Program Summary

The Elevate HVAC Technician Training Program is a 160-hour competency-based workforce development program that prepares students for entry-level HVAC technician positions. The program combines 110 hours of online theory instruction with 50 hours of supervised on-the-job training (OJT) at employer partner sites.

Students demonstrate mastery across 67 competencies organized into 7 domains. Theory competencies are assessed through quizzes and cumulative exams with a minimum 80% passing score. Performance competencies (19 total) require hands-on verification by a qualified OJT supervisor using standardized skill checksheets.

Upon successful completion, students earn six industry-recognized credentials: EPA 608 Universal Certification, OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety, CPR/First Aid/AED, NRF Rise Up Customer Service, and Elevate Residential HVAC Certification Levels 1 and 2.

Instructional Clock Hours

Domain	Theory Hours	OJT Hours	Total
D1: Safety & Regulatory Compliance	14	6	20
D2: Tools & Trade Math	8	4	12
D3: Electrical Fundamentals	10	6	16
D4: Refrigeration Cycle Principles	14	8	22
D5: Installation Procedures	16	12	28
D6: Diagnostics & Troubleshooting	14	10	24
D7: Refrigerant Handling & EPA Compliance	34	4	38
Total	110	50	160

Theory hours are delivered via the Elevate LMS platform. OJT hours are completed at approved employer partner sites under qualified supervisor observation.

Hybrid Delivery Model

Online Theory (110 hours)

Video instruction with closed captions (ADA compliant)
Interactive reading materials and diagrams
Module quizzes with 80% minimum passing score
EPA 608 practice exams (25 questions per section)
Cumulative mastery assessments at domain boundaries
Sequential lesson locking — no skipping ahead
90% video completion required before advancing

On-the-Job Training (50 hours)

Supervised hands-on practice at employer partner sites
Standardized skill checksheets for each performance competency
Qualified supervisor observation and sign-off
Pass/Remediate scoring with documented remediation paths
Minimum hour requirements per competency domain
Employer partner evaluation of workplace readiness

Assessment Standards

Theory Assessments

Minimum passing score: 80%
Module quizzes: 10 questions each
EPA 608 section exams: 25 questions each
EPA 608 Universal exam: 105 questions
Cumulative mastery exams at Modules 5, 10, and 13
ESCO Group: $38/attempt. Mainstream Engineering: $26.51 online (unlimited free retests) or $31.82 paper
Wrong-answer explanations for remediation

Performance Assessments (OJT)

Scoring: Pass / Remediate
Observed by qualified OJT supervisor
Documented on standardized skill checksheets
Supervisor signature and date required
Remediation: additional practice + re-assessment
5 core performance checksheets required

Required Performance Checksheets:

Brazing & Soldering (Competency 5.6)
Manifold Gauge Reading (Competency 6.3)
Refrigerant Charging (Competency 4.6)
Leak Detection (Competency 6.4)
System Startup & Verification (Competency 5.8)

Competency Domains & Standards

D1: Safety & Regulatory Compliance

12 competencies · 14h theory + 6h OJT

1.1

Identify program structure, credentials, and career pathways

Lessons: 1494

1.2

Explain WIOA funding requirements and attendance policies

Lessons: 2

1.3

Describe HVAC career pathways and earning potential

Lessons: 3

1.4

Select and use appropriate PPE for HVAC work environments

Lessons: 781OJT Verified

1.5

Complete OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification

Lessons: 7784Partner Cert Verified

1.6

Identify fall hazards and apply fall protection standards

Lessons: 78

1.7

Apply electrical safety procedures and lockout/tagout

Lessons: 79OJT Verified

1.8

Interpret SDS sheets and apply HazCom standards

Lessons: 80

1.9

Identify confined space and excavation hazards

Lessons: 82

1.10

Apply fire prevention and hot work safety procedures

Lessons: 83

1.11

Complete CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Lessons: 8587Partner Cert Verified

1.12

Administer basic first aid for common workplace injuries

Lessons: 86

D2: Tools & Trade Math

3 competencies · 8h theory + 4h OJT

2.1

Explain how heating, cooling, and ventilation systems function

Lessons: 59

2.2

Identify and properly use HVAC hand tools and power tools

Lessons: 6OJT Verified

2.3

Identify major HVAC system components and their functions

Lessons: 8

D3: Electrical Fundamentals

4 competencies · 10h theory + 6h OJT

3.1

Apply Ohm's Law to calculate voltage, current, and resistance

Lessons: 1014

3.2

Read and interpret wiring diagrams and schematics

Lessons: 11

3.3

Use a multimeter and amp clamp to measure electrical values

Lessons: 12OJT Verified

3.4

Identify capacitors, contactors, and relays and explain their function

Lessons: 13

D4: Refrigeration Cycle Principles

6 competencies · 14h theory + 8h OJT

4.1

Identify the four components of the refrigeration cycle

Lessons: 52126

4.2

Explain pressure-temperature relationship using PT charts

Lessons: 22

4.3

Compare reciprocating, scroll, and rotary compressor types

Lessons: 23

4.4

Identify TXV, piston, and capillary tube metering devices

Lessons: 24

4.5

Calculate superheat and subcooling from gauge readings

Lessons: 25OJT Verified

4.6

Perform refrigerant charging using weight and superheat methods

Lessons: 60OJT Verified

D5: Installation Procedures

9 competencies · 16h theory + 12h OJT

5.1

Explain gas furnace operation and combustion process

Lessons: 1520

5.2

Describe electric heat strip operation and sequencer function

Lessons: 16

5.3

Explain heat pump operation in heating mode including reversing valve

Lessons: 17

5.4

Design and install ductwork per ACCA Manual D standards

Lessons: 6570

5.5

Size HVAC equipment using Manual J load calculations

Lessons: 66

5.6

Perform brazing and soldering on copper refrigerant lines

Lessons: 67OJT Verified

5.7

Install refrigerant line sets with proper insulation and support

Lessons: 68OJT Verified

5.8

Execute system startup procedures and verify operation

Lessons: 69OJT Verified

5.9

Prepare for on-the-job training and internship requirements

Lessons: 93

D6: Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

12 competencies · 14h theory + 10h OJT

6.1

Perform combustion analysis and interpret results

Lessons: 18OJT Verified

6.2

Conduct furnace inspection using manufacturer checklist

Lessons: 19OJT Verified

6.3

Diagnose system faults using manifold gauge readings

Lessons: 6164OJT Verified

6.4

Perform leak detection using approved methods

Lessons: 62OJT Verified

6.5

Apply systematic troubleshooting methodology

Lessons: 7176

6.6

Diagnose common air conditioning failures

Lessons: 72

6.7

Diagnose common heating system failures

Lessons: 73

6.8

Resolve field troubleshooting scenarios using diagnostic data

Lessons: 74

6.9

Communicate technical findings to customers professionally

Lessons: 758889

6.10

Prepare a trade-specific resume highlighting certifications

Lessons: 9095

6.11

Demonstrate professional interview skills for trade positions

Lessons: 91

6.12

Identify employer partners and apprenticeship opportunities

Lessons: 92

D7: Refrigerant Handling & EPA Compliance

21 competencies · 34h theory + 4h OJT

7.1

Explain ozone depletion and environmental impact of refrigerants

Lessons: 27345355

7.2

Identify Clean Air Act Section 608 requirements and penalties

Lessons: 28

7.3

Apply refrigerant safety procedures including proper ventilation

Lessons: 29

7.4

Classify refrigerants by type, ODP, and GWP

Lessons: 30

7.5

Use pressure-temperature charts for common refrigerants

Lessons: 31

7.6

Demonstrate proper recovery, recycling, and reclamation procedures

Lessons: 3263OJT Verified

7.7

Explain refrigerant sales restrictions and certification requirements

Lessons: 33

7.8

Identify small appliance systems and refrigerant charge limits

Lessons: 35395456

7.9

Apply Type I recovery requirements for small appliances

Lessons: 36

7.10

Operate self-contained recovery equipment

Lessons: 37OJT Verified

7.11

Identify leak repair exemptions for small appliances

Lessons: 38

7.12

Describe high-pressure system characteristics and components

Lessons: 40465457

7.13

Apply Type II recovery requirements and evacuation levels

Lessons: 4145

7.14

Perform leak detection using electronic, ultrasonic, and UV methods

Lessons: 42OJT Verified

7.15

Execute proper evacuation procedures to required micron levels

Lessons: 43OJT Verified

7.16

Apply leak repair requirements for high-pressure systems

Lessons: 44

7.17

Describe low-pressure chiller system characteristics

Lessons: 47525458

7.18

Apply Type III recovery requirements for low-pressure systems

Lessons: 48

7.19

Explain purge unit operation and non-condensable removal

Lessons: 49

7.20

Identify water management issues in low-pressure systems

Lessons: 50

7.21

Explain rupture disc and pressure relief device requirements

Lessons: 51

Credentials Awarded

EPA 608 Universal Certification

EPA-approved proctor · Federal

OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety

CareerSafe (OSHA-authorized) · Federal

CPR/First Aid/AED

HSI (OSHA-accepted) · National

NRF Rise Up Customer Service

National Retail Federation · National

Residential HVAC Certification Level 1

Elevate for Humanity · Program

Residential HVAC Certification Level 2

Elevate for Humanity · Program

Governance & Policies

Attendance: Students must complete all 95 lessons and accumulate the required OJT hours. Consecutive absence of 14+ days without communication results in administrative withdrawal.

Academic Integrity: All assessments must be completed independently. Sharing quiz answers or misrepresenting OJT performance results in disciplinary action up to program dismissal.

Grading: Theory assessments require 80% minimum. Performance assessments are Pass/Remediate. Students who do not pass a performance competency receive additional supervised practice and re-assessment.

ADA Compliance: All video content includes closed captions. Accommodations for documented disabilities are provided upon request through the student's case manager.

Grievance Procedure: Students may submit grievances through the LMS support portal or directly to program administration. All grievances receive written response within 5 business days.

Instructor Qualifications: All OJT supervisors hold a minimum of EPA 608 Universal Certification and 3+ years of field experience. Theory content is developed and reviewed by licensed HVAC professionals.