Commercial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Overview (5630)
Type of Award
CCP - Career Certificate Program (CIP 0615050112)
Program Website
www.pbsc.edu/CareerPathways/Industry
Program Description
The Commercial HVAC & Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Systems program equips students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on skills in the maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of commercial heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Through targeted coursework and practical experience, students learn to select and maintain compressors, test evaporative condensers, evaluate refrigeration system components, and work with electrical systems to ensure optimal performance. This program covers new technologies, system diagnostics, and repairs, preparing students for careers in commercial and industrial HVAC/R environments.
Program Learning Outcomes
For detailed information, visit www.pbsc.edu/ProgramLearningOutcomes
Admission Requirements
- No high school diploma or GED is required. (To be eligible to receive federal student aid, you must: Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or have complete homeschooling)
- Attend a program information session and meet with the Trade and Industry advisor.
AND
- Documentation of completion of the 750-hour Florida Department of Education Career & Technical Education (CTE) Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) 1Career Certificate Program (CCP).
OR
- Professional experience as demonstrated and documented by EPA Section 608 Universal License.
- Take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) exam if not exempt from TABE testing. To determine if you are exempt, please go to link and view TABE Standards.
- 3+ years of verifiable air conditioning and/or refrigeration field experience.
- Permission of the instructor.
For additional information regarding admission requirements refer to the Admissions section of this catalog.
Completion Requirements
Students must successfully complete all courses listed in the catalog for this program.
Students must pass the TABE with the following minimum TABE test scores: Reading: 9; Language: 9; Mathematics: 10 or qualify for TABE exemption.
For more details about graduation requirements please refer to the Graduation section of this catalog.
Program Length
Total program hours: 600. Day program 22 weeks/ Evening program 32 weeks
Location
The program is offered at the Lake Worth campus.
For More Information
Carmen Modock, Program Director, modockc@pbsc.edu, 561-868-3547
Employment Opportunities
The HVAC/R industry is a critical sector supporting both residential and commercial infrastructure. Nationally, the HVAC/R field is experiencing robust growth, with 423,000 people employed in 2024 and projections indicating a 6% increase by 2030, outpacing the average for all occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 9% growth in employment for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers from 2023 to 2033, with about 42,5000 job openings expected annually, largely due to retirements and workforce transitions.
Career Path Notes
A student graduating from the Commercial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program typically starts in entry-level technician roles and can progress to more advanced and specialized positions with experience, additional certifications, and possibly further education.
Typical Career Path Progression:
- Entry-Level Roles: Most graduates begin as maintenance technicians, field service technicians, or HVAC/R technicians. These positions focus on installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems.
- Mid-Level positions: With experience and certifications like the EPA 608 or advanced HVAC credentials, technicians may become senior technicians, facilities maintenance leads, or specialize in areas such as pool or building automation systems.
- Advanced and Supervisory Roles: Career advancement may include roles such as shop foreman, lead HVAC mechanic, facilities supervisor, or maintenance manager in larger facilities or contracting companies.
- Specialized and Alternative Pathways:
- Sheet metal worker or controls technician, focusing on ductwork or building system integration.
- Stationary engineer or boiler operator, especially in larger facilities and institutions.
- With further education or cross-training some may enter areas related to building automation, environmental systems technology, or even project management.
Potential Earnings:
Role Median Hourly Median Annual
Entry HVAC technicians $22.03 $45,800
Senior HVAC mechanics/installers $25.81 $53,685
Sheet metal worker $24.31 $50,569
Stationary engineer/boiler operator $35.29 $73,404
Long-Term Opportunities
- Progression is enabled by gaining supervisory experience, advanced applications, and credentials like commercial driver's licenses or specialized certifications.
- Roles in Management, training, or even entrepreneurship (starting a contracting business) are common trajectories for experienced technicians.
This career path offers upward mobility, stability, and adaptability to multiple facility and engineering environments, with solid long-term earnings potential and regional demand.
Career Center
www.pbsc.edu/CareerCenter
For more information about employment opportunities including job outlook and salary information visit: Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/ooh
O-Net Online: www.onetonline.org
Required courses:
Required Courses (Clock Hours: 600)
Group A
| ACR0430 | Components of Commercial HVAC & R Systems (CCP) | 100 Clock Hours |
| ACR0816 | Troubleshooting Commercial Heating and Air Conditioning Systems (CCP) | 150 Clock Hours |
Group B
| ACR0710 | Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Systems (CCP) | 125 Clock Hours |
| ACR0066 | Commercial Refrigeration Application (CCP) | 125 Clock Hours |
| ACR0961L | Maintaining and Troubleshooting Commercial Refrigeration Systems (CCP) | 100 Clock Hours |
Total Credit Hours: 600
Course Sequence
Term One - (Clock Hours: 375)
| ACR0430 | Components of Commercial HVAC & R Systems (CCP) | 100 Clock Hours |
| ACR0816 | Troubleshooting Commercial Heating and Air Conditioning Systems (CCP) | 150 Clock Hours |
| ACR0710 | Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Systems (CCP) | 125 Clock Hours |
Term Two - (Clock Hours: 225)
| ACR0066 | Commercial Refrigeration Application (CCP) | 125 Clock Hours |
| ACR0961L | Maintaining and Troubleshooting Commercial Refrigeration Systems (CCP) | 100 Clock Hours |
Total Credit Hours: 600