Building & Construction · course plan
⚠ Pending professional review
This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by a licensed professional engineer or master tradesperson or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.
VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.
HVAC/R
10 courses · 1,800 clock hours · 9–12 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
10courses
91lessons
1,800hours
35assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons91 of 91 lesson pages writtenPractice728 practice questionsResources117 reference entries (study list)Review88 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 91 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
BLD-HVAC07-01 Universal core
Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for HVAC/R
148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY
This course establishes the foundational safety practices, trade mathematics, technical literacy, and professional skills every HVAC/R technician needs before touching any equipment. Learners earn OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry certification, practice the calculations and measurements that underpin refrigeration and electrical work, and develop the workplace communication habits employers expect. Lesson content is mapped to NCCER HVAC Level 1 core competencies and supports the safety and professionalism domains tested in NATE and HVAC Excellence credentialing.
Outcomes- Demonstrate lockout/tagout, PPE selection, and hazard communication procedures that meet OSHA 29 CFR 1926 construction-site standards and pass a written OSHA 10 assessment.
- Apply arithmetic, algebra, unit conversion, and measurement skills to solve HVAC/R trade problems—including pressure, temperature, area, and electrical quantity calculations—with at least 80% accuracy.
- Read and interpret manufacturer installation manuals, safety data sheets, wiring diagrams, and HVAC/R trade drawings to extract specifications and follow procedures.
- Use digital tools—including a scientific calculator, basic spreadsheet software, and an industry job-management application—to record data, create simple reports, and communicate results.
- Communicate professionally in written work orders, verbal toolbox-talk presentations, and team problem-solving exercises that reflect trade workplace expectations.
- Identify the credential pathways relevant to this program (EPA 608, NATE, HVAC Excellence, NCCER HVAC), explain what each certifies, and outline a personal study plan for each exam.
Course text
This course establishes the foundational safety practices, trade mathematics, technical literacy, and professional skills every HVAC/R technician needs before touching any equipment. Learners earn OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry certification, practice the calculations and measurements that underpin refrigeration and electrical work, and develop the workplace communication habits employers expect. Lesson content is mapped to NCCER HVAC Level 1 core competencies and supports the safety and professionalism domains tested in NATE and HVAC Excellence credentialing.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Hazard Recognition and OSHA 10 Construction Safety; Lockout/Tagout, PPE, and Emergency Response for HVAC/R; Trade Math I: Arithmetic, Fractions, Decimals, and Unit Conversion; Trade Math II: Geometry, Algebra, and HVAC/R Applied Calculations; Technical Reading: Manuals, SDS, Wiring Diagrams, and Trade Drawings; Digital Tools and Professional Documentation for HVAC/R; Career Readiness, Credential Pathways, and Personal Study Planning.
What competent looks like. Demonstrate lockout/tagout, PPE selection, and hazard communication procedures that meet OSHA 29 CFR 1926 construction-site standards and pass a written OSHA 10 assessment. Apply arithmetic, algebra, unit conversion, and measurement skills to solve HVAC/R trade problems—including pressure, temperature, area, and electrical quantity calculations—with at least 80% accuracy. Read and interpret manufacturer installation manuals, safety data sheets, wiring diagrams, and HVAC/R trade drawings to extract specifications and follow procedures. Use digital tools—including a scientific calculator, basic spreadsheet software, and an industry job-management application—to record data, create simple reports, and communicate results. Communicate professionally in written work orders, verbal toolbox-talk presentations, and team problem-solving exercises that reflect trade workplace expectations. Identify the credential pathways relevant to this program (EPA 608, NATE, HVAC Excellence, NCCER HVAC), explain what each certifies, and outline a personal study plan for each exam.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hazard Recognition and OSHA 10 Construction Safety | 24 | theory | Students will identify the top construction-site hazards—falls, electrical, struck-by, caught-in/between—and explain the OSHA rights, responsibilities, and reporting requirements that apply to HVAC/R installation and service work. |
| OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry course materials; OSHA publication 3151 (Job Hazard Analysis); OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subparts C, K, M reference pages; printed JHA blank forms; jobsite photograph set | Students score at least 70% on the OSHA 10 final assessment required for card issuance AND submit a completed JHA that correctly identifies all seeded hazards in the photograph set with no safety-critical omissions; instructor signs off on both. |
| 2 | Lockout/Tagout, PPE, and Emergency Response for HVAC/R | 20 | demo | Students will demonstrate a complete lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure on a simulated HVAC unit, select the correct PPE for a given HVAC/R task, and perform hands-on first aid and CPR to the current American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver standard. |
| Training HVAC disconnect with lockout hasp and padlocks; LOTO verification checklist form; PPE kit (safety glasses, face shield, leather gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, hard hat, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, respirator samples); AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course kit with training AED and manikins; ANSI/ASSP Z244.1 reference excerpt | Student completes LOTO demonstration with zero critical-step errors (critical steps: de-energize, isolate, lock, try); PPE selection exercise scored on a rubric—at least 80% of choices correct with written justification; AHA Heartsaver card issued upon passing the AHA skills check. |
| 3 | Trade Math I: Arithmetic, Fractions, Decimals, and Unit Conversion | 20 | theory | Students will solve HVAC/R-contextualized arithmetic problems—including fraction and decimal operations and multi-step unit conversions between Imperial and SI units—with at least 80% accuracy using a scientific calculator. |
| Scientific calculator (one per student); NCCER HVAC Level 1 Core Curriculum textbook (math chapters); unit conversion reference card; laptop or tablet with spreadsheet software; printed problem sets | Scored problem set: students must achieve at least 80% (32/40 correct); spreadsheet output reviewed by instructor for correct formula use and accurate conversions—all conversion results within ±1% accepted. |
| 4 | Trade Math II: Geometry, Algebra, and HVAC/R Applied Calculations | 22 | practice | Students will apply geometric area and volume formulas and basic algebraic manipulation to solve HVAC/R problems including duct area, room volume, and Ohm's Law calculations, demonstrating at least 80% accuracy. |
| Scientific calculator; printed floor-plan sketches (three scenarios); Ohm's Law practice worksheet; NCCER HVAC Level 1 Core Curriculum; whiteboard for instructor-led problem solving; rulers and scale reference | Applied-math quiz: at least 80% (16/20 correct) to pass; floor-plan worksheet reviewed for correct formula selection and arithmetic—instructor initials each student's work; peer-review sheets collected as participation evidence. |
| 5 | Technical Reading: Manuals, SDS, Wiring Diagrams, and Trade Drawings | 24 | theory | Students will locate specified information within a manufacturer installation manual, a Safety Data Sheet, a ladder-logic wiring diagram, and a basic mechanical floor plan, and accurately answer comprehension questions about each document type. |
| Real manufacturer installation and service manual (split-system air conditioner); SDS sheets for a common HFC refrigerant and brazing flux (instructor-sourced from manufacturer websites); printed ladder-logic wiring diagram; mechanical floor-plan print (simplified); NCCER HVAC Core Curriculum; highlighters; structured comprehension forms | Scavenger hunt: at least 12/15 correct; SDS form: all four fields completed accurately for both documents with no safety-critical errors; wiring diagram: at least 8/10 questions correct—any student below threshold reviews with instructor and re-attempts a parallel form within one week. |
| 6 | Digital Tools and Professional Documentation for HVAC/R | 18 | practice | Students will use a scientific calculator app, spreadsheet software, and a representative digital field-service application to record job data, generate a formatted service report, and send a professional email—meeting basic workplace digital-literacy standards. |
| Laptop, tablet, or computer lab; spreadsheet software (e.g., Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel); digital field-service app access (instructor-selected); sample work-order template; email rubric; NCCER Core Curriculum reference for documentation practices | Completed digital work order reviewed by instructor against a checklist—all required fields populated accurately; spreadsheet formulas verified by instructor; email and service summary scored on rubric with a minimum score of 75%; any student below threshold revises and resubmits within three days. |
| 7 | Career Readiness, Credential Pathways, and Personal Study Planning | 20 | theory | Students will explain the purpose, format, and subject domains of the EPA 608, NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credentials and produce a written personal study plan that maps each credential's exam areas to the remaining courses in this program. |
| EPA 608 exam content summary (EPA website); NATE candidate information bulletin (NATE website); HVAC Excellence candidate guide (HVAC Excellence website); NCCER HVAC core and level credential descriptions; credential matrix worksheet template; resume template; toolbox-talk rubric; guest speaker or recorded interview | Credential matrix reviewed by instructor for accuracy against official content outlines—at least 90% of domains correctly placed; resume must include all required sections (contact, objective or summary, education, skills) and be free of spelling errors; toolbox talk scored on rubric with minimum 75%—any student below 75% on the matrix must correct and resubmit. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA and Safety Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher (to match OSHA 10 card issuance standard); students below 70% receive one retake after instructor review session | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer written exam covering OSHA 10 Construction content, LOTO procedures, PPE selection, hazard communication (SDS interpretation), and emergency response scenarios specific to HVAC/R work. Questions are drawn from the content covered in Lessons 1 and 2 and aligned to NCCER HVAC Level 1 core safety competencies. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Trade Math and Technical Reading Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher; students below 80% complete a targeted remediation worksheet and retake a parallel form within one week | A 50-question timed exam (60 minutes) combining 30 math problems (arithmetic, unit conversion, geometry, Ohm's Law, percentage calculations in HVAC/R contexts) and 20 technical-reading comprehension questions based on a provided excerpt of a manufacturer manual, a wiring diagram segment, and one SDS. This exam is aligned to the math and technical-literacy competencies required in the NCCER HVAC core curriculum and supports the background knowledge tested in NATE and HVAC Excellence written exams. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Digital Service Report Project | Project | 25% | 75% or higher on the project rubric across all four scored dimensions; students below 75% revise and resubmit once | Students receive a detailed fictitious service-call scenario (equipment description, field measurements, a fault condition, and customer information) and must produce: a completed digital work order in the field-service app, a formatted spreadsheet log with flagged out-of-range readings, and a professional written service summary email to a supervisor. The project is scored on a four-dimension rubric: technical accuracy of recorded data, correct use of digital tools, written communication quality, and document completeness. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Credential Pathway Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 25% | Satisfactory on all four oral-defense criteria (each scored 1–3); minimum total score of 9/12 required; any criterion scored 1 requires a follow-up conversation within one week | In a 10-minute one-on-one conversation with the instructor, each student presents their completed credential matrix and personal study plan, then responds to four probing questions covering: (1) why EPA 608 certification is legally required before handling refrigerants, (2) how one NATE or HVAC Excellence exam domain connects to a specific upcoming course, (3) one safety rule the student would share at a jobsite toolbox talk and why, and (4) one professional goal and the concrete steps they plan to take to reach it. This oral assessment develops the communication skills HVAC/R employers consistently cite as a workforce gap. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
BLD-HVAC07-02 Trade course
Refrigeration Cycle: Principles, Components, and System Operation
171 hr · $2,360 COMPLIMENTARY
This course builds the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to understand, trace, and diagnose the mechanical refrigeration cycle as it applies to residential and light commercial HVAC/R systems. Students study thermodynamic principles, refrigerant properties, system components, refrigerant handling regulations, and pressure-temperature relationships through a combination of classroom instruction, demonstrations, and live equipment labs. Successful completion prepares students for EPA 608 Universal certification and supports NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credentialing in refrigeration fundamentals.
Outcomes- Explain the four processes of the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle—compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation—and identify where each occurs in a real system.
- Identify and state the function of the compressor, condenser, metering device, and evaporator, plus common accessory components such as the receiver, accumulator, filter-drier, and sight glass.
- Read and interpret a pressure-temperature (PT) chart and a refrigerant manufacturer's data sheet for common refrigerants including R-410A, R-22, R-134a, and R-404A.
- Connect a refrigerant manifold gauge set to a system, record operating pressures, and convert those readings to saturation temperatures without exceeding safe pressure limits.
- Handle, recover, and document refrigerants in full compliance with EPA Section 608 regulations, using approved recovery equipment and completing required records.
- Perform a basic operational check—including superheat and subcooling measurements—and identify at least three abnormal operating conditions from gauge readings and temperature data.
Course text
This course builds the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to understand, trace, and diagnose the mechanical refrigeration cycle as it applies to residential and light commercial HVAC/R systems. Students study thermodynamic principles, refrigerant properties, system components, refrigerant handling regulations, and pressure-temperature relationships through a combination of classroom instruction, demonstrations, and live equipment labs. Successful completion prepares students for EPA 608 Universal certification and supports NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credentialing in refrigeration fundamentals.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Heat, Energy, and the Refrigeration Effect; Refrigerants: Types, Properties, and Environmental Regulations; The Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle: Theory and Tracing; Pressure-Temperature Relationships and PT Chart Use; System Components: Compressors and Condensers; System Components: Metering Devices and Evaporators; Accessory Components: Receivers, Accumulators, Filter-Driers, and Sight Glasses; Refrigerant Manifold Gauge Sets: Reading, Connecting, and Safety; Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Reclaim: EPA 608 Compliance in Practice; Superheat and Subcooling: Measurement and Diagnosis; System Leak Detection and Pressure Testing; System Commissioning, Operational Check, and Refrigeration Cycle Integration.
What competent looks like. Explain the four processes of the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle—compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation—and identify where each occurs in a real system. Identify and state the function of the compressor, condenser, metering device, and evaporator, plus common accessory components such as the receiver, accumulator, filter-drier, and sight glass. Read and interpret a pressure-temperature (PT) chart and a refrigerant manufacturer's data sheet for common refrigerants including R-410A, R-22, R-134a, and R-404A. Connect a refrigerant manifold gauge set to a system, record operating pressures, and convert those readings to saturation temperatures without exceeding safe pressure limits. Handle, recover, and document refrigerants in full compliance with EPA Section 608 regulations, using approved recovery equipment and completing required records. Perform a basic operational check—including superheat and subcooling measurements—and identify at least three abnormal operating conditions from gauge readings and temperature data.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heat, Energy, and the Refrigeration Effect | 12 | theory | Students will define heat, sensible heat, latent heat, and enthalpy, and explain how heat moves from a warmer to a cooler substance as the basis of refrigeration. |
| Whiteboard, BTU/latent heat reference tables, refrigerant manufacturer data sheets (R-410A, R-22), scientific calculators, graph paper, ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook excerpt | Students complete a 10-question written quiz on heat definitions and BTU calculations; pass mark is 75%. Instructor reviews each student's plotted heat curve for correct identification of sensible and latent zones. |
| 2 | Refrigerants: Types, Properties, and Environmental Regulations | 14 | theory | Students will classify common refrigerants by chemical family and safety group, state their global warming potential and ozone depletion potential, and summarize the core requirements of EPA Section 608 that technicians must follow. |
| EPA Section 608 regulations fact sheet, ASHRAE Standard 34 safety classification table, refrigerant data sheets for R-22, R-410A, R-134a, R-404A, R-32, and R-454B, whiteboard | Students complete a written classification worksheet matching 10 refrigerants to their ASHRAE number, safety group, and ODP/GWP category; pass mark is 80%. Verbal spot-check: instructor calls on students to state at least two Section 608 technician obligations. |
| 3 | The Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle: Theory and Tracing | 15 | theory | Students will trace refrigerant through all four stages of the vapor-compression cycle on a system schematic, identifying the state of the refrigerant (liquid, vapor, or mixture) and the direction of heat flow at each component. |
| Laminated refrigeration system schematics, blank cycle diagrams for student completion, colored markers, P-H diagram worksheets for R-410A, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology textbook (Whitman, Johnson, Tomczyk, or equivalent) | Completed blank diagram is graded using a rubric (10 points); students must correctly identify refrigerant state at all four component inlet/outlet points and both pressure regions. Pass mark is 80%. |
| 4 | Pressure-Temperature Relationships and PT Chart Use | 12 | theory | Students will use a standard refrigerant pressure-temperature (PT) chart to determine saturation temperature from a given gauge pressure and vice versa for at least four common refrigerants. |
| Laminated refrigerant PT charts, PT chart drill worksheets, digital PT chart application on instructor tablet for comparison, job ticket scenario handouts, calculators | Drill worksheet scored: students must achieve at least 80% accuracy (16 of 20 correct). Instructor observes each student performing at least two unaided PT chart lookups during the scenario exercise. |
| 5 | System Components: Compressors and Condensers | 14 | demo | Students will identify reciprocating, scroll, and rotary compressor types and describe the operating principle of each, and distinguish between air-cooled and water-cooled condensers by construction and application. |
| Cutaway reciprocating, scroll, and rotary compressor models, air-cooled condenser section, shell-and-coil water-cooled condenser sample, component labeling worksheets, component card sets, markers | Students complete a labeled diagram for each of the three compressor types; instructor checks for correct identification of at least five parts per compressor type. Pass mark is 80% correct labels across all diagrams. |
| 6 | System Components: Metering Devices and Evaporators | 14 | demo | Students will explain how a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV), automatic expansion valve (AXV), and fixed orifice (piston/cap tube) each regulate refrigerant flow, and describe the construction and purpose of a direct-expansion evaporator coil. |
| Disassembly TXV with external equalizer, AXV sample, cap tube sample, fixed piston orifice sample, evaporator coil section, small box fan, component cross-section diagrams, frost simulation materials (ice or freezer) | Each student correctly labels a TXV cross-section diagram (minimum 6 of 8 parts correct) and verbally explains to the instructor in one to two sentences how the TXV responds to a change in superheat. Pass requires both the diagram label check and a satisfactory verbal explanation. |
| 7 | Accessory Components: Receivers, Accumulators, Filter-Driers, and Sight Glasses | 10 | demo | Students will state the location, function, and maintenance significance of common refrigeration accessories and identify visible indicators of system problems observable at the sight glass. |
| Liquid receiver sample, suction accumulator sample, filter-drier samples (new and saturated for comparison), sight glass samples, demonstration refrigeration system with sight glass installed, moisture indicator color reference card, data cards for station activity | Completed data cards are reviewed; students must correctly state the function and location of all four accessory components. Verbal check: each student must correctly interpret one sight glass condition described by the instructor. Pass requires 100% on function/location and a satisfactory sight glass interpretation. |
| 8 | Refrigerant Manifold Gauge Sets: Reading, Connecting, and Safety | 16 | lab | Students will safely connect a manifold gauge set to a system service port, read both high-side and low-side pressures accurately, and disconnect the gauges without refrigerant release. |
| Two-valve manifold gauge sets (one per student pair), nitrogen-charged training cylinders at known pressures, operational refrigeration training units, PT charts, safety glasses, refrigerant-rated gloves, lab worksheet | Instructor observes connection and disconnection procedure using a step-by-step safety checklist (must complete all safety steps without prompting to pass). Pressure readings recorded must be within ±2 psig of instructor-verified reading. Pass requires a clean safety checklist and accurate readings; any unsafe act is an automatic recheck before the student may proceed. |
| 9 | Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Reclaim: EPA 608 Compliance in Practice | 16 | lab | Students will operate an EPA-approved refrigerant recovery machine to recover refrigerant from a small system to EPA-required recovery levels, and complete the associated service documentation correctly. |
| EPA-approved refrigerant recovery machines, recovery cylinders (DOT-approved, properly labeled), scale accurate to 0.1 lb, training refrigeration units pre-charged with R-410A or R-134a, EPA Section 608 summary sheet, service log forms, safety glasses, refrigerant-rated gloves, pre-lab quiz handout | Service log must include correct start weight, end weight, refrigerant type, cylinder ID, and technician signature; any missing field is a fail requiring correction. Recovery machine operation is observed by instructor using a procedure checklist; student must complete all steps in correct order. Pass mark: complete and accurate log plus a clean procedure checklist. |
| 10 | Superheat and Subcooling: Measurement and Diagnosis | 18 | lab | Students will measure actual superheat at the evaporator outlet and actual subcooling at the condenser outlet using manifold gauges and temperature clamps, compare results to manufacturer specifications, and identify at least one system abnormality from the data. |
| Operational refrigeration training units (at least three, with instructor-set faults), manifold gauge sets, digital clamp-on thermometers or temperature probes with clamps, PT charts, superheat/subcooling calculation worksheets, manufacturer specification cards for each unit | Superheat and subcooling calculations are checked for correct arithmetic and correct identification of saturation temperatures from the PT chart; values must be within ±2°F of instructor-calculated correct answer. Fault diagnosis paragraph must correctly name the fault and cite at least two data points as evidence. Pass mark: 80% on calculations and a satisfactory diagnosis write-up. |
| 11 | System Leak Detection and Pressure Testing | 14 | lab | Students will perform a refrigerant leak check using an electronic leak detector and nitrogen standing-pressure test on a training system, locating and documenting any leak found. |
| Electronic refrigerant leak detectors (heated diode type), UV dye leak detection kit with UV lamp and safety glasses, nitrogen cylinders with two-stage regulator and relief valve, pressure gauges, tubing and fittings for training loop, soap bubble solution, leak report forms | Nitrogen test: students must record start and end pressure correctly and state whether a leak is present based on pressure drop; instructor verifies reading accuracy. Leak search: student must locate the instructor-placed leak within the allotted time and submit a complete leak report. Pass requires accurate pressure test documentation and successful leak location with a complete report. |
| 12 | System Commissioning, Operational Check, and Refrigeration Cycle Integration | 16 | lab | Students will perform a complete operational check of a training refrigeration system—including startup, steady-state pressure and temperature recording, superheat and subcooling measurement, and a written system status report—integrating all skills developed in the course. |
| Operational refrigeration training units, manifold gauge sets, digital thermometers with clamps, PT charts, manufacturer specification sheets, pre-startup inspection checklist forms, lined paper or word-processed report template | Pre-startup checklist must be fully completed before the instructor allows system energization (incomplete checklist = system stays off until corrected). Data collection values must be within ±2 psig and ±2°F of instructor-verified readings. System status report is graded on a rubric: correct data-driven conclusion (40%), supporting evidence cited (30%), logical recommendation (30%); pass mark is 75% overall. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration Fundamentals Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% (38 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question written exam covering heat theory, refrigerant classification and EPA Section 608 regulations, vapor-compression cycle processes, PT chart interpretation, component identification, and accessory component functions. Questions are multiple-choice and short-answer, mapped to EPA 608 Universal exam content areas and NATE/NCCER HVAC refrigeration fundamentals domains. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Manifold Gauge and Recovery Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical safety steps completed without prompting; pressure readings within ±2 psig; recovery log complete and accurate | Each student individually connects a manifold gauge set to a live training system, records operating pressures, converts to saturation temperatures, then recovers the refrigerant to EPA-required levels using a recovery machine and completes a service log—all observed by the instructor using a scored checklist. Any unsafe act (e.g., venting refrigerant, improper PPE) results in an immediate stop and a mandatory recheck session before re-attempt. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log and Operational Reports Portfolio | Log | 15% | 80% average across all submitted lab worksheets and reports; no incomplete or missing entries | Students submit a compiled portfolio of all lab worksheets, service logs, leak reports, and the final system status report completed throughout the course. Each entry is evaluated for completeness, data accuracy, correct calculations, and clear written conclusions; the portfolio score is the average of all rubric-graded entries. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Refrigerant Handling Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% on all mandatory safety behaviors; any critical failure requires a recheck before course completion is granted | A dedicated direct-observation safety evaluation in which the instructor watches each student don required PPE, connect and disconnect gauges without refrigerant release, handle a recovery cylinder safely (correct labeling, no overfilling, proper storage orientation), and demonstrate knowledge of emergency response for refrigerant skin or eye contact. This check is administered as a gate requirement; students who do not pass cannot advance to Course 3. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-HVAC07-03 Trade course
Electrical Controls for HVAC/R Systems
171 hr · $2,360 COMPLIMENTARY
This course develops the electrical theory, wiring skills, and control-circuit troubleshooting competencies required of entry-level HVAC/R technicians. Students read wiring diagrams, build and test common HVAC/R control circuits, and safely diagnose electrical faults in heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment. Lessons are mapped to EPA 608, NATE Core, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credential exam content areas involving electrical fundamentals and system controls.
Outcomes- Apply Ohm's Law and basic electrical theory to calculate voltage, current, resistance, and power in series, parallel, and series-parallel HVAC/R circuits.
- Safely use a digital multimeter, clamp ammeter, and megohmmeter to measure electrical quantities and diagnose circuit faults, following NFPA 70E shock-risk and PPE requirements.
- Read and interpret ladder diagrams, schematic diagrams, and pictorial wiring diagrams for residential and light-commercial HVAC/R equipment.
- Wire, test, and verify correct operation of common HVAC/R control components including contactors, relays, thermostats, pressure switches, time-delay relays, and motor starters.
- Systematically troubleshoot electrical faults in single-phase and three-phase HVAC/R systems using a logical half-split diagnostic method, documenting findings on a service report.
- Demonstrate lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and arc-flash PPE selection for every energized-equipment task, achieving zero safety violations across all lab sessions.
Course text
This course develops the electrical theory, wiring skills, and control-circuit troubleshooting competencies required of entry-level HVAC/R technicians. Students read wiring diagrams, build and test common HVAC/R control circuits, and safely diagnose electrical faults in heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment. Lessons are mapped to EPA 608, NATE Core, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credential exam content areas involving electrical fundamentals and system controls.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Electrical Safety: LOTO, Arc Flash, and NFPA 70E; Electrical Theory: Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Power; Test Instruments: Multimeter, Clamp Ammeter, and Megohmmeter; Reading Wiring Diagrams: Ladder, Schematic, and Pictorial; Control Transformers and Low-Voltage Thermostat Circuits; Contactors, Relays, and Motor Starters; Capacitors: Run, Start, and Dual-Round; Pressure Switches, Flow Switches, and Safety Controls; Time-Delay Relays, Defrost Controls, and Sequencers; Three-Phase Power and Motor Controls; Systematic Troubleshooting of HVAC/R Electrical Circuits; Integrated Electrical Lab: Diagnose, Repair, and Commission a Full Control Circuit.
What competent looks like. Apply Ohm's Law and basic electrical theory to calculate voltage, current, resistance, and power in series, parallel, and series-parallel HVAC/R circuits. Safely use a digital multimeter, clamp ammeter, and megohmmeter to measure electrical quantities and diagnose circuit faults, following NFPA 70E shock-risk and PPE requirements. Read and interpret ladder diagrams, schematic diagrams, and pictorial wiring diagrams for residential and light-commercial HVAC/R equipment. Wire, test, and verify correct operation of common HVAC/R control components including contactors, relays, thermostats, pressure switches, time-delay relays, and motor starters. Systematically troubleshoot electrical faults in single-phase and three-phase HVAC/R systems using a logical half-split diagnostic method, documenting findings on a service report. Demonstrate lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and arc-flash PPE selection for every energized-equipment task, achieving zero safety violations across all lab sessions.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrical Safety: LOTO, Arc Flash, and NFPA 70E | 11.5 | theory | Students will correctly identify shock and arc-flash hazards on HVAC/R equipment and perform a complete LOTO sequence before simulated electrical work, with zero procedural errors. |
| NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (current edition), OSHA 1910.147 handout, training lockout panel, personal locks and tags, insulated gloves (Class 00 minimum), safety glasses, face shield, HVAC/R equipment nameplates, student workbook | Instructor observes each student perform LOTO on the training panel without prompting; all six steps completed in correct order with voltage verified at zero = pass. Any skipped step or energized-circuit contact = repeat before advancing. |
| 2 | Electrical Theory: Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Power | 13.5 | theory | Students will apply Ohm's Law and the power formula to calculate unknown values in HVAC/R circuit problems and predict meter readings within ±5% of actual measured values. |
| Scientific calculators, HVAC/R electrical theory textbook (e.g., Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, Tomczyk et al., current edition), breadboards, resistor assortment, 12 V DC power supply, digital multimeters, student worksheets | Worksheet score ≥ 75% correct and breadboard measurements within ±5% of calculated values = pass. Students who score below 75% receive targeted re-teaching before the next lesson. |
| 3 | Test Instruments: Multimeter, Clamp Ammeter, and Megohmmeter | 11.5 | demo | Students will select the correct instrument and range, make safe measurements of AC voltage, current, resistance, and insulation resistance on HVAC/R components, and record results accurately. |
| Digital multimeters (True RMS), clamp ammeters (True RMS), megohmmeter, 120/240 V training outlet strips (GFCI-protected), single-phase blower motor, retired motor for megohm testing, insulated gloves, safety glasses, motor nameplate data sheets | Instructor checklist: correct lead placement, appropriate range selected before probing, readings recorded with units and ±tolerance; all three instrument tasks completed without meter damage or unsafe probe placement = pass. |
| 4 | Reading Wiring Diagrams: Ladder, Schematic, and Pictorial | 13.5 | theory | Students will correctly trace any circuit path on a residential split-system ladder diagram and identify the state (open/closed) of each switch and load for three specified operating modes. |
| Residential split-system wiring diagram packets (OEM service manuals), heat pump and packaged-RTU wiring diagrams, colored pencils or highlighters, projector for group presentations, HVAC/R textbook electrical chapters | Students correctly identify every component, trace all current paths, and state open/closed status for all three required modes on their diagram packet with ≥ 80% accuracy = pass. |
| 5 | Control Transformers and Low-Voltage Thermostat Circuits | 13.5 | lab | Students will wire a 24 VAC control circuit from a step-down transformer through a thermostat sub-base to a relay coil, verify correct voltage at each point, and explain the function of the R, C, G, Y, and W thermostat terminals. |
| Control transformers (40 VA, 120/24 VAC), thermostat sub-bases, contactor coils (24 VAC), training wiring boards, terminal strips, 18 AWG thermostat wire, wire strippers, digital multimeters, lab log forms | Circuit operates correctly (relay pulls in when Y terminal is jumpered), voltage readings within ±1 V of nominal at all checkpoints, and fault diagnosis documented with correct half-split logic = pass. Wiring must pass instructor visual inspection before energizing. |
| 6 | Contactors, Relays, and Motor Starters | 13.5 | lab | Students will wire, energize, and verify correct operation of a contactor and a motor-start relay, measure coil and contact resistance, and explain how each component functions in a system circuit. |
| Single-phase and three-phase contactors, 24 VAC coil relays, potential-type motor-start relays, start and run capacitors, hermetic compressor training simulator or equivalent motor, training boards, digital multimeters, clamp ammeters, lab log forms, OEM wiring diagrams | Contactor circuit wired correctly without reversed coil polarity, load-side voltage verified, and contact voltage drop within published specification; relay bench test amperage trace documented with pass/fail notation = pass. |
| 7 | Capacitors: Run, Start, and Dual-Round | 11.5 | lab | Students will safely discharge, test, and evaluate run capacitors and start capacitors using a capacitance meter, and replace an out-of-tolerance capacitor while following discharge and LOTO procedures. |
| Assortment of run capacitors (various µF ratings), dual-round capacitors, start capacitors, capacitance meter, two-resistor discharge tool (10,000 Ω, 5 W), insulated-grip screwdrivers, digital multimeter, condenser training unit, LOTO hardware, service report forms | Discharge procedure performed before every capacitor contact, capacitance meter readings documented with pass/fail notation, replacement installed correctly and matching rated µF ±5% = pass. Any contact with an undischarged capacitor = immediate stop and safety review. |
| 8 | Pressure Switches, Flow Switches, and Safety Controls | 13.5 | demo | Students will identify high-pressure, low-pressure, and oil-pressure safety switches on training equipment, test switch continuity across the operating range, and explain how each protects the refrigeration system. |
| Training refrigeration unit with accessible safety switches, high-pressure and low-pressure switch samples, oil-pressure differential switch sample, digital multimeters, OEM spec sheets, switch bypass tool, service report forms, student workbook | Students correctly identify each switch by function, record proper normal state (NO or NC), and complete the simulated-fault diagnosis with correct root cause and corrective action documented = pass at ≥ 80% accuracy on the report form. |
| 9 | Time-Delay Relays, Defrost Controls, and Sequencers | 13.5 | theory | Students will explain the purpose and wiring function of time-delay-on-break, time-delay-on-make, defrost time-clock, and heat-sequencer controls in HVAC/R applications and correctly wire a time-delay relay into a training circuit. |
| Time-delay relay assortment (adjustable TDOD and TDOE, 24 VAC coil), defrost time-clock control (commercial refrigeration type), heat sequencer sample, training wiring boards, stopwatch, digital multimeter, commercial reach-in cooler wiring diagrams, student workbook | Wired TDOD circuit holds load open for set delay ±10% of dial setting, timing documented, and written defrost sequence explanation contains all five required events = pass. |
| 10 | Three-Phase Power and Motor Controls | 13.5 | theory | Students will identify three-phase voltage and current characteristics on a wiring diagram, check phase rotation with a phase-rotation meter, and explain the function and wiring of a three-phase magnetic motor starter including overload relays. |
| Three-phase training panel (208 VAC, properly guarded), phase-rotation meter, three-phase magnetic motor starter with overload relay, small three-phase training motor, digital multimeter, clamp ammeter, safety glasses, insulated gloves, ladder diagram handout, lab log forms | Phase rotation identified correctly, starter wired per diagram with instructor verification before energizing, overload trip and reset sequence performed and documented = pass. Any wiring error found during instructor check must be corrected before panel is energized. |
| 11 | Systematic Troubleshooting of HVAC/R Electrical Circuits | 13.5 | practice | Students will apply a six-step half-split diagnostic method to locate an instructor-inserted electrical fault in a complete residential split-system training unit within 20 minutes, documenting every measurement and decision. |
| Residential split-system training boards with fault-insertion points, digital multimeters, clamp ammeters, half-split checklist cards, service report forms, peer-review rubrics, OEM wiring diagrams for training units, stopwatch | Fault correctly identified within 20 minutes with all intermediate measurements documented, service report complete with correct root cause and corrective action, peer-review rubric score ≥ 80% = pass. |
| 12 | Integrated Electrical Lab: Diagnose, Repair, and Commission a Full Control Circuit | 28.5 | lab | Students will independently diagnose and restore full electrical operation of a residential or light-commercial HVAC/R unit containing multiple instructor-inserted faults, completing all LOTO steps, recording all measurements, and producing a professional service report. |
| Residential split-system and/or light-commercial packaged units (operational, fault-capable), digital multimeters, clamp ammeters, capacitance meters, replacement capacitors, contactors, and relays, LOTO hardware sets, OEM service manuals and wiring diagrams, service report forms, verbal-defense scoring rubric | All faults correctly identified and repaired, unit operating normally in all tested modes, LOTO log signed at start and reversal, service report complete, and verbal-defense score ≥ 75% = pass. Any energized-equipment contact without completed LOTO = automatic fail with safety counseling required before re-attempt. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Theory and Diagram Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (75 out of 100 questions correct) | A 100-question written exam covering Ohm's Law calculations, power formulas, component identification, wiring diagram interpretation, three-phase theory, and control device function as mapped to NATE Core, HVAC Excellence Electrical, and NCCER HVAC electrical content areas. Questions are drawn from lesson content and representative of the style used in credential exams. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Wiring and Troubleshooting Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All required tasks completed correctly with zero safety violations; service report score ≥ 75% | Each student independently wires a complete 24 VAC control circuit on an assigned training board, performs LOTO before and after, uses instruments correctly to verify operation, diagnoses one instructor-inserted fault using the half-split method, and completes a service report; scored by instructor using a task checklist aligned to NCCER HVAC and NATE Core performance standards. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Laboratory Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All 10 required lab entries submitted, ≥ 80% average score across entries using the lab-log rubric | Students maintain a cumulative lab log from Lessons 5 through 12, recording LOTO steps, instrument readings with units, component test results, fault diagnoses, corrective actions, and reflections; each entry is scored on accuracy, completeness, and professional format using a 10-point rubric aligned to NCCER documentation standards. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Electrical Safety Compliance Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% compliance — any single safety violation results in immediate fail and mandatory safety counseling before re-assessment | The instructor completes an unannounced safety observation checklist at least twice during the course's lab phase, verifying that each student correctly selects and dons PPE, completes LOTO before opening panels, discharges capacitors before handling, uses insulated tools, and maintains NFPA 70E approach boundaries on every observed task. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-HVAC07-04 Trade course
Heat Pumps: Principles, Installation, and Service
170 hr · $2,345 COMPLIMENTARY
This course covers the refrigeration cycle in reverse, teaching students how air-source and ground-source heat pumps move heat during both heating and cooling modes, and how reversing valves, defrost controls, and supplemental heat systems work together. Students install, commission, troubleshoot, and service residential heat pump systems following manufacturer specifications, NEC requirements, and current refrigerant-handling regulations. Lessons are mapped to EPA 608 Universal refrigerant-handling competencies, NATE Core and Air-to-Air Heat Pump specialty areas, HVAC Excellence Employment Ready and Professional Level areas, and NCCER HVAC Levels 3–4 heat pump modules.
Outcomes- Explain how a heat pump transfers heat in both heating and cooling modes and identify every major system component by function and location on a refrigerant circuit diagram.
- Safely recover, evacuate, and recharge a heat pump system with the correct refrigerant type and charge in compliance with EPA Section 608 requirements and using calibrated instruments.
- Wire a heat pump thermostat, contactor, defrost board, and emergency/auxiliary heat circuit from a wiring diagram, verifying correct operation with a digital multimeter.
- Diagnose reversing valve failures, refrigerant charge faults, defrost control malfunctions, and airflow restrictions using a systematic, manufacturer-approved troubleshooting procedure.
- Complete a start-up and commissioning checklist — including static and operating pressures, supply-air temperature rise, amperage draw, and defrost initiation — and document results to industry standards.
- Demonstrate required personal protective equipment use, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe refrigerant-handling practices throughout every lab exercise without prompting.
Course text
This course covers the refrigeration cycle in reverse, teaching students how air-source and ground-source heat pumps move heat during both heating and cooling modes, and how reversing valves, defrost controls, and supplemental heat systems work together. Students install, commission, troubleshoot, and service residential heat pump systems following manufacturer specifications, NEC requirements, and current refrigerant-handling regulations. Lessons are mapped to EPA 608 Universal refrigerant-handling competencies, NATE Core and Air-to-Air Heat Pump specialty areas, HVAC Excellence Employment Ready and Professional Level areas, and NCCER HVAC Levels 3–4 heat pump modules.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Heat Pump Fundamentals: Reverse-Cycle Refrigeration and System Overview; The Reversing Valve: Operation, Wiring, and Common Failures; Heat Pump Electrical Circuits: Thermostats, Contactors, and Auxiliary Heat; Refrigerant Safety and EPA Section 608 Compliance for Heat Pumps; Refrigerant Recovery, Evacuation, and Recharge: Heat Pump Procedures; Metering Devices in Heat Pumps: TXVs, Check Valves, and Bi-Flow Devices; Defrost Systems: Controls, Sensors, and Termination Logic; Auxiliary and Emergency Heat: Electric Strip Heaters and Gas Backup Systems; Heat Pump Installation: Siting, Line Sets, and Electrical Rough-In; System Start-Up and Commissioning: Performance Verification; Systematic Troubleshooting: Diagnosis of Common Heat Pump Faults; Ground-Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps: Principles, Loop Types, and Service Differences.
What competent looks like. Explain how a heat pump transfers heat in both heating and cooling modes and identify every major system component by function and location on a refrigerant circuit diagram. Safely recover, evacuate, and recharge a heat pump system with the correct refrigerant type and charge in compliance with EPA Section 608 requirements and using calibrated instruments. Wire a heat pump thermostat, contactor, defrost board, and emergency/auxiliary heat circuit from a wiring diagram, verifying correct operation with a digital multimeter. Diagnose reversing valve failures, refrigerant charge faults, defrost control malfunctions, and airflow restrictions using a systematic, manufacturer-approved troubleshooting procedure. Complete a start-up and commissioning checklist — including static and operating pressures, supply-air temperature rise, amperage draw, and defrost initiation — and document results to industry standards. Demonstrate required personal protective equipment use, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe refrigerant-handling practices throughout every lab exercise without prompting.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heat Pump Fundamentals: Reverse-Cycle Refrigeration and System Overview | 12 | theory | The student will explain how a heat pump moves heat in both heating and cooling modes and correctly label all major components on a refrigerant circuit diagram. |
| Whiteboard, refrigerant circuit diagrams (manufacturer service literature), P-H diagram worksheets, manufacturer training video (e.g., Carrier or Trane heat pump fundamentals series), AHRI glossary handout, student notebooks | Labeled diagram quiz: student correctly identifies and describes the function of all eight labeled components; pass mark 80%. |
| 2 | The Reversing Valve: Operation, Wiring, and Common Failures | 14 | demo | The student will describe how a four-way reversing valve shifts refrigerant flow and demonstrate how to test the valve solenoid coil and pilot tube operation using a multimeter and manifold gauge set. |
| Cut-away reversing valve display board, Ranco or Sporlan reversing valve service bulletin, digital multimeter, manifold gauge set, manufacturer wiring diagram, troubleshooting worksheet | Instructor observation checklist: student correctly measures coil resistance and interprets result; correctly traces the valve position on a wiring diagram; pass mark 80% of checklist items. |
| 3 | Heat Pump Electrical Circuits: Thermostats, Contactors, and Auxiliary Heat | 16 | theory | The student will interpret a multi-stage heat pump thermostat wiring diagram and trace the low-voltage and line-voltage circuits from the thermostat through the contactor to the compressor, outdoor fan, and auxiliary electric heat strip. |
| Residential heat pump wiring diagrams (multiple manufacturers), colored pencils, calculator, electric heat strip data plate examples, Ohm's law reference card, NATE Core knowledge guide | Written quiz on circuit tracing: student correctly identifies terminal functions and traces three specified circuits; pass mark 80%. |
| 4 | Refrigerant Safety and EPA Section 608 Compliance for Heat Pumps | 10 | theory | The student will state the venting prohibition and technician certification requirements of EPA Section 608 and correctly identify the refrigerants most commonly used in residential heat pumps along with their safety classifications. |
| EPA Section 608 regulatory summary (EPA.gov), refrigerant SDS sheets (R-410A, R-32), ASHRAE 34 refrigerant classification chart, PPE samples (safety glasses, gloves, face shield), EPA 608 Universal prep guide | Short-answer quiz on EPA 608 key rules; student correctly answers questions on certification scope, venting prohibition, and refrigerant classification; pass mark 80%. |
| 5 | Refrigerant Recovery, Evacuation, and Recharge: Heat Pump Procedures | 18 | lab | The student will recover, evacuate to 500 microns or less, and recharge a heat pump trainer unit with the correct refrigerant type and factory charge weight using a recovery machine, manifold gauge set, micron gauge, and refrigerant scale. |
| Heat pump trainer unit, recovery machine (UL-listed), manifold gauge set (rated for R-410A), micron gauge, digital refrigerant scale, recovery cylinder, dry nitrogen tank with regulator, refrigerant (R-410A or R-32 per trainer), safety glasses, gloves, face shield, EPA 608 prep reference, lab log sheets | Instructor verifies micron gauge reading at or below 500 microns and holds for five minutes; final refrigerant weight within ±2 oz of target; all PPE worn throughout; lab log complete; pass mark: all three criteria met. |
| 6 | Metering Devices in Heat Pumps: TXVs, Check Valves, and Bi-Flow Devices | 12 | demo | The student will explain how refrigerant metering changes between heating and cooling modes in a heat pump and correctly identify TXV, bi-flow TXV, check valve, and fixed-orifice metering devices on actual components and diagrams. |
| Disassembled TXV and bi-flow TXV (cut-away or serviceable units), check valves, dual-metering circuit diagram, hand valves, pressure gauges, lab sheets, ASHRAE Fundamentals chapter on expansion devices | Students correctly label all components on a blank diagram and answer three analysis questions about metering device function in each mode; pass mark 80%. |
| 7 | Defrost Systems: Controls, Sensors, and Termination Logic | 14 | theory | The student will describe how a demand defrost control board initiates and terminates a defrost cycle and correctly interpret defrost board wiring, sensor placement, and fault indicators using a manufacturer service manual. |
| Manufacturer defrost control board and service manual, defrost board wiring diagram, heat pump trainer unit, thermometer with coil probe, lab log sheets, NATE Air-to-Air Heat Pump specialty study guide | Lab log reviewed by instructor: student correctly records initiation temperature, termination temperature, and elapsed time, and answers three analysis questions; pass mark 80%. |
| 8 | Auxiliary and Emergency Heat: Electric Strip Heaters and Gas Backup Systems | 12 | demo | The student will measure the voltage, amperage, and resistance of an electric heat strip, verify correct sequencer operation, and explain when the thermostat switches to Emergency Heat mode. |
| Air handler with electric heat strip (lab unit), lockout/tagout kit, clamp-on ammeter, digital multimeter, electric heat strip data plate, sequencer, wiring diagram, lab sheets | Instructor checklist: LOTO applied correctly before access; resistance measurement within ±10% of data plate value; control circuit diagram complete and accurate; pass mark: all three items passed. |
| 9 | Heat Pump Installation: Siting, Line Sets, and Electrical Rough-In | 18 | lab | The student will select an outdoor unit location meeting manufacturer clearance requirements, correctly size and install a refrigerant line set including insulation, and rough-in the line-voltage disconnect and low-voltage wiring per NEC requirements and manufacturer instructions. |
| Heat pump lab unit (split system), copper tubing (various sizes), tube cutter, flaring tool, brazing torch, nitrogen tank with regulator, insulation, disconnect box, conduit fittings, thermostat wire, manufacturer installation manual, NEC codebook reference, level, tape measure, lab log | Instructor inspects: nitrogen pressure test holds at specified pressure for 15 minutes (no leak); flares visually acceptable per AHRI standard; disconnect and wiring meet NEC requirements per instructor checklist; pass mark: all three criteria met. |
| 10 | System Start-Up and Commissioning: Performance Verification | 16 | lab | The student will complete a manufacturer start-up and commissioning checklist for a fully installed heat pump system, measuring and recording operating pressures, supply-air temperature, airflow, and amperage draw in both heating and cooling modes. |
| Fully installed heat pump lab unit, manifold gauge set, clamp-on ammeter, digital thermometer with multiple probes, anemometer or flow grid, commissioning checklist form (manufacturer), calculator, lab log | Commissioning form submitted with all fields completed; at least 90% of measured values within manufacturer acceptance ranges; instructor verifies student correctly identified and explained any out-of-range reading; pass mark: form complete and 90% in-range. |
| 11 | Systematic Troubleshooting: Diagnosis of Common Heat Pump Faults | 18 | practice | The student will apply a systematic diagnostic procedure to identify the root cause of at least four instructor-seeded faults in a heat pump trainer and document findings and corrective actions on a standardized service report. |
| Heat pump trainer unit with seeded faults, manifold gauge set, digital multimeter, clamp-on ammeter, digital thermometer, service report forms, NATE Air-to-Air Heat Pump and HVAC Excellence troubleshooting references | Four service reports reviewed: student correctly identifies root cause and corrective action for at least three of four faults; all reports include instrument readings compared to specification; pass mark: 3 of 4 faults correctly diagnosed with supporting data. |
| 12 | Ground-Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps: Principles, Loop Types, and Service Differences | 10 | theory | The student will compare the operating principles of ground-source heat pump systems to air-source systems and identify the major loop configurations, fluid types, and unique service considerations for geothermal equipment. |
| IGSHPA reference materials or manufacturer geothermal training guide, ground-source heat pump cutaway diagram, comparison table worksheet, case study handout, NATE and HVAC Excellence credential study references for geothermal content | Comparison table and case study responses reviewed; student correctly identifies all five major components and provides accurate comparison of diagnostic steps; pass mark 80%. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump Written Knowledge Examination | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher on a 60-question multiple-choice exam | A 60-question multiple-choice exam covering reverse-cycle refrigeration theory, reversing valve operation, defrost control logic, metering devices, EPA Section 608 requirements for heat pump refrigerants, and electrical circuit interpretation. Questions are drawn from lesson content and aligned to NATE Air-to-Air Heat Pump specialty knowledge areas, HVAC Excellence Employment Ready exam domains, and NCCER HVAC Level 3 heat pump module objectives. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Heat Pump Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Instructor checklist score of 80% or higher with no safety violations; any critical safety item failed requires a full re-attempt | The student independently performs a complete service sequence on the heat pump trainer: applies lockout/tagout, connects gauges, recovers refrigerant, evacuates to 500 microns and verifies hold, recharges to factory weight, operates system in both modes, measures superheat or subcooling, and documents results on a commissioning form. The instructor scores each step on a standardized checklist mapped to NATE Core, EPA 608 Universal, and NCCER HVAC competency standards. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Laboratory Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All 12 lesson lab logs submitted; average score of 80% or higher across scoring rubric; any incomplete log must be corrected and resubmitted | Students maintain a running lab log for every hands-on lesson, recording pre-task safety checks, instrument readings, comparison to specifications, and a brief analysis of results. The portfolio is reviewed at course end using a rubric that evaluates completeness, measurement accuracy, units and tolerances, and quality of written analysis; it serves as evidence of consistent competency across all lab activities and supports NCCER HVAC registry documentation requirements. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety and Regulatory Compliance Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% score required; any failed item is immediately corrected with re-check before the student may continue lab work | A structured, unannounced observation conducted by the instructor during one of the installation or commissioning labs, using a binary (yes/no) checklist of non-negotiable safety behaviors: correct PPE selected and worn, lockout/tagout applied before opening electrical panels, refrigerant recovery completed before opening the refrigerant circuit, nitrogen cylinder secured upright and regulated correctly, and no open-flame source near refrigerant work area. This check is aligned to OSHA General Industry and Construction standards for the hazards present and is a prerequisite for passing the course regardless of other assessment scores. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-HVAC07-05 Trade course
Ductwork: Design, Fabrication, and Installation
170 hr · $2,345 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to design, fabricate, and install residential and light-commercial duct systems using industry-standard methods including sheet-metal layout, flexible duct, and duct-board construction. Emphasis is placed on Manual D sizing principles, SMACNA installation standards, sealing and insulation requirements, air balancing, and safe work practices throughout. Lessons map directly to NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credentialing exam content areas covering air distribution and system performance.
Outcomes- Design a duct system layout for a residential structure using Manual D principles and calculate supply and return duct sizes to meet specified airflow requirements.
- Fabricate straight runs, fittings, and transitions from sheet metal and duct board using hand tools and power snips, meeting dimensional tolerances within 1/8 inch.
- Install flexible duct, rigid sheet-metal duct, and duct board in accordance with SMACNA and manufacturer guidelines, including proper support spacing and connection methods.
- Seal all duct joints and seams with code-compliant mastic or UL 181-rated tape and insulate to the minimum R-value required by current energy codes.
- Perform a basic duct system air balance by measuring static pressure and outlet airflow, adjusting dampers to bring each zone within 10% of design CFM.
- Apply lockout/tagout procedures and fall-protection protocols when working inside air-handling systems or on ladders and in attic or crawl-space environments.
Course text
Students learn to design, fabricate, and install residential and light-commercial duct systems using industry-standard methods including sheet-metal layout, flexible duct, and duct-board construction. Emphasis is placed on Manual D sizing principles, SMACNA installation standards, sealing and insulation requirements, air balancing, and safe work practices throughout. Lessons map directly to NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credentialing exam content areas covering air distribution and system performance.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Air Distribution Fundamentals and Duct System Types; Duct System Math: Airflow, Velocity, and Sizing; Sheet-Metal Tools, Safety, and Shop Orientation; Sheet-Metal Measurement, Layout, and Pattern Development; Sheet-Metal Fabrication: Cutting, Forming, and Joining; Flexible Duct and Duct Board: Materials and Installation Techniques; Duct Sealing: Mastic, Tape, and Energy Code Requirements; Duct Insulation: Selection, R-Values, and Installation; Registers, Grilles, Diffusers, and Dampers; SMACNA Standards, Codes, and Quality Installation Practices; Static Pressure Measurement and Air Balancing; Full System Installation: Planning, Execution, and Inspection.
What competent looks like. Design a duct system layout for a residential structure using Manual D principles and calculate supply and return duct sizes to meet specified airflow requirements. Fabricate straight runs, fittings, and transitions from sheet metal and duct board using hand tools and power snips, meeting dimensional tolerances within 1/8 inch. Install flexible duct, rigid sheet-metal duct, and duct board in accordance with SMACNA and manufacturer guidelines, including proper support spacing and connection methods. Seal all duct joints and seams with code-compliant mastic or UL 181-rated tape and insulate to the minimum R-value required by current energy codes. Perform a basic duct system air balance by measuring static pressure and outlet airflow, adjusting dampers to bring each zone within 10% of design CFM. Apply lockout/tagout procedures and fall-protection protocols when working inside air-handling systems or on ladders and in attic or crawl-space environments.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air Distribution Fundamentals and Duct System Types | 10 | theory | Students will identify the major types of duct systems—radial, extended-plenum, and trunk-and-branch—and explain how each moves conditioned air from the air handler to occupied spaces. |
| Residential HVAC textbook (ACCA/AHRI aligned), ACCA Manual D (overview excerpts), floor-plan handouts, color markers, classroom projector | Score 80% or higher on a 20-question multiple-choice quiz identifying system types and airflow paths. |
| 2 | Duct System Math: Airflow, Velocity, and Sizing | 14 | theory | Students will calculate required duct cross-sectional area using the CFM and FPM relationship and size rectangular and round ducts for given airflow values using duct-sizing charts. |
| Scientific calculators, ACCA Manual D friction-rate chart (Appendix), duct-sizing slide rule, computer workstation with duct-sizing software, sizing worksheet packet | Complete a timed problem set of eight duct-sizing problems; all answers must fall within one standard duct size of the reference solution to pass. |
| 3 | Sheet-Metal Tools, Safety, and Shop Orientation | 10 | demo | Students will identify hand tools and power equipment used in sheet-metal ductwork, demonstrate safe handling of sheet stock, and apply required PPE before any cutting or forming operation. |
| Sheet-metal hand tools (full set), floor-standing power shear, LOTO station kit, cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, burr file, PPE inspection checklist | Instructor signs off on PPE donning checklist and each student completes one observed LOTO cycle with zero procedural errors before any power equipment is used. |
| 4 | Sheet-Metal Measurement, Layout, and Pattern Development | 16 | lab | Students will lay out and scribe patterns for a straight rectangular duct section, an S-drive slip joint, and a 45-degree elbow transition on sheet metal within 1/8-inch tolerance. |
| 26-gauge galvanized sheet steel (pre-cut to safe blanks), combination squares, scratch awls, steel rules, paper for pattern development, lab-log notebooks, duct-design reference tables | Instructor measures three critical dimensions on each student's scribed layout; all must be within 1/8 inch of specification to advance to fabrication. |
| 5 | Sheet-Metal Fabrication: Cutting, Forming, and Joining | 20 | lab | Students will cut, fold, and assemble a complete rectangular duct section with Pittsburgh lock seams and drive-cleat cross-joints that are square, tight, and free of sharp external edges. |
| Scribed sheet-metal blanks from Lesson 4, cornice brake, hand notcher, Pittsburgh lock former, drive-cleat bender, tin snips, dead-blow mallet, framing square, steel rule, file for deburring, gloves and safety glasses | Instructor inspects assembled duct: seam gap must not exceed 1/16 inch, corners within 1/16 inch of square on a framing-square check, and all exposed edges deburred; any sharp edge is an immediate fail requiring rework. |
| 6 | Flexible Duct and Duct Board: Materials and Installation Techniques | 14 | demo | Students will install a flexible duct run and a duct-board plenum section using manufacturer-specified connection methods, support spacing, and bend-radius minimums in a mock-up frame. |
| Class-1 flexible duct (assorted diameters), draw bands (UL 181B rated), duct-board panels (R-6 foil-faced), utility knife, straightedge, duct-board stapler, bend-radius template cards, mock-up framing, lab-log notebooks | Instructor checks flexible-duct bend radius (must meet manufacturer minimum), draw-band position (within specified distance of collar end), and duct-board corner joints for gaps greater than 1/8 inch; all three checks must pass. |
| 7 | Duct Sealing: Mastic, Tape, and Energy Code Requirements | 12 | lab | Students will seal duct joints on a fabricated mock-up system using fiberglass-reinforced mastic and UL 181-rated tape, meeting minimum coverage and continuity standards required by current IECC energy code guidelines. |
| Water-based duct mastic (pail), fiberglass mesh tape, foam brushes, UL 181A/B listed metallic foil tape, putty knives, flashlight, feeler gauge set, IECC residential energy code excerpt (sealing requirements section), lab-log notebooks, nitrile gloves | Instructor inspects each joint under flashlight: mastic must be continuous with no visible gaps or pinholes; feeler gauge must not penetrate any sealed seam; incomplete coverage is reworked before the lesson is marked complete. |
| 8 | Duct Insulation: Selection, R-Values, and Installation | 10 | lab | Students will select the correct insulation type and R-value for a given duct location (conditioned space, unconditioned attic, crawl space) and install duct wrap on a rigid duct assembly without voids or compression. |
| R-6 and R-8 duct wrap insulation rolls, foil-face tape (UL listed), steel rule, utility knife, straightedge, fabricated duct assemblies from previous labs, IECC duct insulation requirement table (handout), lab-log notebooks | Instructor checks installed duct wrap: no voids larger than 1/4 inch, no compression of insulation exceeding 20% of nominal thickness, and all seams and joints fully taped; any void is reworked on the spot. |
| 9 | Registers, Grilles, Diffusers, and Dampers | 10 | demo | Students will distinguish the function of supply registers, return grilles, ceiling diffusers, and volume-dampers, then correctly install a register and manual damper in a mock-up supply branch. |
| Assorted registers, grilles, and diffusers (sample kit), ceiling diffuser with equalizer, manual volume dampers (round, 6-inch), register boots, drywall saw, gypsum-board mock-up panel, flashlight, screwdrivers, tape measure | Students correctly categorize all hardware samples (100% accuracy required) and instructor verifies that the installed damper handle is secure, positioned at the marked 50% setting, and does not rattle when air is blown through. |
| 10 | SMACNA Standards, Codes, and Quality Installation Practices | 12 | theory | Students will apply SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards to specify correct gauge, reinforcement, and joint class for duct sections at stated operating pressures, and identify common installation defects from photographs. |
| SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards excerpts (instructor-provided handout packet), IECC residential energy code excerpt, defect-photo handout set, whiteboard, projector | Score 80% or higher on a 25-question written quiz covering SMACNA gauge tables, joint classes, support spacing, and code-required sealing; each photograph defect identified in class must match the reference answer sheet. |
| 11 | Static Pressure Measurement and Air Balancing | 22 | lab | Students will use a digital manometer and a flow hood (or balometer) to measure total external static pressure and outlet airflow on a live lab duct system, then adjust dampers to bring all outlets within 10% of design CFM. |
| Digital manometer with static-pressure probes and hoses, flow hood (or rotating-vane anemometer with traverse kit), lab air-handling unit with duct system and manual dampers, balance data sheet, lab-log notebooks, system design drawing (instructor-provided) | All four supply outlets must read within 10% of design CFM on the final recorded measurement pass; total external static pressure must be documented with correct units; lab log entry reviewed and initialed by instructor. |
| 12 | Full System Installation: Planning, Execution, and Inspection | 20 | field | Students will plan, install, seal, insulate, and document a complete small-scale duct system in the program's full-size mock structure, passing a final installation inspection against a structured checklist. |
| Full-size mock structure, sheet-metal duct components, flexible duct, duct board, mastic and mesh tape, duct wrap insulation, registers and grilles, manual dampers, support strapping and hardware, drill/driver, snips, level, tape measure, duct installation inspection checklist, lab-log notebooks | Instructor completes the 20-item duct installation checklist; students must pass at least 18 of 20 items with no safety-critical items (sharp edges, unsecured sections over head height, unmasticized joints in attic simulation) failed; failed items corrected before sign-off. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ductwork Systems Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher (28/40 questions correct) | A 40-question multiple-choice and short-answer written exam covering duct system types, Manual D sizing concepts, SMACNA gauge and pressure classifications, code-required sealing and insulation R-values, and air-balancing principles. Questions are aligned to NATE Core exam air-distribution content and NCCER HVAC Level 2 ductwork module objectives. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Sheet-Metal Fabrication and Installation Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Pass all critical items; score 80% or higher on total rubric (24/30 points) | Each student independently fabricates a rectangular duct section with Pittsburgh seam, seals it with mastic, insulates it with duct wrap, and installs it in the mock structure within a 90-minute window. An instructor evaluates dimensional accuracy, seam quality, mastic coverage, insulation integrity, and safe tool use using a scored rubric; any sharp exposed edge or LOTO violation results in an automatic fail and mandatory repeat. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All 10 required lab-log entries submitted; average score of 80% or higher on the portfolio rubric | Students compile a lab log maintained throughout the course containing measurement records, balance data sheets, inspection checklists, and written reflections from at least ten designated lab activities. Each entry is evaluated for accuracy of recorded measurements, completeness of required data fields, and evidence of corrective action taken when results were out of tolerance; missing entries score zero. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Ductwork Safety and PPE Compliance Check | Safety audit | 15% | Pass (no items failed); any single failed item requires immediate corrective demonstration before course credit is awarded | An unannounced or announced 15-minute observed check conducted during a lab session in which the instructor verifies correct PPE selection and donning, a complete LOTO cycle on the shop shear, proper handling of sheet-metal stock (no bare-hand contact with cut edges), and correct ladder or step-stool positioning for overhead work. This check aligns with OSHA 10 construction hazard recognition requirements covered in Course 1 and is a non-negotiable gateway to the Capstone. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-HVAC07-06 Trade course
Load Calculation for HVAC/R Systems
170 hr · $2,345 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to size heating and cooling systems correctly using industry-standard manual methods and software, applying heat transfer principles to residential and light-commercial buildings. The course covers Manual J residential load calculation, Manual S equipment selection, and Manual D duct sizing inputs, with emphasis on accurate field measurement, code compliance, and energy efficiency. Outcomes map directly to NATE Core and Specialty exam knowledge areas, NCCER HVAC Level 3 load calculation competencies, and HVAC Excellence Professional certification domains.
Outcomes- Perform a complete ACCA Manual J residential heat loss and heat gain calculation for a single-family dwelling using both manual worksheets and approved software, producing results within acceptable tolerance.
- Select correctly sized heating and cooling equipment using ACCA Manual S criteria, justifying selections in writing with manufacturer capacity data at design conditions.
- Identify and apply local ASHRAE 99% heating and 1% cooling outdoor design conditions and indoor design setpoints from published climate data tables.
- Measure and record building envelope components—wall, ceiling, window, and door areas, U-values, and infiltration—accurately enough to serve as load calculation inputs.
- Interpret a completed load calculation report to explain to a customer or inspector how equipment size was determined and why it meets energy code intent.
- Demonstrate safe work practices during all field measurement activities, including fall awareness, confined-space awareness when entering attics and crawlspaces, and proper PPE selection.
Course text
Students learn to size heating and cooling systems correctly using industry-standard manual methods and software, applying heat transfer principles to residential and light-commercial buildings. The course covers Manual J residential load calculation, Manual S equipment selection, and Manual D duct sizing inputs, with emphasis on accurate field measurement, code compliance, and energy efficiency. Outcomes map directly to NATE Core and Specialty exam knowledge areas, NCCER HVAC Level 3 load calculation competencies, and HVAC Excellence Professional certification domains.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Why Size Matters: Consequences of Oversizing and Undersizing; Heat Transfer Fundamentals for Load Calculation; Design Conditions and Climate Data; Building Envelope Measurement and Takeoff; Infiltration, Ventilation, and Internal Gains; Solar Gain and Fenestration Loads; Manual J Room-by-Room Calculation — Residential Case Study; Load Calculation Software: Introduction and Workflow; Equipment Selection Using Manual S; Duct System Inputs from Load Data (Manual D Fundamentals); Energy Codes and Load Calculation Compliance; Field Measurement Safety, Attic and Crawlspace Entry, and Course Synthesis.
What competent looks like. Perform a complete ACCA Manual J residential heat loss and heat gain calculation for a single-family dwelling using both manual worksheets and approved software, producing results within acceptable tolerance. Select correctly sized heating and cooling equipment using ACCA Manual S criteria, justifying selections in writing with manufacturer capacity data at design conditions. Identify and apply local ASHRAE 99% heating and 1% cooling outdoor design conditions and indoor design setpoints from published climate data tables. Measure and record building envelope components—wall, ceiling, window, and door areas, U-values, and infiltration—accurately enough to serve as load calculation inputs. Interpret a completed load calculation report to explain to a customer or inspector how equipment size was determined and why it meets energy code intent. Demonstrate safe work practices during all field measurement activities, including fall awareness, confined-space awareness when entering attics and crawlspaces, and proper PPE selection.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Why Size Matters: Consequences of Oversizing and Undersizing | 10 | theory | Students explain how improperly sized HVAC equipment causes comfort complaints, high energy bills, premature failure, and code violations, citing at least three specific failure modes. |
| ACCA Manual J 8th Edition (Abridged or Full), ACCA position papers on right-sizing, whiteboard, projector, sample energy bills, ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook (instructor reference) | Exit quiz: 8 short-answer questions on consequences of mis-sizing; pass = 75% correct answers. |
| 2 | Heat Transfer Fundamentals for Load Calculation | 14 | theory | Students calculate conductive, convective, and radiant heat transfer through building envelope assemblies using U-value, area, and design temperature difference, achieving correct answers on all three heat transfer modes. |
| ACCA Manual J 8th Ed. tables, ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook Chapter on Heat Transfer, scientific calculators, printed worksheet packet, R-value/U-value conversion reference cards | Graded worksheet: 10 heat transfer calculation problems; pass = 80% of problems solved correctly with work shown. |
| 3 | Design Conditions and Climate Data | 8 | theory | Students look up the correct ASHRAE outdoor design dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures and indoor design conditions for a given project location and justify their selection in writing. |
| ACCA Manual J 8th Ed. Appendix climate data, ASHRAE 90.1 indoor design condition references, U.S. climate zone map, printed data sheets, markers | Five-city lookup exercise graded by instructor; pass = all five locations have correct heating and cooling design temperatures and humidity ratio values within published tolerances. |
| 4 | Building Envelope Measurement and Takeoff | 16 | lab | Students measure and record all envelope areas, orientations, and construction details for a training-facility room or mock building using tape measures and a floor plan, producing a takeoff sheet accurate to within 5% of instructor reference measurements. |
| 25-ft tape measures, 100-ft tape measure, laser distance meter (one per pair), pencils, graph paper, printed Manual J Room-by-Room worksheets, training facility or mock building, hard hats and safety glasses (PPE for attic or crawlspace entry if applicable) | Completed takeoff worksheet compared to instructor reference; pass = all calculated areas within 5% of reference values and all orientations correctly identified. |
| 5 | Infiltration, Ventilation, and Internal Gains | 12 | theory | Students calculate infiltration heat loss and gain using the Manual J blower-door confirmed or estimated ACH method, and add correct internal gain credits for occupants, lighting, and appliances. |
| ACCA Manual J 8th Ed. infiltration tables and worksheets, ASHRAE 62.2 summary reference sheet, scientific calculators, printed worksheet packet, blower-door test result sample reports (instructor-provided) | Graded infiltration worksheet for the sample house; pass = infiltration BTU/h values within 10% of instructor key for all three construction quality levels. |
| 6 | Solar Gain and Fenestration Loads | 14 | theory | Students calculate the peak solar heat gain through windows and glass doors for each orientation of a sample building using Manual J SHGC values and cooling load factors, and identify which orientation produces the highest summer load. |
| ACCA Manual J 8th Ed. fenestration tables, NFRC window label samples, printed calculation worksheets, scientific calculators, protractor (for overhang shading calculation), projector for instructor demo | Solar gain worksheet graded by instructor; pass = correct peak BTU/h values for each orientation within 10% of key and correct identification of highest-load orientation. |
| 7 | Manual J Room-by-Room Calculation — Residential Case Study | 24 | lab | Students complete a full Manual J 8th Edition room-by-room heating and cooling load calculation for a provided single-family residential floor plan, producing a correctly formatted report with sensible and latent totals for each room and for the whole building. |
| ACCA Manual J 8th Ed. (student copies or program-provided), full residential case study drawing set (floor plan, elevations, window schedule, wall section details), Manual J blank worksheets, scientific calculators, rulers, highlighters | Completed Manual J report submitted to instructor; pass = whole-building heating and cooling totals within 8% of instructor key, all rooms present, sensible and latent loads separated, and narrative submitted. |
| 8 | Load Calculation Software: Introduction and Workflow | 12 | demo | Students enter project data into industry-standard load calculation software and produce a printed or PDF load report that matches their Manual J hand calculation for the residential case study within acceptable software tolerance. |
| Classroom computers with load calculation software installed (Wrightsoft Right-J, Elite RHVAC, or program-approved equivalent), software user guides, completed Manual J worksheets from Lesson 7, printer or PDF export capability | Software-generated load report printed and submitted; pass = whole-building totals within 10% of hand-calculated values with all discrepancies documented and explained in a brief annotation. |
| 9 | Equipment Selection Using Manual S | 16 | theory | Students select a correctly sized air-conditioning system for the residential case study using ACCA Manual S procedures, verifying that the selected unit's sensible and total capacity at ARI rating conditions matches the calculated load within Manual S allowable sizing limits. |
| ACCA Manual S (student reference or instructor-provided excerpts), manufacturer expanded capacity data tables (two or three brand examples, instructor-provided), students' completed Manual J load reports, word processor or printed memo template | Equipment selection memo graded by instructor; pass = correct capacity values extracted from expanded tables, correct load comparison, explicit Manual S compliance statement, and equipment within allowable sizing band. |
| 10 | Duct System Inputs from Load Data (Manual D Fundamentals) | 14 | theory | Students use room-by-room load calculation results to determine required CFM for each room and identify trunk and branch duct sizes from Manual D friction rate charts, producing a duct sizing summary sheet for the residential case study. |
| ACCA Manual D (instructor-provided excerpts or summary charts), students' room-by-room Manual J reports, equipment selection memos (from Lesson 9), printed CFM summary worksheet, friction rate charts, pencils, rulers | CFM summary sheet and duct sizing sketch submitted; pass = all room CFMs correctly calculated (within 5% of key) and at least five duct sizes correctly selected from friction rate chart. |
| 11 | Energy Codes and Load Calculation Compliance | 16 | theory | Students explain how the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1 require load calculations as a basis for equipment sizing and describe what documentation a jurisdiction typically requires for permit approval. |
| Current IECC (instructor-provided relevant sections), ASHRAE 90.1 overview summary (instructor handout), sample permit application packet, students' own load reports and equipment memos | Guided reading questions graded; pass = 80% correct, plus satisfactory participation in role-play as evaluated on a simple rubric (correct code citations, accurate explanation of load report, professional communication). |
| 12 | Field Measurement Safety, Attic and Crawlspace Entry, and Course Synthesis | 14 | field | Students safely perform a complete building envelope measurement on an actual or mock residential structure, applying PPE and fall/confined-space awareness protocols, and deliver a completed load calculation input data package ready for software entry. |
| Tape measures, laser distance meters, N95 respirators, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, printed blank Manual J input data forms, clipboard, pencils, camera or smartphone for documentation photos, instructor field evaluation rubric | Field evaluation rubric completed by instructor during measurement exercise (pass = all PPE worn correctly, safe attic/crawlspace entry demonstrated if applicable, measurements within 5% of reference) plus submitted input data package rated complete and organized. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Load Calculation Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (30 of 40 questions correct) | A 40-question closed-book written exam covering heat transfer principles, ASHRAE design conditions, Manual J infiltration and solar gain methodology, Manual S equipment selection criteria, and energy code requirements for load calculation documentation. Questions are mapped to NATE Core exam knowledge areas (heat transfer, psychrometrics, load calculation) and NCCER HVAC Level 3 load calculation objectives. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Manual J and Manual S Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Whole-building totals within 8% of instructor key; Manual S equipment selection within allowable sizing band; memo professionally formatted and complete | Students receive a previously unseen single-family residential drawing set and, within a timed four-hour session, complete a full room-by-room Manual J load calculation by hand and produce a Manual S equipment selection memo; the instructor evaluates accuracy, completeness, and professional presentation against a graded rubric. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Load Calculation Lab Log | Log | 15% | All twelve lesson activities documented; no entry missing; accuracy notes on any discrepancy exceeding 10%; instructor initials on each entry | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course documenting every worksheet, software run, field measurement sheet, and design exercise with date, activity description, key results, and a brief reflection; the log is collected at course end and graded for completeness, accuracy of recorded data, and evidence of self-correction. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Field Measurement Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/Fail — all six safety behaviors must be observed; any failure to wear required PPE or any unsafe action near an attic opening is an automatic fail requiring remediation before the student may complete field activities | During the Lesson 12 field exercise the instructor uses a six-item behavioral checklist to verify that each student correctly selects and wears PPE, completes the pre-task safety plan before entering any attic or crawlspace, maintains safe footing near openings, and follows lockout/tagout awareness protocols when near any energized HVAC equipment in the field structure. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-HVAC07-07 Trade course
Commercial Refrigeration
170 hr · $2,345 COMPLIMENTARY
Students apply refrigeration cycle principles to commercial systems including walk-in coolers, reach-in cases, and display cases, covering system components, electrical controls, troubleshooting, and service procedures. Emphasis is placed on proper refrigerant handling under EPA Section 608, safe work practices, and documentation required in commercial settings. Lessons align with EPA 608 Universal, NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credential exam content areas.
Outcomes- Identify and explain the function of major components in commercial refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, and controls.
- Safely recover, recycle, and recharge refrigerants in compliance with EPA Section 608 regulations using certified recovery equipment.
- Perform a systematic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting sequence on a commercial refrigeration system and document findings using industry-standard service records.
- Install and adjust common metering devices—including thermostatic expansion valves and electronic expansion valves—and verify correct superheat and subcooling.
- Inspect, test, and service defrost systems, door gaskets, evaporator fans, and condensate management components on walk-in and reach-in equipment.
- Apply OSHA lockout/tagout procedures, appropriate PPE, and cold-environment safety practices when working on commercial refrigeration equipment.
Course text
Students apply refrigeration cycle principles to commercial systems including walk-in coolers, reach-in cases, and display cases, covering system components, electrical controls, troubleshooting, and service procedures. Emphasis is placed on proper refrigerant handling under EPA Section 608, safe work practices, and documentation required in commercial settings. Lessons align with EPA 608 Universal, NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credential exam content areas.
How the course runs. 12 blocks: Commercial Refrigeration Systems Overview and Industry Applications; OSHA and Trade-Specific Safety for Commercial Refrigeration; Refrigerants Used in Commercial Systems: Properties, Regulations, and Handling; Commercial Compressors: Types, Operation, and Service; Condensers and Condenser Controls in Commercial Applications; Evaporators, Defrost Systems, and Display Case Service; Metering Devices: TXV and EEV Selection, Installation, and Adjustment; Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Recharge Procedures; Electrical Controls and Safety Devices in Commercial Refrigeration; Walk-in Cooler and Freezer Systems: Installation Principles and Commissioning; Systematic Troubleshooting of Commercial Refrigeration Systems; Commercial Refrigeration Service Documentation, Energy Efficiency, and Career Readiness.
What competent looks like. Identify and explain the function of major components in commercial refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, and controls. Safely recover, recycle, and recharge refrigerants in compliance with EPA Section 608 regulations using certified recovery equipment. Perform a systematic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting sequence on a commercial refrigeration system and document findings using industry-standard service records. Install and adjust common metering devices—including thermostatic expansion valves and electronic expansion valves—and verify correct superheat and subcooling. Inspect, test, and service defrost systems, door gaskets, evaporator fans, and condensate management components on walk-in and reach-in equipment. Apply OSHA lockout/tagout procedures, appropriate PPE, and cold-environment safety practices when working on commercial refrigeration equipment.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Refrigeration Systems Overview and Industry Applications | 10 | theory | Students will classify commercial refrigeration system types—self-contained, remote condensing, and multiplex rack—and match each to its common application and refrigerant. |
| Whiteboard, commercial refrigeration layout diagrams, laminated sort cards, ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook (current edition), NCCER HVAC Trainee Guide Level 3, student notebooks | 10-question multiple-choice quiz on system types, temperature ranges, and refrigerant families; pass mark 70%. |
| 2 | OSHA and Trade-Specific Safety for Commercial Refrigeration | 10 | theory | Students will demonstrate knowledge of lockout/tagout procedures, PPE selection, cold-environment hazards, and refrigerant safety rules applicable to commercial refrigeration worksites. |
| Lockout/tagout training panel, LOTO locks and tags, PPE samples (safety glasses, face shield, chemical gloves, hearing protection, insulated gloves), ASHRAE Standard 15 safety overview, SDS sheets for common refrigerants, whiteboards | Instructor observes each student complete a solo LOTO demonstration on the training panel; all six LOTO steps must be executed in correct order with zero omissions to pass. |
| 3 | Refrigerants Used in Commercial Systems: Properties, Regulations, and Handling | 14 | theory | Students will explain the regulatory requirements of EPA Section 608, identify HFC and HFO blends common in commercial refrigeration, and describe correct refrigerant cylinder handling and storage. |
| EPA Section 608 technician certification overview document, refrigerant cylinders (empty, capped, secured in training rack), pressure-temperature charts, refrigerant properties reference cards, SDS binders | 20-question written quiz covering EPA 608 venting prohibitions, refrigerant classification, and cylinder handling rules; pass mark 70%. Aligns with EPA 608 Universal core exam content area. |
| 4 | Commercial Compressors: Types, Operation, and Service | 16 | demo | Students will identify reciprocating, scroll, and semi-hermetic compressors used in commercial refrigeration, explain the function of each internal component, and perform an oil-level and crankcase-heater check. |
| Semi-hermetic compressor cutaway, training rigs with scroll and reciprocating compressors, manifold gauge sets, clamp ammeters, service record forms, NCCER HVAC Trainee Guide Level 3, compressor service manuals | Students submit completed service record form for their compressor inspection; instructor checks that all data fields are accurately recorded and fault diagnosis is correctly supported by measured values. Pass requires all data fields complete and correct diagnosis. |
| 5 | Condensers and Condenser Controls in Commercial Applications | 12 | demo | Students will describe air-cooled and evaporative condenser operation, measure condenser leaving air temperature and approach temperature, and explain head-pressure control strategies used in cold ambient conditions. |
| Rooftop or remote condensing unit, digital thermometers, manifold gauge sets, clamp ammeter, head-pressure controller training rig, data recording sheets, ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook condenser chapter | Data sheet reviewed by instructor; approach temperature calculation must be within ±2°F of instructor's measured value, and head-pressure control answer must be correctly justified. Pass requires both elements correct. |
| 6 | Evaporators, Defrost Systems, and Display Case Service | 18 | lab | Students will service a commercial display-case evaporator coil by inspecting fin condition, testing defrost heaters with a multimeter, verifying defrost termination and fan delay operation, and documenting results on a service form. |
| Reach-in training cases with electric defrost, digital multimeters, manifold gauge sets, clamp ammeter, defrost timer (mechanical and electronic), thermocouples, service forms, screwdrivers, nut drivers, NCCER HVAC Trainee Guide Level 3 | Instructor evaluates service form: all measured values recorded, defrost cycle verification documented, and root-cause diagnosis correct. Pass requires accurate data and a defensible written corrective action. |
| 7 | Metering Devices: TXV and EEV Selection, Installation, and Adjustment | 16 | lab | Students will install a thermostatic expansion valve on a training rig, set the superheat to the manufacturer's specification, and compare performance with an electronic expansion valve controlled by a digital controller. |
| Training refrigeration rigs (one TXV, one EEV), TXV with external equalizer, EEV with digital controller, brazing torch and fittings, manifold gauge sets, thermocouples and clamp-on probes, pressure-temperature charts, safety glasses, gloves, brazing PPE, service forms | Instructor verifies TXV installation brazes are leak-free (electronic leak detector), sensing bulb is correctly located and insulated, and measured superheat is within ±2°F of specified target. Pass requires leak-free joints and superheat within tolerance. |
| 8 | Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Recharge Procedures | 16 | lab | Students will perform a complete refrigerant recovery from a training system to the required level, evacuate the system to the trade-accepted vacuum level, and recharge by weight using a refrigerant scale, in full compliance with EPA Section 608. |
| Training refrigeration rigs, certified refrigerant recovery machine, recovery cylinders (color-coded, labeled), two-stage vacuum pump, micron gauge, digital refrigerant scale, manifold gauge sets, safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, EPA Section 608 service record forms, NCCER HVAC Trainee Guide Level 3 | Instructor checks: recovery cylinder weight gain matches expected charge (±0.2 lb), vacuum held at trade-accepted level before recharge, final charge weight within ±0.5 oz of nameplate, service record fully completed. All four criteria must be met to pass. Aligns with EPA 608 Universal exam content area. |
| 9 | Electrical Controls and Safety Devices in Commercial Refrigeration | 14 | theory | Students will read a commercial refrigeration wiring diagram, identify the function of high-pressure cutouts, low-pressure cutouts, oil pressure safety switches, and anti-recycle timers, and trace a control circuit from thermostat through contactor to compressor. |
| Commercial refrigeration wiring diagrams (three-phase), colored pencils, training electrical control panel, digital multimeters, clamp ammeter, high-pressure/low-pressure cutout training components, NCCER HVAC Trainee Guide Level 3 | Fault diagnosis documentation reviewed by instructor; student must correctly identify the open circuit location, show the voltage readings that led to the diagnosis, and write the correct corrective action. Pass requires correct fault location with supporting measurements. |
| 10 | Walk-in Cooler and Freezer Systems: Installation Principles and Commissioning | 14 | demo | Students will explain the installation sequence for a walk-in cooler unit cooler and remote condensing unit, verify refrigerant piping sizing principles, and perform a commissioning checklist on a training walk-in system. |
| Walk-in cooler training system or mock-up, unit cooler, remote condensing unit, manifold gauge sets, thermocouples, clamp ammeter, digital thermometer, manufacturer's application guide, piping sizing tables, commissioning checklist forms | Commissioning checklist submitted to instructor; all measured values must be within manufacturer's specified ranges and all checklist items signed off. Pass requires a fully completed checklist with no unresolved items. |
| 11 | Systematic Troubleshooting of Commercial Refrigeration Systems | 18 | practice | Students will apply a structured diagnostic process—symptom, probable cause, test, confirm, correct—to at least four seeded faults on commercial refrigeration training rigs, documenting each step on a service ticket. |
| Four commercial refrigeration training rigs with seeded faults, manifold gauge sets, digital multimeters, clamp ammeters, thermocouples, electronic leak detector, service ticket forms, pressure-temperature charts, NCCER HVAC Trainee Guide Level 3 | Instructor evaluates each service ticket: diagnostic steps must be in sequence, measured data must support the stated probable cause, and corrective action must be appropriate to the fault. Pass requires correct diagnosis on at least three of four faults. Aligns with NATE and HVAC Excellence troubleshooting exam content areas. |
| 12 | Commercial Refrigeration Service Documentation, Energy Efficiency, and Career Readiness | 12 | theory | Students will complete a commercial refrigeration service report that meets EPA recordkeeping requirements, calculate the Energy Efficiency Ratio for a condensing unit from measured data, and identify key professional practices expected by commercial refrigeration employers. |
| EPA-compliant service record forms, scenario packets with system data, calculators, EER reference chart, ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook energy chapter, employer expectations handout, student notebooks | Service record form reviewed by instructor; all EPA-required fields must be correctly completed and EER calculation must be within ±0.1 of the instructor's calculated value. Pass requires a fully compliant service record and a correct EER result. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Refrigeration Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher (minimum 35 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question multiple-choice written exam covering refrigerant types and EPA 608 regulations, compressor and component operation, electrical controls and safety devices, metering device operation, and defrost system theory. Questions are mapped to EPA 608 Universal, NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC commercial refrigeration exam content areas. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Refrigerant Handling and System Service Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical safety steps correct; at least 80% of scored performance rubric items rated as meets standard | Each student independently performs a refrigerant recovery, deep vacuum, and refrigerant recharge by weight on a training rig, followed by a superheat measurement and documentation of results on a service record. The evaluator uses a scored rubric; any unsafe act—venting refrigerant, incorrect PPE, skipping LOTO—results in an automatic fail requiring remediation and retest. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All 8 required lab session logs submitted; average score of 75% or higher across all logs | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course, recording measured data, observations, equipment identifiers, and conclusions for each lab session in Lessons 4 through 11. Each entry is scored on accuracy of recorded data, completeness, and quality of written conclusions; the portfolio is submitted at the end of the course. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety Compliance Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% compliance; any single critical safety violation requires immediate remediation and a full re-observation | During Lessons 7 and 8 (metering device lab and refrigerant recovery lab), the instructor or a designated evaluator uses a binary safety observation checklist to verify that each student correctly executes LOTO, selects and dons appropriate PPE, handles refrigerant cylinders safely, and follows all site safety rules without prompting. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-HVAC07-08 Capstone
Capstone Project: Integrated HVAC/R System Installation and Commissioning
216 hr · $2,160 COMPLIMENTARY
Students design, install, commission, and document a complete residential or light-commercial HVAC/R system from load calculation through final startup, integrating skills from every prior course. Each student produces a technical package—drawings, equipment selections, wiring diagrams, refrigerant records, and service log—and defends the completed project before an industry panel. This capstone validates job-readiness and directly exercises knowledge domains assessed by EPA 608, NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credentials.
Outcomes- Design a complete HVAC/R system for an assigned structure, selecting equipment whose capacity matches a Manual J-based load calculation and documenting all selections with manufacturer data sheets.
- Install and wire an air-handling unit, condensing unit or heat pump, thermostat, and associated controls in accordance with applicable mechanical and electrical codes, verified by a passing instructor inspection.
- Perform an EPA 608-compliant refrigerant handling procedure—evacuation to 500 microns or lower, leak check, and a documented charge using a weigh-in or subcooling/superheat method—on the installed system.
- Commission the completed system by measuring and recording airflow (static pressure and CFM at each register), electrical measurements (voltage, amperage, resistance), and refrigerant-side operating parameters (suction and discharge pressures, superheat, subcooling) within manufacturer specifications.
- Produce a complete project technical package including as-built drawings, equipment schedules, EPA refrigerant transaction log, commissioning data sheet, and a maintenance checklist, meeting trade documentation standards.
- Present and verbally defend all design decisions, installation methods, commissioning results, and safety practices to an industry-panel audience, answering technical questions to a satisfactory standard.
Course text
Students design, install, commission, and document a complete residential or light-commercial HVAC/R system from load calculation through final startup, integrating skills from every prior course. Each student produces a technical package—drawings, equipment selections, wiring diagrams, refrigerant records, and service log—and defends the completed project before an industry panel. This capstone validates job-readiness and directly exercises knowledge domains assessed by EPA 608, NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credentials.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Project Scoping, System Design, and Documentation Planning; Rough-In Installation: Mechanical, Electrical, and Refrigerant Piping; System Commissioning: Evacuation, Charging, Airflow, and Performance Verification; Project Package Completion and Panel Defense.
What competent looks like. Design a complete HVAC/R system for an assigned structure, selecting equipment whose capacity matches a Manual J-based load calculation and documenting all selections with manufacturer data sheets. Install and wire an air-handling unit, condensing unit or heat pump, thermostat, and associated controls in accordance with applicable mechanical and electrical codes, verified by a passing instructor inspection. Perform an EPA 608-compliant refrigerant handling procedure—evacuation to 500 microns or lower, leak check, and a documented charge using a weigh-in or subcooling/superheat method—on the installed system. Commission the completed system by measuring and recording airflow (static pressure and CFM at each register), electrical measurements (voltage, amperage, resistance), and refrigerant-side operating parameters (suction and discharge pressures, superheat, subcooling) within manufacturer specifications. Produce a complete project technical package including as-built drawings, equipment schedules, EPA refrigerant transaction log, commissioning data sheet, and a maintenance checklist, meeting trade documentation standards. Present and verbally defend all design decisions, installation methods, commissioning results, and safety practices to an industry-panel audience, answering technical questions to a satisfactory standard.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Scoping, System Design, and Documentation Planning | 48 | theory | Students will produce a complete pre-installation design package—load calculation, equipment selection, duct layout, single-line electrical diagram, and refrigerant piping plan—for their assigned project structure that an instructor verifies as code-compliant and constructible. |
| Assigned project brief packets, Manual J worksheets or approved load-calculation software, manufacturer equipment catalogs and data sheets, graph paper and rulers, drafting triangles or CAD workstation, ACCA Manual J reference, NEC code book (current adopted edition), project technical-package binder template, ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook (chapter on load calculations), instructor markup rubric | Instructor scores the submitted design package against a 20-point rubric covering load-calculation accuracy (±10% of instructor reference answer), equipment match, duct layout completeness, wiring diagram accuracy, and documentation format; students must score 16/20 (80%) to advance. Students who score below 80% revise and resubmit within one week. |
| 2 | Rough-In Installation: Mechanical, Electrical, and Refrigerant Piping | 72 | lab | Students will install the air-handling unit, condensing or heat pump unit, lineset, electrical disconnects and wiring, low-voltage control wiring, and ductwork for their assigned project system in the lab installation bay, passing an instructor rough-in inspection before proceeding. |
| Residential or light-commercial split system or heat pump units (matched sets, lab inventory), copper refrigerant tubing (various sizes), flaring tools and flare-nut wrenches, brazing torch set and nitrogen purge equipment, duct sections (sheet metal and flex), sheet-metal screws, mastic sealant and mesh tape, duct hangers and strapping, electrical wire (appropriate gauges), conduit and fittings, disconnect switches, low-voltage thermostat wire, digital multimeter, torpedo and spirit levels, reciprocating saw and hole saw set, PPE (safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection), LOTO kit, condensate drain materials (PVC pipe, fittings, primer, cement), project wiring diagrams, manufacturer installation manuals | Instructor completes a 30-point rough-in punch list covering mechanical mounting, refrigerant piping quality, electrical wiring correctness, duct connections, and condensate drain slope; students must have no more than 3 minor deficiencies (items requiring correction but not posing a safety or code violation) and zero major deficiencies (safety or code violations) to proceed. All major deficiencies must be corrected and re-inspected before the next lesson begins. |
| 3 | System Commissioning: Evacuation, Charging, Airflow, and Performance Verification | 60 | practice | Students will commission their installed system by performing a nitrogen pressure test, evacuation to at least 500 microns, a documented refrigerant charge, and a full set of airflow and electrical measurements, recording all data on the project commissioning sheet within manufacturer-specified ranges. |
| Two-stage vacuum pump, calibrated electronic micron (vacuum) gauge, manifold gauge set or digital manifold with Bluetooth logging, refrigerant scale (electronic, 0.1 oz resolution), recovery machine and approved recovery cylinders, refrigerant cylinders (type matching installed units—lab stock, student does not purchase), nitrogen cylinder with regulator and charging hose, leak detector (electronic), thermometer or thermocouple kit, digital multimeter and clamp ammeter, digital manometer with Pitot tube and static pressure tips, airflow hood or flow grid, psychrometric chart or app, EPA refrigerant transaction log forms, commissioning data sheet, manufacturer startup checklist, PPE (safety glasses, refrigerant gloves) | Instructor verifies the completed commissioning data sheet: vacuum must reach 500 microns or below with passing decay test; all measured operating parameters (pressures, superheat, subcooling, airflow CFM, amperage) must fall within manufacturer published acceptable ranges; EPA refrigerant log must be complete with weights, refrigerant type, cylinder ID, and technician signature. Any out-of-range parameter triggers a documented corrective action before the sheet is signed off. Students must achieve a complete, signed commissioning sheet to submit the project package. |
| 4 | Project Package Completion and Panel Defense | 36 | field | Students will assemble and submit a complete technical project package and deliver an oral defense to an industry panel, demonstrating the ability to explain every design decision, installation method, commissioning result, and safety practice at a professional standard. |
| Project binder or digital submission folder, as-built drawings and equipment schedules (produced in prior lessons), commissioning data sheets and EPA refrigerant logs, preventive-maintenance checklist template, panel evaluation rubric (25-point scale), student self-evaluation form, projector or large monitor for presentation display, program advisory committee contact list, feedback conference notes template, EPA 608 and NATE/HVAC Excellence/NCCER exam domain outlines (for gap identification during feedback conference) | Panel evaluates the oral defense on a 25-point rubric: technical accuracy of explanations (10 pts), quality and completeness of the project package (8 pts), professional communication (4 pts), and demonstrated safety knowledge (3 pts). Students must score at least 20/25 (80%) on the panel rubric AND receive an instructor sign-off that the project package is complete and the commissioning data sheet is within spec. Students scoring below 80% on the defense may request one re-defense within two weeks after targeted remediation. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed and Commissioned System Project | Project | 60% | Passing rough-in inspection (zero major deficiencies), a fully signed commissioning data sheet with all parameters within manufacturer specifications, and a panel rubric score of at least 20/25 (80%). | The physical system the student installs and commissions in the lab serves as the primary project artifact, evaluated at three checkpoints: the rough-in punch-list inspection, the commissioning data sign-off, and the panel review of the completed project. All three checkpoints must be passed for the project assessment to be considered complete. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Technical Project Portfolio | Portfolio | 20% | All seven required documents present and complete; instructor scores the portfolio at least 32/40 (80%) on the portfolio rubric covering accuracy, completeness, professional format, and EPA compliance. | The bound or digital project package containing the load calculation, as-built drawings, equipment schedule, wiring diagram, EPA refrigerant log, commissioning data sheet, and preventive-maintenance checklist is evaluated as a standalone portfolio artifact representing the student's ability to produce trade-standard technical documentation. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Oral Project Defense | Oral / panel | 20% | Panel rubric score of at least 20/25 (80%), with no individual category score of zero, and satisfactory responses to at least 80% of panel technical questions as noted by panel consensus. | Students present their completed project to an industry panel and respond to technical questions covering all major topic domains of the program—load calculations, refrigerant handling, electrical controls, heat pumps, ductwork, and commissioning—demonstrating integrated, job-ready technical knowledge at a professional communication standard. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
BLD-HVAC07-09 Externship / clinical
Externship / Worksite Placement
324 hr · $1,295 COMPLIMENTARY
Students complete 324 supervised hours at an approved HVAC/R employer site, applying installation, service, diagnostic, and customer-interaction skills learned in the classroom and lab under the direct oversight of a licensed journeyman or master technician. Competence is evaluated through employer progress reviews, a daily field log, and a structured mid-term and final employer evaluation rubric. This experience bridges academic preparation and entry-level employment, reinforcing EPA 608 refrigerant-handling compliance, NCCER craft standards, and NATE service-area knowledge in live job conditions.
Outcomes- Perform assigned HVAC/R installation and service tasks safely and correctly under journeyman supervision, following OSHA lockout/tagout, PPE, and confined-space protocols applicable to real worksites.
- Handle, recover, and document refrigerants in full compliance with EPA Section 608 requirements, using employer-supplied recovery equipment and completing required service records.
- Demonstrate systematic diagnostic procedures on residential and light-commercial heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment, recording findings and corrective actions in a field log.
- Communicate professionally with supervisors, co-workers, and customers, including scheduling access, explaining work performed, and documenting warranty or callback information.
- Complete all assigned tasks within employer time standards, demonstrating the productivity expectations of an entry-level HVAC/R technician.
- Accumulate and document all 324 worksite hours with employer-verified time records acceptable for submission toward NCCER craft-hour requirements and NATE experience documentation.
Course text
Students complete 324 supervised hours at an approved HVAC/R employer site, applying installation, service, diagnostic, and customer-interaction skills learned in the classroom and lab under the direct oversight of a licensed journeyman or master technician. Competence is evaluated through employer progress reviews, a daily field log, and a structured mid-term and final employer evaluation rubric. This experience bridges academic preparation and entry-level employment, reinforcing EPA 608 refrigerant-handling compliance, NCCER craft standards, and NATE service-area knowledge in live job conditions.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Worksite Orientation and Safety Compliance; Installation and Rough-In Field Tasks; Service, Diagnostic, and Refrigerant-Handling Field Tasks; Professional Skills, Final Evaluation, and Hour Documentation.
What competent looks like. Perform assigned HVAC/R installation and service tasks safely and correctly under journeyman supervision, following OSHA lockout/tagout, PPE, and confined-space protocols applicable to real worksites. Handle, recover, and document refrigerants in full compliance with EPA Section 608 requirements, using employer-supplied recovery equipment and completing required service records. Demonstrate systematic diagnostic procedures on residential and light-commercial heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment, recording findings and corrective actions in a field log. Communicate professionally with supervisors, co-workers, and customers, including scheduling access, explaining work performed, and documenting warranty or callback information. Complete all assigned tasks within employer time standards, demonstrating the productivity expectations of an entry-level HVAC/R technician. Accumulate and document all 324 worksite hours with employer-verified time records acceptable for submission toward NCCER craft-hour requirements and NATE experience documentation.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Worksite Orientation and Safety Compliance | 40 | field | The student will complete the employer's site-specific safety orientation, identify all site hazards, and demonstrate correct use of PPE, lockout/tagout, and emergency procedures before performing any unsupervised task. |
| Employer site-specific safety manual, OSHA 10 wallet card, personal PPE kit (safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, hard hat where required), LOTO locks and tags, site hazard-acknowledgment form, field log binder | Supervisor signs off on the employer's safety-orientation checklist; student performs a complete LOTO sequence without prompting, scoring 100% on each of the two observed attempts; hazard checklists are reviewed and approved by the journeyman — all three items must be complete before the student advances to independent task assignments. |
| 2 | Installation and Rough-In Field Tasks | 100 | field | The student will assist with or lead, as assigned, the installation and rough-in of residential and light-commercial HVAC/R systems — including equipment placement, electrical connections, refrigerant line sets, and ductwork connections — meeting the employer's quality and schedule standards. |
| Employer-issued hand tools and power tools, manifold gauge set, vacuum pump, nitrogen cylinder and regulator, leak detector (electronic), refrigerant recovery machine, duct installation kit (tin snips, sheet-metal screws, mastic, foil tape), field log binder, manufacturer installation manuals | Journeyman supervisor scores each installation task on the employer evaluation rubric (minimum 3 out of 4 on every category: safety, technique, documentation, and professionalism); field log entries are complete and legible for every job day — any score below 3 triggers a documented corrective-action discussion within 48 hours. |
| 3 | Service, Diagnostic, and Refrigerant-Handling Field Tasks | 144 | field | The student will perform systematic diagnostic calls and routine maintenance services on heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment under journeyman supervision, documenting all refrigerant transactions in compliance with EPA Section 608 and recording findings and repairs in employer service records. |
| Manifold gauge set, digital multimeter, clamp-on ammeter, refrigerant recovery machine, certified recovery cylinder, vacuum pump with micron gauge, electronic leak detector, combustion analyzer (for furnace calls), PM checklist forms, EPA 608 certification card, employer service-record software or paper forms, field log binder | Supervisor verifies and co-signs each refrigerant-transaction log entry; journeyman evaluates diagnostic reasoning on at least four calls using the employer rubric (minimum 3 out of 4 in each category); refrigerant logs must show zero unresolved discrepancies — any EPA documentation error is corrected the same business day and flagged in the field log. |
| 4 | Professional Skills, Final Evaluation, and Hour Documentation | 40 | field | The student will demonstrate professional workplace behavior — communication, time management, and work-order completion — and compile a complete, employer-verified record of all 324 externship hours for submission to the program coordinator. |
| Employer time-verification forms, mid-term and final employer evaluation rubric (program-issued), daily field log binder, work-order forms, self-evaluation form, externship portfolio folder or digital upload template | Program coordinator confirms 324 employer-verified hours with no gaps; final employer evaluation rubric averages at least 3 out of 4 across all categories with no individual category below 2; externship portfolio contains all required documents and is submitted by the program deadline — missing documents or an overall rubric average below 3 requires a remediation plan signed by employer and program coordinator before the credential exam preparation course begins. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Skills Demonstration Evaluation | Skills demonstration | 70% | Average score of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 across all rubric categories on the final employer evaluation form, with no individual category scored below 2.0 | The journeyman supervisor or employer designee completes the program-issued final evaluation rubric covering safety compliance, technical skill, diagnostic reasoning, refrigerant-handling documentation, productivity, communication, and professionalism, based on direct observation across the full externship period. This rubric functions as the capstone skills demonstration for the externship, replacing a classroom skills demo, and its results are retained in the student's program file for NCCER craft-hour and NATE experience verification. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Field Log and Externship Portfolio Review | Log | 30% | All 324 hours employer-verified; field log contains complete entries for every worksite day; refrigerant-transaction logs show no unresolved documentation errors; all required portfolio documents present and legible — any deficiency must be corrected within five business days of the coordinator's review | The program coordinator reviews the student's complete externship portfolio — daily field log, employer time-verification sheets, refrigerant-transaction records, mid-term and final evaluation rubrics, and the personal reflection — to confirm hours, documentation accuracy, and EPA 608 recordkeeping compliance. This log-based assessment validates the student's readiness to enter the Certification Exam Preparation course and provides the hour-documentation evidence required for NCCER Registry submission and NATE eligibility verification. Complete · Verified |
BLD-HVAC07-10 Exam prep
Certification Exam Preparation: EPA 608, NATE, HVAC Excellence & NCCER HVAC
90 hr · $900 COMPLIMENTARY
This course systematically reviews every major content domain tested on the EPA 608 Universal, NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credentials through targeted instruction, timed practice sets, and full-length mock exams. Students identify personal knowledge gaps from prior coursework, drill weak areas with exam-aligned questions, and develop test-taking strategies that translate classroom and shop competency into passing scores. Successful completion positions students to sit all four credentials with confidence before program completion.
Outcomes- Correctly answer questions across all EPA 608 Universal exam domains—Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III—at a rate consistent with passing the proctored exam.
- Demonstrate command of NATE exam content areas including refrigeration fundamentals, electrical diagnosis, system performance, and heat pumps at or above NATE's published passing threshold.
- Apply HVAC Excellence knowledge across installation, service, and theory domains to achieve a passing score on HVAC Excellence employment-ready exams.
- Answer NCCER HVAC knowledge-check and module-test style questions covering safety, tools, refrigeration, electrical, and sheet-metal topics at the NCCER mastery level.
- Use a structured gap-analysis process to identify and prioritize weak content areas, then allocate self-study time to close those gaps before sitting credentialing exams.
- Complete timed, full-length mock exams for each credential under realistic conditions and achieve a passing score on every mock before exam registration.
Course text
This course systematically reviews every major content domain tested on the EPA 608 Universal, NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credentials through targeted instruction, timed practice sets, and full-length mock exams. Students identify personal knowledge gaps from prior coursework, drill weak areas with exam-aligned questions, and develop test-taking strategies that translate classroom and shop competency into passing scores. Successful completion positions students to sit all four credentials with confidence before program completion.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: EPA 608 Universal Deep Review: Core, Types I–III & Refrigerant Regulations; NATE & HVAC Excellence Domain Review: Refrigeration, Electrical, Heat Pumps & System Performance; NCCER HVAC Domain Review & Personalized Gap-Analysis Study Sessions; Full-Length Timed Mock Certification Exams & Targeted Debrief.
What competent looks like. Correctly answer questions across all EPA 608 Universal exam domains—Core, Type I, Type II, and Type III—at a rate consistent with passing the proctored exam. Demonstrate command of NATE exam content areas including refrigeration fundamentals, electrical diagnosis, system performance, and heat pumps at or above NATE's published passing threshold. Apply HVAC Excellence knowledge across installation, service, and theory domains to achieve a passing score on HVAC Excellence employment-ready exams. Answer NCCER HVAC knowledge-check and module-test style questions covering safety, tools, refrigeration, electrical, and sheet-metal topics at the NCCER mastery level. Use a structured gap-analysis process to identify and prioritize weak content areas, then allocate self-study time to close those gaps before sitting credentialing exams. Complete timed, full-length mock exams for each credential under realistic conditions and achieve a passing score on every mock before exam registration.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EPA 608 Universal Deep Review: Core, Types I–III & Refrigerant Regulations | 20 | theory | Students will correctly answer EPA 608 Universal practice questions across all four sections—Core, Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), and Type III (low-pressure)—at a level consistent with the published passing threshold for each section. |
| EPA Section 608 regulations summary handout, ESCO Institute EPA 608 Certification Study Guide (current edition) or equivalent approved preparatory text, refrigerant properties reference card, bubble-sheet answer forms, dry-erase whiteboards for group work, projector for scenario display | Each student completes a 100-question cumulative EPA 608 practice exam covering all four sections proportionally; passing mark is 70% overall with no individual section below 70%, matching the structure of the actual EPA 608 exam. Students who do not meet 70% on any section receive a targeted remediation assignment before the next lesson. |
| 2 | NATE & HVAC Excellence Domain Review: Refrigeration, Electrical, Heat Pumps & System Performance | 25 | theory | Students will correctly answer NATE and HVAC Excellence practice questions mapped to published exam content outlines—covering refrigeration cycle, electrical fundamentals and controls, heat pump operation, system performance and diagnosis, and installation practices—at or above each credential's published passing standard. |
| NATE Ready-to-Work and Core exam content outlines (downloaded from nate.com), HVAC Excellence exam blueprint (from hvacexcellence.org), refrigerant PT chart, clamp-meter, manifold gauge set, electrical training panel with faults pre-installed, psychrometric chart, residential load-calculation worksheet, duct pressure gauge (magnehelic or digital manometer), practice question bank (minimum 200 questions mapped to NATE/HVAC Excellence domains) | Each student completes separate 60-question timed practice exams—one NATE-mapped and one HVAC Excellence-mapped—drawn from the domain-weighted question bank; passing mark is 70% on each exam. Results are recorded on the student's personal gap-analysis matrix, and any domain below 70% is flagged for additional self-study in Lesson 3. |
| 3 | NCCER HVAC Domain Review & Personalized Gap-Analysis Study Sessions | 20 | practice | Students will answer NCCER HVAC knowledge-check questions across all major module areas—safety and tools, refrigeration systems, electrical and controls, heating systems, air distribution, and sheet-metal fundamentals—at the NCCER mastery level, and will complete a structured gap-analysis plan that directs their remaining self-study time. |
| NCCER Contren HVAC Trainee Guide (current level set), NCCER module review questions, student gap-analysis worksheet template, personal score logs from Lessons 1 and 2, program course notes and textbooks from Courses 2–7, access to approved online practice-question platforms if available, highlighters and index cards for self-study | Each student submits their completed written gap-analysis plan with a minimum of five specific, actionable study tasks listed per credential; instructor reviews each plan and approves it or requires revision before the student proceeds to Lesson 4. A 40-question NCCER-mapped practice quiz is graded at 70% minimum; students below that threshold must complete an additional NCCER-focused remediation assignment before the full mock exams. |
| 4 | Full-Length Timed Mock Certification Exams & Targeted Debrief | 25 | lab | Students will complete one full-length timed mock exam for each of the four credentials under realistic proctored conditions and achieve a passing score on every mock, demonstrating readiness to sit the actual credentialing exams. |
| Full-length mock exam packets for all four credentials (sourced from approved preparatory publishers or instructor-developed to match published blueprints), bubble-sheet answer documents, pencils, timers visible to all students, domain-score breakdown rubric, score-analysis and reflection worksheet, credential registration reference sheet (URLs and contact information for EPA 608 approved testing organizations, NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER), proctor sign-in log | Each student must achieve a minimum score of 70% on each of the four full-length mock exams; this is recorded as the course completion standard. Any student who does not pass a mock exam for a specific credential receives an individualized remediation plan with targeted practice questions and a second attempt on an alternate mock before the course end date. Instructor records all four mock scores on the student's credential-readiness checklist, which is submitted to the program director as evidence of exam readiness. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four-Credential Full Mock Examination Suite | Mock certification exam | 100% | Minimum 70% on each of the four credential-specific mock exams (EPA 608 Universal, NATE, HVAC Excellence, NCCER HVAC); a student must meet the threshold on every credential mock, not just an average across all four. Students who miss the threshold on any single mock receive one remediation attempt on an alternate form before the course concludes. | Students sit four sequentially proctored, full-length, closed-book mock exams—one for each credential the program prepares them to earn—under timed, exam-day conditions that replicate the format, length, and domain weighting of the actual credentialing assessments. Scores are analyzed at the domain level so that any remaining gaps can be addressed through targeted self-study before students register for and sit their actual EPA 608, NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credentialing exams. Score · Time management |
Program completion
External credential: EPA 608 Universal; HVAC Excellence; NATE; NCCER HVAC
Students sit the EPA Section 608 Universal certification exam administered by an EPA-approved certifying organization, and may also sit NATE, HVAC Excellence, and NCCER HVAC credential exams administered by those respective independent bodies. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
Back to HVAC/R · How the school gets authority to award these credentials
