Dallas College

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC)


10 Certificates 1 Associate Degree

Heating and air-conditioning systems control temperature, humidity and total air quality in all types of buildings — and, in Texas, there’s always a need for technicians who can keep it running smoothly. Get hands-on skills for in‑demand HVAC careers with our Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology program.

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Cedar Valley and Eastfield are members of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, the largest air-conditioning organization in the U.S. This membership gives students access to contractors in the North Texas region and provides an opportunity for direct contact with successful businesses in our area.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) at a Glance

Dallas College offers many different ways to reach your career goals. Whether you want to jump into the workforce quickly or spend more time building advanced skills, we have the programs that fit your needs and timeline.

Certificate Programs

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$1,089-$8,640

Estimated time to complete1:

4 months-2 years

Courses offered at: Cedar Valley, Eastfield, and North Lake 3

Associate Degrees

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$5,940

Estimated time to complete1:

2 years

Courses offered at: Cedar Valley, Eastfield, and North Lake 3

Which Degrees and Certificates are Right for Me?

Workforce Training

Workforce training teaches you job skills fast. It can prepare you for a new job or help you grow at your current job. You will not earn "traditional" credits toward a degree, so your courses may not transfer to other colleges or universities. But you may earn Continuing Education Units or CEUs (which will appear on a transcript).

Learn more about Air Conditioning Technician Occupational Skills Award (CE)

Learn more about Basic Refrigeration Certification Occupational Skills Award (CE)

Estimated tuition total: $8,640 for in-county residents
Estimated time to completion: 1 year for full-time students

Learn more about CE Commercial HVAC Certificate

Estimated tuition total: $3,888 for in-county residents
Estimated time to completion: 4 months for full-time students

Learn more about Residential HVAC Certification

Estimated tuition total: $4,032 for in-county residents
Estimated time to completion: 4 months for full-time students

Learn more about Rising HVACR Technician

Can I Get a Job?

Dallas College offers a variety of certificates and degrees to help you gain the skills you need to start working right away.

  • These credentials are often considered Career and Technical Education (CTE).
  • These credentials are established with the assistance and cooperation of representatives from local business, to meet local and regional employment needs.
  • Higher-level certificates and degrees will typically lead to a higher salary in the workforce.
  • Workforce (CE) certificates can often be completed faster than traditional credit certificates but typically do not offer college credit.
  • Level 1, Level 2, Enhanced Skills certificates and others offer college credit and are often stackable to help you build skills as you work toward an associate degree.
  • Workforce credentials may give you college credit at Dallas College, but they may not transfer to other colleges or universities.

If you're unsure if this is the right path for you, you can talk to a pathway specialist for advice.

Pathway Specialist

Credit Certificates

Credit certificates are short programs that teach you job skills fast. Think of them as a quick way to learn what you need for a career without spending years in school. These programs give you college credit, which means they count toward a degree if you decide to keep studying later.

Estimated tuition total: $1,089 for in-county residents
Estimated time to completion: 4 months for full-time students

Learn more about Heating and Air Conditioning Occupational Skills Award

Estimated tuition total: $1,782 for in-county residents
Estimated time to completion: 8 months for full-time students

Learn more about Rising HVAC Technician Certificate

Estimated tuition total: $1,089 for in-county residents
Estimated time to completion: 4 months for full-time students

Learn more about Rising HVAC Technician Occupational Skills Award

Estimated tuition total: $2,475 for in-county residents
Estimated time to completion: 8 months for full-time students

Learn more about Technician Level I Certificate in Air Conditioning

Estimated tuition total: $5,049 for in-county residents
Estimated time to completion: 2 years for full-time students

Learn more about Technician Level II Certificate in Air Conditioning

Can I Get a Job?

Dallas College offers a variety of certificates and degrees to help you gain the skills you need to start working right away.

  • These credentials are often considered Career and Technical Education (CTE).
  • These credentials are established with the assistance and cooperation of representatives from local business, to meet local and regional employment needs.
  • Higher-level certificates and degrees will typically lead to a higher salary in the workforce.
  • Workforce (CE) certificates can often be completed faster than traditional credit certificates but typically do not offer college credit.
  • Level 1, Level 2, Enhanced Skills certificates and others offer college credit and are often stackable to help you build skills as you work toward an associate degree.
  • Workforce credentials may give you college credit at Dallas College, but they may not transfer to other colleges or universities.

If you're unsure if this is the right path for you, you can talk to a pathway specialist for advice.

Pathway Specialist

Associate Degrees

An associate degree is a two-year college program that helps you reach your goals. It gives you skills for a career or prepares you to continue at a four-year college. This degree can open doors to better jobs and new opportunities.

Estimated tuition total: $5,940 for in-county residents
Estimated time to completion: 2 years for full-time students

Learn more about Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology A.A.S.

Can I Transfer?

Our Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates may not fully transfer to a four-year college or university.

  • If your goal is to transfer, you may want to explore our Core Curriculum and Transfer Pathways.
  • You may also want to explore a transfer degree, like an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.
  • The classes you take will count towards a bachelor's degree and are designed to be accepted by any public college or university in Texas.

If you're not sure if this is the right choice for you, you can talk to a Pathway Specialist for guidance.

Pathway Specialist

Have Questions? We're Here To Help

Whether you're exploring programs, getting ready to apply or already a Dallas College student, it's normal to have questions.

We're here to make the process easier. Reach out to our team, and we'll help you find the information and support you need.

Contact a Recruitment Coach

What Can I Earn? Will There Be Plenty of Jobs?

If you know how to install and repair heating and air conditioning systems, your skills will always be in need. Check out a few of the incredible career opportunities you’ll be ready for. Your future starts here!

Home Appliance Repairersat work

Home Appliance Repairers

$23/hr

Median Salary

101

Job Openings

+3%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Repairing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Troubleshooting
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Reading Comprehension
HVAC Mechanics and Installersat work

HVAC Mechanics and Installers

$28/hr

Median Salary

1505

Job Openings

+20%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Troubleshooting
  • Installation
  • Repairing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Maintenance and Repair Workersat work

Maintenance and Repair Workers

$23/hr

Median Salary

5132

Job Openings

+14%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Repairing
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Troubleshooting
  • Critical Thinking
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Monitoring
  • Active Learning
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Complex Problem Solving
Sheet Metal Workersat work

Sheet Metal Workers

$27/hr

Median Salary

337

Job Openings

+11%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Time Management
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Troubleshooting

All jobs data gathered for Dallas/Fort Worth. Source: Dallas College Labor Market Intelligence and Lightcast4.

“The program was excellent, and I learned a lot. For instance, I had absolutely no knowledge of electrical systems, and now I feel pretty comfortable with them. My instructors really pushed me. It’s a program I’ve already recommended to several people.” Read Leonardo Figueroa's story.
Leonardo Figueroa
Leonardo Figueroa
Pipefitter Refrigeration Design Technology

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1Length of time is based on catalog degree plans. Prerequisites may be required, which are not included in this estimate. For most programs, full-time student status is assumed, a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

2Cost for credit courses is based on tuition rates for program hours for Dallas County residents. The price of most required learning materials (books, software, supplies, etc.) is included with the price of tuition. Certain programs may have additional costs above the standard tuition. Continuing Education courses may vary by program. Please review the Area of Study Overview and/or the Health Information Packets for additional costs and details. Visit our Paying for College site to learn more about cost, financial aid, scholarships and more.

3Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options. Not all degree and certificate offerings are available for admission/start at all campuses every semester.

4A portion of Lightcast’s data comes from O*NET Online by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Lightcast has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

HB1508 Notice

This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible.

For more information, please visit DallasCollege.edu/HB1508.

Updated September 9, 2026