The U.S. heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) market is projected to grow by more than 7% each year between 2024 and 2030, according to Grand View Research, climbing from $30 billion in 2023 to nearly $50 billion in 2030.
These figures illustrate Americans’ increasing demand for high-performance, energy-efficient HVAC systems to keep them comfortable as the changes in climate and the intensity of seasonal extremes become more severe. Where there is demand for HVAC systems, there will be demand for HVAC technicians who have the expertise to work with them — particularly in regions like Indianapolis, Indiana, which is known for its hot, humid summers and frigid, snowy winters.
Aspiring HVAC technicians seeking to work in the Hoosier State may have certain questions, like whether they need an HVAC certification in Indiana and what the difference between certification and licensure is. Entering an HVAC training program can help individuals prepare for a career in this growing industry.
What Is HVAC Certification?
An HVAC certification is a professional credential that demonstrates that a technician is skilled in the fundamentals of working with HVAC systems, including installation, maintenance, and repair. Some certifications allow technicians to hone their expertise in specific aspects of HVAC, such as commercial systems or carbon monoxide safety.
While there is no federal requirement for HVAC technicians to be certified, some states require it. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that all technicians who work with refrigerants — most technicians these days — must be certified.
Many HVAC certifications entail taking a course and passing an exam. Others may carry additional requirements, such as having a certain amount of field experience.
Benefits of HVAC Certification
Earning an HVAC certification can yield several advantages for technicians, including the following:
Professional Development: Certification courses and programs allow HVAC professionals — whether they are just entering the industry or already have years of experience — to further develop their skills and expertise. Some certifications build on the foundational knowledge gained from education and training, while others help technicians develop specialized expertise by focusing on a particular aspect of HVAC.
Specialized Knowledge: Numerous specialty HVAC certifications are available, such as those that focus on workplace safety and others that train technicians to work with specific types of equipment or materials. Pursuing a specialty certification allows technicians to develop a more well-rounded skill set, making them more attractive to potential employers.
More Employment Opportunities: An HVAC certification can demonstrate to employers that an individual possesses a high level of proficiency and commitment to their craft, which may improve their job prospects or even pave the way to a promotion. Depending on the kind of certification they have, it can also help technicians qualify for specialized projects.
Types of HVAC Certification
Technicians can pursue many different types of HVAC certification in Indiana, including general professional credentials and more specialized certifications. Below are some of the most common HVAC certifications.
EPA Section 608 Certification
Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, any technician who wants to work with refrigerants must earn a certification from the EPA. This entails passing an exam specific to the type of equipment the technician will be working with. The four types of EPA certification cover small appliances (Type I), high-pressure appliances (Type II), low-pressure appliances (Type III), and all types of equipment (Universal). Section 608 technician certification does not expire.
NATE Certification
NATE, the largest certifying body for HVAC technicians, offers a few different certifications, such as the Certified HVAC Professional (CHP-5) credential, which covers five domains including HVAC Fundamentals. Some NATE certification programs focus on specialized topics, such as low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants or ground source heat pumps.
HVAC Excellence Certification
HVAC Excellence is a certifying body that offers various professional certifications. Some examples of the specialized subjects covered by their certification exams are combustion analysis, electric heat, gas heat, commercial air conditioning, and residential air-conditioning.
ASHRAE Certification
ASHRAE issues various professional certifications, including the Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) credential and the Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) credential. To be eligible for ASHRAE certification, applicants must have some combination of education and work experience and pass an exam.
How to Obtain HVAC Certification in Indiana
Eligibility to become HVAC certified in Indiana often depends on what kind of certification an individual is seeking. Many certifications require a combination of education and work experience, while others can be earned by simply passing an exam.
Completing the steps below can help technicians qualify for the majority of professional HVAC certifications as well as position them for long-term career success.
Education
HVAC technicians typically need a postsecondary nondegree award to enter the profession. Earning a certificate or an associate degree from an HVAC program can help students gain entry-level employment in the field and qualify them for professional certification. Individuals should also have a high school diploma or an equivalent credential, as these are generally prerequisites for admission to a postsecondary HVAC program.
Work Experience
Many HVAC certifications also require some level of practical experience. This may come in the form of an apprenticeship, which combines classwork with field experience, or an entry-level role. The exact requirements vary, but one to two years’ experience is typically necessary to be eligible for HVAC certification.
HVAC Licensing
Indiana does not require a state-level license for HVAC technicians. However, many cities and counties in the state have their own licensing requirements, meaning HVAC contractors may need to obtain a local license, depending on where they work. Major cities including Indianapolis, South Bend, and Fort Wayne have specific licensing processes, while smaller municipalities may not require one, according to ServiceTitan. Licensure is also necessary for contractors who want to start their own business.
Local HVAC licensing in Indiana typically involves several key steps. Applicants may need to meet experience or education requirements, such as having a certain number of years of work under a licensed contractor. Proof of insurance is often required, along with passing a licensing exam that covers HVAC systems, safety protocols, and local building codes. In some areas, technicians may also need to register with a licensing board and undergo a background check. These steps ensure that licensed technicians have both the practical knowledge and accountability to perform HVAC work safely and effectively.
Benefits of an HVAC Training Program
Receiving HVAC training can yield several advantages, including preparing technicians for professional certification. For many, HVAC training represents a critical first step on their career paths as HVAC professionals.
Skill Development
HVAC training helps individuals develop the foundational knowledge and skills they need to enter the field. Students in HVAC training programs learn how to evaluate, service, and repair complex systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, qualifying them for a wide variety of employment opportunities. These programs typically balance classroom instruction with hands-on lab work.
Preparation for Certification and Licensure
By helping students develop their technical expertise — as well as vital critical thinking and problem-solving skills — HVAC training programs position them to earn professional certification and licensure. Additionally, many programs help students find HVAC apprenticeships or entry-level employment, helping them fulfill the experience prerequisites of many certifications.
Strong Employment Outlook
An HVAC training program can help aspiring technicians enter a growing industry. Business is booming, particularly in Indiana, where new construction is fueling demand for all sorts of workers, including HVAC technicians. A 2023 Axios report revealed that Indianapolis had become one of the hottest homebuilding markets in the country, with new home construction approaching levels seen in other fast-growing markets, such as Phoenix, Atlanta, and Denver.
Employment of HVAC technicians is projected to grow by 6% nationwide between 2022 and 2032, creating approximately 23,000 new jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects about 37,700 new openings for these professionals each year, on average, during that period.
In Indiana, statewide demand for HVAC mechanics is expected to be even stronger. Projections Central, a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, estimates that employment of HVAC technicians in the Hoosier State will grow by nearly 8% between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 750 job openings each year.
Become an HVAC Expert With Fortis
New construction and demand for energy-efficient climate control systems are driving demand for HVAC technicians across the country. Earning a professional HVAC certification in Indiana — where employment opportunities in the construction industry are growing — can help technicians stand out in a competitive job market.
If you are looking to launch your HVAC career, explore the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) training program at Fortis. Combining hands-on training with classroom instruction, our program can prepare you to pursue an entry-level job after you graduate. Our campus is located in Indianapolis, a vital hub in the state’s economy with a strong job market for HVAC professionals.
Learn more about how Fortis can prepare you for a career in HVAC.
Recommended Readings
The Career Path for HVAC
How to Become an HVAC Contractor
HVAC vs. Electrician: Comparing Career Paths