Electrical Troubleshooting Technician

Get hands-on with electrical troubleshooting

Diagnose electrical issues

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 an Electrical Troubleshooting Technician Certificate?

The certificate in Electrical Troubleshooting Technician prepares you to start work as an HVAC/R trainee.

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:

Highlights

Metallica Scholarships

Heavy metal scholarships available.
Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $44,926
  
  Median
  
  $68,922
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $106,299
  
  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
  
  $21.59
  
  Median
  
  $33.13
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.10
  
  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
  
  12.47%
  
  Certificate
  
  24.44%
  
  Some college
  
  8.64%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  42.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  8.14%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.54%
  
  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).
Assemble or modify electrical or electronic equipment, such as computers, test equipment telemetering systems, electric motors, and batteries.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30,609
  
  Median
  
  $37,786
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $55,577
  
  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
  
  $14.71
  
  Median
  
  $18.16
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $26.72
  
  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
  
  80.15%
  
  Certificate
  
  8.2%
  
  Some college
  
  11.65%
  
  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).
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43,020
  
  Median
  
  $64,681
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $105,467
  
  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
  
  $20.68
  
  Median
  
  $31.09
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $50.70
  
  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
  
  6.1%
  
  Certificate
  
  21.07%
  
  Some college
  
  6.74%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  23.56%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  40.08%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.46%
  
  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
  
  $49,866
  
  Median
  
  $66,736
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $100,243
  
  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
  
  $23.97
  
  Median
  
  $32.08
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48.19
  
  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).
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $72,680
  
  Median
  
  $125,725
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $135,766
  
  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
  
  $34.94
  
  Median
  
  $60.44
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $65.27
  
  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
  
  10.83%
  
  Certificate
  
  31.72%
  
  Some college
  
  7.33%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  29.83%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  10.97%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5.59%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.72%
  
  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).
Assemble or modify electromechanical equipment or devices, such as servomechanisms, gyros, dynamometers, magnetic drums, tape drives, brakes, control linkage, actuators, and appliances.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30,609
  
  Median
  
  $37,786
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $55,577
  
  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
  
  $14.71
  
  Median
  
  $18.16
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $26.72
  
  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
  
  52.73%
  
  Certificate
  
  10.77%
  
  Some college
  
  16.88%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.04%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.58%
  
  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).
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43,316
  
  Median
  
  $67,143
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $106,208
  
  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
  
  $20.82
  
  Median
  
  $32.28
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.06
  
  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
  
  68.18%
  
  Certificate
  
  4.55%
  
  Some college
  
  9.09%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.09%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  9.1%
  
  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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Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

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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.

View program in 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 119	HET 119 HVACR Electricity II Class Description This course covers intermediate AC and DC circuitry, the laws of electricity, wiring of HVACR equipment, and safety procedures with an emphasis placed on sustainable energy sources. Through lectures, demonstrations, and lab experiences, students will learn about various types of residential and commercial heating and air-conditioning, commercial refrigeration electrical service, and installation and preventive maintenance techniques. The function and operational characteristics of various types of electric controls will be covered including thermostats, defrost controls, relays, contactors, capacitors, power distribution, motors, system malfunction diagnosis, corrective procedures, and protective devices. This course also introduces part-winding starts, Wye and Delta wound transformers, programmable controllers, Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM), and Variable Frequency Drive motors (VFD). The National Electrical Code is reinforced, as well as the use of meters, schematics, wiring diagrams, electrical troubleshooting, electrical service procedures, and electrical test equipment. NOTE: Students will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HET 119
Course Title	HET 119 HVACR Electricity II Class Description This course covers intermediate AC and DC circuitry, the laws of electricity, wiring of HVACR equipment, and safety procedures with an emphasis placed on sustainable energy sources. Through lectures, demonstrations, and lab experiences, students will learn about various types of residential and commercial heating and air-conditioning, commercial refrigeration electrical service, and installation and preventive maintenance techniques. The function and operational characteristics of various types of electric controls will be covered including thermostats, defrost controls, relays, contactors, capacitors, power distribution, motors, system malfunction diagnosis, corrective procedures, and protective devices. This course also introduces part-winding starts, Wye and Delta wound transformers, programmable controllers, Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM), and Variable Frequency Drive motors (VFD). The National Electrical Code is reinforced, as well as the use of meters, schematics, wiring diagrams, electrical troubleshooting, electrical service procedures, and electrical test equipment. NOTE: Students will be required to purchase basic hand tools used in this and other HVACR courses.
Credits	4

Total Credit Hours

14

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

An Electrical Troubleshooting Technician Certificate takes 1-2 semesters. And you can fast-track your career with two certificates in one semester. You learn:
- using electrical instruments (VOM) for testing and troubleshooting
- electrical schematics and wiring diagrams reading
- electrical circuit and components troubleshooting
- electrical safety
We’re always upgrading! You can look forward to updated lab space, new equipment and the latest 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: The 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
Adult Learner
“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

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Get hands-on with electrical troubleshooting

Diagnose electrical issues

What can you do with an Electrical Troubleshooting Technician Certificate?

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

Highlights

Metallica Scholarships

Stackable Credentials

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 10 Credits

Semester 2 4 Credits

Total Credit Hours

HVAC/R Engineering Technology at CLC

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Frequently asked questions

What will I learn in this certificate program?

What are 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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