Key Takeaways
The U.S. is facing a shortage of HVAC professionals.
Projections Central forecasts that jobs for HVAC mechanics and installers in Alabama will grow by more than 10% through 2034.
Career-ready HVAC training focuses on the skills you need to enter the field, often in less time than it takes to earn a four-year college degree.
The U.S. is facing a shortage of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) technicians. Now is the time to launch your career in the field. In 2026, 77% of contractors reported that they had difficulty filling HVAC positions, according to a survey that the Associated General Contractors of America and the National Center for Construction Education and Research conducted.
Alabama needs more HVAC technicians. If you have been considering HVAC training in Alabama through a training program in Birmingham, Dothan, Mobile, or Montgomery, first take time to learn about the requirements for entering the field, the benefits of working in HVAC, and the career outlook in the state.
What Are the Requirements for HVAC Training in Alabama?
Individuals need to meet certain requirements to be admitted to an HVAC training program in Alabama. For example, the HVAC training programs at Fortis require students to be at least 17 years old, to have graduated from high school (or the equivalent), and pass a cognitive ability test.
After receiving HVAC training in Alabama, an individual needs to obtain a license — which requires passing a license to work in the state — from the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors.
To be eligible to take the HVAC licensing exam in Alabama, an individual needs to graduate from an HVAC training program that the board has approved. For example, the board has approved the HVAC training programs at Fortis. Alternatively, an individual can complete 3,000 hours of work experience in the field that meets the approval of the board.
The HVAC training that individuals receive needs to educate them on topics that the Alabama licensing exam covers, such as the following:
General HVAC knowledge
Piping
Systems and sizing
Equipment
Maintenance
Plan reading
Risk management
Safety and environmental compliance
Electrical applications for heating and air-conditioning systems
The exam also tests individuals’ knowledge and training in areas such as the following:
Business organization
Project management
Estimating
Payroll and employment taxes
Financial management
Contracts
Labor, lien, and licensing laws
The Clean Air Act also requires HVAC technicians to obtain U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification in working with and disposing of refrigerants.
4 Benefits of HVAC Training
Individuals who receive HVAC training can take advantage of a range of benefits.
1. HVAC Training Provides Extensive Knowledge and Skills
Students enrolled in Fortis Institute’s HVAC training program in Alabama will learn how to do the following:
Provide service to both residential and commercial customers
Work in refrigeration and on gas and oil furnaces, heat pumps, electric furnaces, and air- conditioning equipment
Use HVAC tools, such as voltmeters, thermometers, pressure gauges, and manometers
Work with equipment that tests airflow, refrigerant pressure, electrical circuits, and burners
In addition to technical training, Fortis HVAC training program students also learn about the following:
Conducting HVAC troubleshooting and making service calls
Preparing to obtain required EPA certification
Working in the HVAC profession and complying with safety protocols and government guidelines
Using learning strategies for success in HVAC training, including areas such as reading, critical thinking, and test taking
2. HVAC Training Takes Less Time and Is Less Expensive Than College
The time it takes to complete HVAC training in Alabama is much shorter than the four years it takes to earn a traditional bachelor’s degree. For example, students in the HVAC training programs that Fortis offers complete their education in 48 instructional weeks. This allows them to join the workforce and start earning a living sooner than if they earned a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree.
3. HVAC Training Leads to a Solid Career Path
Upon completion of training, students can step on the HVAC career path and advance to positions of higher responsibility. HVAC technicians can work their way up to service manager positions or even start their own business. With additional education, they can move into roles in HVAC engineering.
4. HVAC Professionals Can Specialize and Work in Nearly Any Location
Individuals can use their knowledge and skills in HVAC to specialize in areas such as radiant heating, commercial refrigeration, installation, or maintenance. Importantly, HVAC systems exist across the country, so expertise in the field can boost employment prospects in almost any location.
HVAC Career Opportunities and Outlook in Alabama
HVAC technicians are needed both in Alabama and across the country.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 11% job growth for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers through 2035 — significantly higher than the 3% projection for all occupations.
In Alabama, jobs for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are expected to grow by 10.2% through 2034, according to Projections Central, a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that provides state employment projections.
In addition, population growth may drive demand for individuals who obtain HVAC training in Alabama. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that the population of Alabama grew by more than 168,000 from 2020 to 2025.
Get HVAC Training in Alabama and Set the Stage for a Great Career
Individuals who receive HVAC training in Alabama position themselves for solid careers that require in-demand skills. Acquiring HVAC expertise is a wise move that can lead to rewarding work in a profession that is vital to the health and comfort of people everywhere.
Alabamians who are interested in HVAC training can explore the HVAC programs at Fortis in Birmingham, Dothan, Mobile, and Montgomery to learn how those programs can help them reach their career goals. Preparing students for entry-level HVAC positions, all of these Fortis programs offer day classes, and the Dothan campus offers both day and evening classes for students’ convenience. Take the first step on the path to a fulfilling career in HVAC today.
Recommended Readings
Are Skilled Trades in Demand?
The Importance of Soft Skills in an HVAC & Refrigeration Career
What I Like Best About Working in HVAC
