Becoming an HVAC Tech in Washington State: 7 Steps to Take

Great Careers Start Here
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form

To become an HVAC Technician in Washington State, you need the right skills, education, and training to qualify for an apprenticeship and state licensure. Once you complete the state requirements, you can begin your career in the trades. HVAC Techs are in high demand in WA and salaries in the state are more than 10 percent higher than the national average. Interested in becoming an HVAC Tech in Washington? Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Earn Your High School Diploma

You need a high school diploma or GED to begin your career. The foundational knowledge you learn in high school is really important for your future. Your school might offer shop classes in electrical, plumbing, or mechanical drawing, which is great preparation for an HVAC training program. But subjects like math and science also provide a base of understanding for the principles of HVAC. And your English courses help you understand the value of solid communication skills.

Step 2: Enroll in a WA HVAC Training Program

An HVAC training program help you develop the necessary skills for your HVAC career. You learn to install, maintain and service HVAC systems, demonstrate safety practices, and follow government regulations and industry best practices. You also learn to communicate clearly with clients, provide professional and attentive service, and collaborate with other technicians when necessary. And a training program can prepare you to sit for industry certifications such as the EPA refrigerant handling test and certification.

Step 3: Complete a WA HVAC Apprenticeship

The State of Washington does not offer an HVAC technician license, but it does require any professional who works with electrical systems to earn an electrical license. You will need to complete 4,000 hours of work that is supervised at least 75% of the time to finish your apprenticeship.

Step 4: Pass the EPA 608 Certification Exam for HVAC

To work with the refrigerants used in HVAC systems, you need EPA certification. There are four types of certifications determined by the kinds of systems you will work on:

  • Type I – Small appliances
  • Type II – High-pressure systems
  • Type III – Low-pressure systems
  • Universal – Covers all types

Earning your Universal certification allows you to work on all types of systems and may help you advance in your career.

Step 5: Earn a Washington State Electrical License

Once you complete your apprenticeship, you can sit for the state electrical examination, which validates your knowledge of electrical systems. The exam will take place at a testing center, and you will be allowed to bring the National Electrical Code Book and a copy of the Washington State electrical laws. You will need to pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

Step 6: Apply for Your Washington State License

After you pass the exam, you can apply for a state license. You will need to apply for the electrical specialty license, which covers HVAC electrical work. It can take up to four weeks to receive your license, but when you do, you’re ready to get to work.

Step 7: Search for HVAC Technician Jobs

Now that you have a great foundation of knowledge, certification, experience, and a license, you can get to work looking for a job. You may be able to find work with local HVAC contractors like Pacific Heating and Cooling, or G&G Heating and Air. Or, you could work in the maintenance department of a school, college, or hospital. You can start by reaching out to local businesses or checking their websites for available work opportunities. You can also search for jobs on LinkedIn and connect with other local HVAC Techs in the area who could connect you to hiring employers.

Even after you become an HVAC Technician, you need to continue your education. Journeyman technicians need to earn 24 hours of continuing education credit within the three years of certification renewal. At least eight hours must be on the National Electrical Code changes, and four hours must be on the currently adopted Revised Code of Washington and related Washington Administrative Codes. The remaining 12 hours can be taken in any of the state-approved courses. Note that you can only take each class once for credit.

Are you ready to become an HVAC Tech in Washington? Contact Charter College today. We offer a Certificate in HVAC/R that can prepare you for a rewarding career in this growing field. Our instructors have years of experience in HVAC and are dedicated to your success. The program can be completed in as few as 10 months to help you get your career started faster. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form for more information.