readiness to work.

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Build On What You Know

This program is designed for working adults. Classes run with day and evening options so you can train around your existing schedule. All coursework is completed in sequence, building progressively from foundational HVAC systems through advanced installation, troubleshooting, and specialized heating equipment.

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Contact Us

Nick Morgan, Institute Manager
Construction & Applied Technologies Institute
nmorgan@frederick.edu
240.629.7902

Ysabell Lopez-Alvarez
Academic Office Manager
ylopezalvarez@frederick.edu
240.629.7912

Registration Office
Continuing Education & Workforce Development
CEInfo@frederick.edu
301.624.2888

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HVAC

Program Information

Overview

Earn Credentials & Certifications

Earn Workforce Training Certificates

Eligible for Academic Credit Conversion

Get Started

Program Facts

Career Opportunities

Skills and Competencies

Where These Skills Apply

Build On What You Know

Contact Us

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