How Long Does HVAC Training in Ontario Last? | Skilled Trades College of Canada

In Ontario, a residential HVAC program takes two years to complete, and a commercial residential program takes five years to complete. Of course, this is a general look at an HVAC school length, and the path to being fully certified is more nuanced. In this post, we’ll cover the steps you need to take to complete your HVAC training in Ontario, as well as the time required to complete each segment of your training.

‍HVAC Trade School Length for Pre-Apprenticeship Training‍

The first step to becoming an HVAC technician is undertaking a pre-apprenticeship. Think of this stage as a trial period, when you get your feet wet to discover if the trade suits you.

During a pre-apprenticeship, you get up to speed on the foundational skills and knowledge needed to perform well in an apprenticeship. The curriculum covers theory and practical training for handling HVAC systems, including air conditioning, heating systems, refrigeration, electrical systems, and safety protocols.

How Long Is HVAC School During a Pre-Apprenticeship?

A pre-apprenticeship usually lasts several months, with the exact length differing from school to school. Regardless of length, almost all pre-apprenticeship programs focus on preparing students for the hands-on technical training they’ll get during an apprenticeship.

At the Skilled Trades Colleges of Canada, an HVAC pre-apprenticeship lasts 12 weeks. During the program, students will spend 80% of their time training hands-on, with the remainder spent on theory.

A room of HVAC students wearing safety vests gathered around a table littered with tools

The Apprenticeship Stage

The apprenticeship is where the action happens. It’s where students who’ve decided which trade to specialize in learn the nuts and bolts of the HVAC craft. Like the pre-apprenticeship, the actual apprenticeship blends on-the-job training with in-class instruction, learning from licensed journeymen who are certified professionals themselves. The training at this stage is more detailed than the pre-apprenticeship, covering math, science, automated control systems, and safety protocols.

How Long Is HVAC School During the Apprenticeship Stage?

HVAC training in Ontario at the apprenticeship level usually lasts for 9,000 hours. For residential programs, those hours are spread over two years, while for commercial programs, five.

At Skilled Trades Colleges of Canada, we prepare you for these apprenticeships through our pre-apprenticeship programs. Once you pass the pre-apprenticeship, you can apply for the full experience with an employer (often an HVAC company) willing to train you on the job.

An HVAC pre-apprentice student in training fixing electrical wiring

Certifications for HVAC Technician Training in Ontario‍

Technicians can earn multiple certifications after HVAC training in Ontario. These must be obtained to showcase your expertise, helping you stand out and become more employable.

How Long Does It Take to Get HVAC Certified?

The time required to get HVAC certified depends on the type of license you want to get. Here’s a breakdown of how long it takes to get your trade certification in the HVAC industry:

HVAC License	Allowed Work	HVAC License Requirements Ontario
Certificate of Qualification for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A)	Handle, install, and repair refrigeration system and air conditioning systems	Time to Acquire: 9,000 Hours (8,280 on-the-job training, 720 classroom). Certificate of Qualification for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
Gas Technician Certification	Working with gas systems and appliances	Time to Acquire: 9,000 Hours (8,280 on-the-job training, 720 classroom). Three levels are associated with a gas technician certificate—G1, G2, and G3, with G2 being the most common to complete HVAC technician training in Ontario. Awarded after passing a TSSA exam with a minimum of 75%.
Oil Burner Technician Certification	Installing, servicing, and repairing oil-fired heating systems	Time to Acquire: Usually one year Awarded after passing TSSA exams for gas technician (G2 and G3) and Oil Burner Technician (OBT2 and OBT3) levels.
Red Seal Endorsement	Recognizes excellence across Canada for various trades including HVAC. Not a requirement, but an acknowledgement that you’re one of the best in your field.	Awarded after completing a Red Seal apprenticeship and passing a Red Seal exam.

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There’s no single license for HVAC technicians to acquire. You become “licensed” by attaining the necessary certifications listed above, and getting additional certifications (such as the Red Seal) can increase your demand.

Top Considerations On HVAC Training and Certification‍

HVAC trade school lengths and certifications are fairly standard across Canada. The path to HVAC certification is also fairly straightforward—enrol in a pre-apprenticeship, then a full apprenticeship, take the necessary exams and then get certified. But of course, there are aspects to consider. Note the following points when applying for HVAC training Ontario schools offer.

Note Provincial Regulations

The requirements for attaining an HVAC certification can differ from province to province. For instance, the HVAC technician training Ontario schools offer falls under Ontario’s regulations. If you’re coming from another province, familiarize yourself with Ontario’s requirements for HVAC training and certification.

There’s No Single HVAC Technician Apprenticeship

Also, remember that there’s no official “HVAC technician” apprenticeship. You learn all trade skills through courses related to heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems. HVAC is special in the sense that it’s a combination of different disciplines that collectively form the trade.

Keep Up With The Fast-Paced HVAC Industry

Lastly, it’s important to remember that the HVAC is dynamic—always changing as new technologies and standards emerge. Your training doesn’t end the day you finish your apprenticeship—take ongoing training as you progress through your career. Enrolling in new courses and obtaining additional certifications can help you stay up-to-date with industry changes and stand out to employers and customers.

Jumpstart Your HVAC Training at Skilled Trades College of Canada

Answering “How long is HVAC training in Canada?” prepares you for the journey ahead. Within two years, you can be fully ready to work in the HVAC field, thanks to an apprenticeship. While learning HVAC as a craft takes a lifetime, the right pre-apprenticeship program can take you from a newbie to highly skilled in only 12 weeks.

Be ready for a paid HVAC apprenticeship and enter your chosen trade fast with Skilled Trades Colleges of Canada. Our programs prepare you for the challenges and opportunities you’ll face in the industry, teaching you the skills that pay the bills.

Are you looking to jumpstart your career in HVAC? Contact us to begin a rewarding career in HVAC that you’ll never regret!

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