HVACR
This rigorous HVACR curriculum prepares learners for a career as skilled heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. It covers the concepts technicians need to safely install, maintain, and troubleshoot HVACR systems. The curriculum also covers needed basic knowledge of sheet metal, welding, and pipefitting.
This curriculum meets HVAC Excellence accreditation standards to prepare trainees to sit for HVAC Excellence certification tests.
The four-level HVACR curriculum complies with the U.S. Department of Labor’s standards for apprenticeship programs.
HVACR 6th Edition, Level 2 covers key concepts such as compressors, refrigerants and oils, as well as leak detection evacuation recovery and charging, metering devices, air quality and more. Key coverage of customer relations preps pros For on-the-job service.
Craft Snapshot
Our Impact
“Service Expert’s goal is to be the biggest and the best in the HVAC and to do this we need people with the right skills. That’s why NCCER is so important to Service Experts Career Academy (SECA). The skills taught are transferable to every area we work in so we have one curriculum and one standard to work towards. Additionally, the content is modular giving us the flexibility to enhance the skills of existing workers, as well as train the next generation of Journeyworkers. Partnering with NCCER has allowed us to launch our training program and grow it to over 150 learners in less than a year.” – Jim Hughes, Director, Service Experts Academy
Curriculum Details
NATE CERTIFICATION: NCCER is an officially recognized training provider for North American Technician Excellence (NATE), an independent, third-party certification body for HVACR technicians. NATE-certified technicians can use module completions through NCCER-accredited training providers for the continuing education hours required for recertification through NATE. For details and lists of available NATE-recognized training, visit www.natex.org. For more information regarding NATE recertification, please contact NCCER Customer Service at 1-888-622-3720.
Total Recommended Hours |
Competencies & Objectives Lists |
6th Edition:
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6th Edition: Click here |
5th Edition:
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5th Edition: Click here |
Module ID 03101: Covers the basic principles of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, career opportunities in HVACR, and how apprenticeship programs are constructed. Basic safety principles, trade licensure, EPA guidelines, and the Laws of Thermodynamics are also introduced.
Module ID 03102: Explains how to solve HVACR trade-related problems involving the measurement of lines, area, volume, weights, angles, pressure, vacuum, and temperature. Also includes a review of scientific notation, powers, roots, and basic algebra and geometry.
Module ID 03106: Introduces the concept of power generation and distribution, common electrical components, AC and DC circuits, electrical safety as it relates to the HVACR field, and reading and interpreting wiring diagrams.
Module ID 03108: Covers the fundamentals of heating systems and the combustion process. Provides the different types and designs of gas furnaces and their components, as well as basic procedures for their installation and service. Introduces temperature measurement calculations.
Module ID 03107: Explains the fundamental operating concepts of the refrigeration cycle and introduces common refrigerants. Describes the principles of heat transfer and the essential pressure-temperature relationships of refrigerants. Discusses major components of cooling systems as well as their controls, including temperature switches.
Module ID 03109: Describes the factors related to air movement and its measurement in common air distribution systems. Presents the required mechanical equipment and materials used to create air distribution systems. Introduces basic system design principles for both hot and cold climates.
Module ID 03103) Explains how to identify types of copper tubing and fittings used in the HVACR industry and how they are mechanically joined. Introduces push-to-connect and press-to-connect fittings. Also presents the identification and application of various types of plastic piping including PEX tubing, along with their common assembly and installation practices. Introduces pressure testing refrigerant lines.
Module ID 03104: Introduces the equipment, techniques, and materials used to safely join copper tubing through both soldering and brazing. Covers the required personal protective equipment, preparation, and work processes in detail. Also provides the procedures for brazing copper to dissimilar materials.
Module ID 03105: Explains how to identify various carbon steel piping materials and fittings. Covers the joining and installation of threaded and grooved carbon steel piping systems, including detailed descriptions of threading and grooving techniques.
Module ID 03316: Presents the importance of establishing good relations with customers and provides guidance on how to achieve that goal. Focuses on ways for a technician to make a good first impression and describes how to communicate in a positive manner with customers. The elements of a service call and dealing with different types of problem customers are also covered.
Module ID 03215: Covers information related to maintenance-oriented materials, as well as guidelines for the inspection and periodic maintenance of various systems and accessories. Also covers the application of gaskets and seals, as well as the adjustment of different types of belt drives. Includes information on inspection and maintenance requirements for selected equipment.
Module ID 03313: Covers a variety of fasteners, hardware, and wiring terminations used in HVAC systems, including the installation of these components.
Module ID 03206: Covers transformers, single-phase and three-phase power distribution, capacitors, the theory and operation of induction motors, and the instruments and techniques used in testing AC circuits and components. Also reviews electrical safety.
Module ID 03302: Explains operating principles of compressors used in comfort air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Includes installation, service, and repair procedures.
Module ID 03303: Covers the operating principles, applications, installation, and adjustment of fixed and adjustable expansion devices used in air conditioning equipment.
Module ID 03301: Covers characteristics and applications of pure and blended refrigerants, and provides extensive coverage of lubricating oils used in refrigeration systems.
Module ID 03205: Covers refrigerant handling and equipment servicing procedures for HVAC systems in an environmentally safe manner.
Module ID 03211: Covers the principles of reverse cycle heating. Describes the operation of heat pumps and explains how to analyze heat pump control circuits. Includes heat pump installation and service procedures.
Module ID 03403: Defines the issues associated with indoor air quality and its effect on the health and comfort of building occupants. Provides guidelines for performing an IAQ survey and covers the equipment and methods used to monitor and control indoor air quality.
Module ID 03204: Covers principles, processes, and devices used to control humidity and air cleanliness, as well as devices used to conserve energy in HVAC systems.
Module ID 03202: Covers the principles of venting fossil fuel furnaces and methods for selecting and installing vent systems for gas-fired heating equipment.
Module ID 03313: Covers a variety of fasteners, hardware, and wiring terminations used in HVAC systems including the installation of these components.
Module ID 03314: Provides information and skills to troubleshoot control circuits and electric motors found in heating and cooling equipment.
Module ID 03210: Provides guidance related to troubleshooting cooling systems.
Module ID 03311: Provides a thorough review of the heat pump operating cycle, and presents troubleshooting procedures for components.
Module ID 03209: Covers information and skills needed to troubleshoot gas-fired furnaces and boilers.
Module ID 03310: Describes the construction and operation of oil-fired heating systems and their components. Includes servicing and testing of oil furnaces and procedures for isolating and correcting oil furnace malfunctions.
Module ID 03312: Delivers information and skills needed to troubleshoot various air treatment accessories used with heating and cooling equipment.
Module ID 03315: Introduces the information and skills needed to troubleshoot and repair zoned, ductless, and variable refrigerant flow systems.
Module ID 03305: Reviews basic properties of water and describes how water pressure is related to the movement of water through piping systems. Describes various types and components of commercial hot-water heating and chilled-water cooling systems, and examines how those systems function.
Module ID 03306: Focuses on the use of steam for storing and moving energy in HVAC systems. Reviews the fundamentals of water that relate to steam and describes the basic steam system cycle. Discusses a steam system’s operational components—steam boilers and their accessories and controls; steam system loads, including heat exchangers/converters; and terminal devices. Steam system valves and piping are covered in detail, including common types of piping arrangements; the components of a condensate return/feedwater system; steam and condensate pipe sizing; and pressure-reducing valves and thermostatic valves.
Module ID 03304: Covers the applications, principles, and troubleshooting of retail refrigeration systems.
Module ID 03316: Presents the importance of establishing good relations with customers and provides guidance on how to achieve that goal. Focuses on ways for a technician to make a good first impression and describes how to communicate in a positive manner with customers. The elements of a service call and dealing with different types of problem customers are also covered.
Module ID 03308: Explains water problems encountered in heating and cooling systems and identifies water treatment methods and equipment. Covers basic water testing procedures and chemistry.
Module ID 03403: Defines the issues associated with indoor air quality and its effect on the health and comfort of building occupants. Provides guidelines for performing an IAQ survey and covers the equipment and methods used to monitor and control indoor air quality.
Module ID 03404: Covers heat recovery/reclaim devices, as well as other energy recovery equipment used to reduce energy consumption in HVAC systems.
Module ID 03405: Explains how computers and microprocessors are used to manage zoned HVAC systems. Provides coverage of various network protocols and systems controllers, and introduces trainees to the various means of connection and system interface.
Module ID 03402: Covers air properties and gas laws, as well as the use of psychrometric charts. Describes the tools, instruments, and procedures used to balance an air distribution system.
Module ID 03406: Presents the procedures for the startup and shutdown of hot water, steam heating, chilled water, and air handling systems. Also covers the start-up and shutdown of typical cooling towers and packaged HVAC units. The procedures for both short- and long-term shutdowns are included.
Module ID 03401: Teaches how to interpret drawings used in commercial construction, including mechanical drawings, specifications, shop drawings, and as-builts. Explains how to perform takeoff procedures for equipment, fittings, ductwork, and other components.
Module ID 03407: Identifies factors that affect heating and cooling loads. Explains the process by which heating and cooling loads are calculated, and how load calculations are used in the selection of heating and cooling equipment. Covers basic types of duct systems and their selection, sizing, and installation requirements.
Module ID 03408: Expands on the study of product and process refrigeration equipment by describing systems used in cold storage and food processing applications, as well as transportation refrigeration. Various types of defrost systems are covered in detail.
Module ID 03409: Describes alternative devices used to reduce energy consumption, including wood, coal, and pellet-fired systems, waste-oil heaters, geothermal heat pumps, solar heating, in-floor radiant heating, and direct-fired makeup units. Also introduces application-specific computer room environmental and air turnover systems.
Module ID 46101: While this module has been designed to assist the recently promoted crew leader, it is beneficial for anyone in management. The course covers basic leadership skills and explains different leadership styles, communication, delegating, and problem solving. Jobsite safety and the crew leader’s role in safety are discussed, as well as project planning, scheduling, and estimating. Includes performance tasks to assist the learning process.
Contributing Subject Matter Experts
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are a vital part of NCCER’s Curriculum development process. SMEs are construction and maintenance professionals who have journey-level experience and have experience teaching their trades to others.
Art Grant, Santa Fe College/Builders Association of North Central Florida
Chris Sterrett, Fort Scott Community College
Corey D. Driggs, Lee Company
Corky Dotson, Lee Company
Daniel Kerkman, Madison Area Tech College
Frank Kendall, Lincoln College of Technology – NJ
Jim Clapp, ABC Eastern PA Chapter
John Stronkowski, Industrial Management & Training Institute Incorporated
Joseph Pietrzak, Duke Energy
Lenny Joseph, Lincoln Tech
Matthew Todd, Entek Corporation
Norman Sparks, Lee Company
S.A. Sherif, University of Florida
Senobio Aguilera, Center for Employment Training
Ted Watts, Windham School District
Tony Vasquez, CareerSafety Center and Hubbard
NCCERconnect
Optimize your classroom time, while accelerating knowledge for learners. NCCERconnect works to provide learners with always-available access to online training materials, including videos, interactives, a rich eText, practice quizzes and other engaging content.
- Mobile access to the eText also allows for learning on-the-go.
- Instructors can get started quickly with pre-built assignments, use the robust course tools for class management, and track student participation and results through the online gradebook.
- Designed to help learner engagement in any classroom, whether a blended, virtual or traditional classroom environment.
Instructor Resources
Instructor Toolbox
NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.
Level Tests
Level Tests are available for some of our most popular titles. These comprehensive tests combine items from all modules within a level of curriculum into one test.
Why Level Tests?
- Helps instructors who have difficulty scheduling a computer lab for each module test.
- Provides industry programs with a way for individuals to test out of a level of training for more efficient placement in a position or training program.
- Provides secondary programs a tool for pre- and post-tests to meet school or state requirements. Pre-tests do not result in a certificate.
- Provides instructors with instructor level tests for state requirements.
Level tests are available in the NCCER Learning Platform under Specialized Tests. Click here for how-to resources.
Assessments
NCCER’s assessments evaluate the knowledge of an individual in a specific craft area and provide a prescription for upgrade training when needed. All assessments are based upon the NCCER Curriculum and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from the industry. Click the assessment title below to open its specifications.