Commercial Refrigeration Technician Certificate

Hands-on with commercial refrigeration

Maintain and repair HVAC equipment

You excel in programs that involve problem-solving and working with your hands. You enjoy grasping new concepts or completing a project or task. You may have started your career in specific areas of HVAC/R and want to switch to another. You also look for the same outcomes with less investment of time and money. It all comes together at CLC.

What can you do with a Commercial Refrigeration Technician Certificate?

This certificate prepares you to work in a trainee or entry-level position servicing commercial-grade refrigeration appliances, including reach-in and walk-in coolers.

With the fast-track program at CLC, you can complete 2 certificates in 1 semester. This gives you a wider range of marketable skills for your first job in HVAC/R.
Take it even further with a second level fast-track program. That’s one more semester for two additional certificates. After which you will only need a few more classes and general education courses to earn your Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) All your certificate classes are stackable and can be applied toward your Associate degree.
Choose the certificates that match your interests and goals:

See what students love about the HVAC/R engineering technology program at CLC. Picture yourself here:

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Highlights

Earn EPA 608 Certification

Take a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved certification test to earn Section 608 Technician Certification.
Metallica Scholarships

Heavy metal scholarships available.
Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Program Length: 2 Years

Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52,011
  
  Median
  
  $82,536
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $130,848
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.00
  
  Median
  
  $39.68
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62.90
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  21.74%
  
  Certificate
  
  34.78%
  
  Some college
  
  4.35%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  17.39%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  17.39%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.35%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $59,226
  
  Median
  
  $77,345
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $120,957
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $28.47
  
  Median
  
  $37.18
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $58.15
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  22.02%
  
  Certificate
  
  32.27%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  45.71%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct energy audits of buildings, building systems, or process systems. May also conduct investment grade audits of buildings or systems.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52,011
  
  Median
  
  $82,536
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $130,848
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.00
  
  Median
  
  $39.68
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62.90
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  41.38%
  
  Certificate
  
  31.03%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.45%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  20.69%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  3.45%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,411
  
  Median
  
  $84,673
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $127,773
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.71
  
  Median
  
  $40.70
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.43
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  57.2%
  
  Certificate
  
  13.08%
  
  Some college
  
  16.91%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.2%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  7.57%
  
  Doctorate
  
  2.05%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38,478
  
  Median
  
  $65,658
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,593
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.49
  
  Median
  
  $31.57
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  23.49%
  
  Certificate
  
  68.08%
  
  Some college
  
  6.93%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30,314
  
  Median
  
  $38,987
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $58,001
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.57
  
  Median
  
  $18.74
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $27.88
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  34.03%
  
  Certificate
  
  23.48%
  
  Some college
  
  17.34%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  25.12%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  0.01%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $27,170
  
  Median
  
  $46,121
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $62,728
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $13.06
  
  Median
  
  $22.17
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $30.15
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  76.59%
  
  Certificate
  
  20.34%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.08%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
HET 110	HET 110 Basic Refrigeration Systems Class Description This course introduces students to basic refrigeration theory and practice in Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR). The function and operational characteristics of the mechanical refrigeration system including condensers, evaporators, compressors, refrigerant metering devices, sustainable energy sources and refrigerants are covered. The use and operation of service manifolds, leak detection, system evacuation and charging, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills are covered. NOTE: The student will be required to purchase basic hand tools that will be used in this and other refrigeration and air conditioning courses.	4
HET 111	HET 111 HVACR Electricity I Class Description This course introduces students to basic AC and DC circuitry, the laws of electricity, wiring of basic HVACR equipment, and safety procedures with an emphasis placed on sustainable energy sources through the use of lectures, demonstrations, and lab experiences. The function and operational characteristics of various types of electric controls including thermostats, defrost controls, relays, and contactors are studied, along with capacitors, power distribution, motors, and protective devices. This course introduces the National Electrical Code, the use of meters, schematics, wiring diagrams, electrical troubleshooting, electrical service procedures and electrical test equipment. NOTE: Student will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.	4
HET 190	HET 190 EPA Certification Preparation Class Description This course introduces students to basic refrigeration, theory, and practice of the EPA mandated Section 608 Refrigeration Certification exam. The function and operational characteristics of the mechanical refrigeration system including condensers, evaporators, compressors, refrigerant metering devices, and sustainable energy sources refrigerants are covered, as well as material pertinent for students to pass the EPA exam. This course also introduces ozone depletion, the Clean Air Act, the Montreal Protocol, CFC and HCFC refrigerant replacements, recovery cylinders, shipping and transportation of refrigerants, system operational pressures, substitute refrigerant replacement, recharging techniques, refrigerant recovery and reclaiming, and basic system troubleshooting. This course reinforces the use and operation of service manifolds, leak detection, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills. NOTE: The student will be required to purchase basic hand tools that will be used in this and other refrigeration and air conditioning courses.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 110
Course Title	HET 110 Basic Refrigeration Systems Class Description This course introduces students to basic refrigeration theory and practice in Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR). The function and operational characteristics of the mechanical refrigeration system including condensers, evaporators, compressors, refrigerant metering devices, sustainable energy sources and refrigerants are covered. The use and operation of service manifolds, leak detection, system evacuation and charging, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills are covered. NOTE: The student will be required to purchase basic hand tools that will be used in this and other refrigeration and air conditioning courses.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 111
Course Title	HET 111 HVACR Electricity I Class Description This course introduces students to basic AC and DC circuitry, the laws of electricity, wiring of basic HVACR equipment, and safety procedures with an emphasis placed on sustainable energy sources through the use of lectures, demonstrations, and lab experiences. The function and operational characteristics of various types of electric controls including thermostats, defrost controls, relays, and contactors are studied, along with capacitors, power distribution, motors, and protective devices. This course introduces the National Electrical Code, the use of meters, schematics, wiring diagrams, electrical troubleshooting, electrical service procedures and electrical test equipment. NOTE: Student will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 190
Course Title	HET 190 EPA Certification Preparation Class Description This course introduces students to basic refrigeration, theory, and practice of the EPA mandated Section 608 Refrigeration Certification exam. The function and operational characteristics of the mechanical refrigeration system including condensers, evaporators, compressors, refrigerant metering devices, and sustainable energy sources refrigerants are covered, as well as material pertinent for students to pass the EPA exam. This course also introduces ozone depletion, the Clean Air Act, the Montreal Protocol, CFC and HCFC refrigerant replacements, recovery cylinders, shipping and transportation of refrigerants, system operational pressures, substitute refrigerant replacement, recharging techniques, refrigerant recovery and reclaiming, and basic system troubleshooting. This course reinforces the use and operation of service manifolds, leak detection, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills. NOTE: The student will be required to purchase basic hand tools that will be used in this and other refrigeration and air conditioning courses.
Credits	2

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
HET 172	HET 172 Refrigeration II Commercial Appliances Class Description This course introduces students to the basic principles, practices, operations, service, and installation of commercial refrigeration appliances. Students will learn how the product is cooled, desired temperature maintained, and proper humidity conditions controlled. The function and operational characteristics of various types of electric controls including thermostats, defrost controls, relays, and protective devices are studied, as well as system malfunction diagnosis, corrective procedures, and the refrigerants used in the commercial refrigeration appliance industry. This course also covers a basic understanding of commercial refrigeration appliances, multiple systems, load calculations of commercial refrigeration appliances, system accessories, and piping techniques. This course reinforces the use and operation of electrical and mechanical test equipment, wiring diagrams and schematics, service manifolds, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills. NOTE: Student will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 172
Course Title	HET 172 Refrigeration II Commercial Appliances Class Description This course introduces students to the basic principles, practices, operations, service, and installation of commercial refrigeration appliances. Students will learn how the product is cooled, desired temperature maintained, and proper humidity conditions controlled. The function and operational characteristics of various types of electric controls including thermostats, defrost controls, relays, and protective devices are studied, as well as system malfunction diagnosis, corrective procedures, and the refrigerants used in the commercial refrigeration appliance industry. This course also covers a basic understanding of commercial refrigeration appliances, multiple systems, load calculations of commercial refrigeration appliances, system accessories, and piping techniques. This course reinforces the use and operation of electrical and mechanical test equipment, wiring diagrams and schematics, service manifolds, test equipment, flaring, soldering and brazing skills. NOTE: Student will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.
Credits	4

Total Credit Hours

14

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

HVAC/R Engineering Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study HVAC/R Engineering Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the HVAC/R Engineering Technology program overview

Frequently asked questions

A Commercial Refrigeration Technician Certificate takes 14 credits and can take up to 1 year. (Or, you can fast-track your career with 2 certificates in 4 months.) You learn:
- refrigeration theory, including the refrigeration cycle
- refrigerant recovery and charging
- system evacuation
- commercial system controls
- humidity and cooling
- electrical wiring for commercial appliances
We’re always upgrading! You can look forward to updated lab spaces, new equipment and the latest in industry tools and technology.
Experienced faculty: Your instructors play a crucial role in ensuring your best possible experience. Together with the department chairs, they provide an environment where you can thrive and succeed.
Flexibility: This program is stackable so you can earn individual certificates by taking specific courses. These courses can also apply toward the A.A.S. (Associate in Applied Science) degree if you decide to continue working towards this degree.
Classes engage your brain, your hands and your muscle memory. You learn the theories and ideas first, then apply them in labs and team projects. In this way, you build confidence in your solutions and in your ability to do the work.
When your first boss tests to see if you know how to do the work on a residential HVAC/R system, you bring everything you learned in lectures and labs to show you know the how and why.
Most of your classmates (but not all) have been out of high school for a while. Some may be working, some may be changing careers and others are just starting out. In group projects and with the guidance of your instructors, you learn how to work with others on HVAC/R puzzles, just as you will on the job.
No—the hands-on labs are essential in every course. In-person classes keep your program on track. You also learn to interact in person with faculty and peers.

Natasha Phillips
Graduate
“Heating, ventilation and air conditioning is a trade skill that’s always going to be needed, so I can have a stable career.”
Natasha studied HVAC/R Engineering Technology at CLC. A Workforce Equity Initiative grant paid for her education so she can start a new career in a high-demand industry.
Read Natasha's story

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Hands-on with commercial refrigeration

Maintain and repair HVAC equipment

What can you do with a Commercial Refrigeration Technician Certificate?

Fast-track your career with 2 certificates in 4 months for better job prospects

Highlights

Earn EPA 608 Certification

Metallica Scholarships

Stackable Credentials

WIOA Program

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Construction and Building Inspectors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Energy Auditors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Home Appliance Repairers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 10 Credits

Semester 2 4 Credits

Total Credit Hours

HVAC/R Engineering Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

What will I learn in this certificate program?

What are some of the highlights of learning at CLC?

How will I learn in this program?

Are there students like me in the program?

Can I take my classes online?

Natasha Phillips

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Be debt-free at CLC

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