Why Do I Need an EPA Certification?
More businesses are requiring potential candidates to have their EPA Certification to qualify for their positions. Having this certification is also a federal requirement for working with certain appliances. Those who go through the EPA certification process gain a better awareness of the laws and procedures that cover the handling of HVAC systems and chemicals.
There are several different categories of certification – EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, EPA Section 609 Technician Certification, R-410A Technician Certification, Indoor Air Quality Certification, PM Technician Certification, and Green HVAC/R Certification.
The type of certification you have will determine which kinds of appliances you are qualified to work on. Each certification is given by passing the EPA exam which is administered by an EPA-approved testing organization. You can choose to take one test for a specific certification or pass all three be certified to work on every type of appliance.
What Does Each Certification Mean?
The EPA Section 608 Technician Certification is the only section that has different types to choose from. You will need this certification to be able to work on building air conditioning and refrigeration systems. This section offers 4 certifications types:
- Type I Certification – Persons who maintain, service, or repair small appliances must be certified as Type I technicians.
- Type II Certification – Persons who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of high or very high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) systems, must be certified as Type II technicians.
- Type III Certification – Persons who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of low-pressure appliances must be certified as Type III technicians.
- Universal Certification – Persons who maintain, service, or repair both low and high-pressure equipment, as well as small appliances, must be certified as Universal technicians. (Type I, Type II, and Type III Certifications)
The EPA Section 609 Technician Certification is necessary to work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners and allows refrigerant purchases.
The R-410A Technician Certification is available for those who are already EPA Section 608 Certified. Technicians should already know the basics of air conditioning-refrigeration system installation before taking this training.
The Indoor Air Quality Certification gives technicians the ability to service, clean, and inspect the HVAC’s system.
The PM Technician Certification is only available to EPA Section 608 certified technicians. It contains all areas of acid and moisture detection, water removal, coil maintenance, and more.
The Green HVAC/R Certification is not an EPA required certification but is becoming more of a desire for many technicians because of the increasing demand for environmentally smart HVAC technology. This certification teaches how energy conservation can be used in the heating and cooling industry.
Contact Ayers Career College to learn more about EPA Certifications.
HVAC students troubleshoot A/C issues
Much of the training you’ll do at Ayers Career College is hands-on in our program labs, which are set up to mimic real life scenarios you might encounter while out on a job. Our HVAC lab is no exception. In this setup, Jeff Huffman and Steve Coleman use a multimeter to troubleshoot a condensing unit, while their instructor Maurice Jackson gives instruction so they can learn how to get the job done right! He will step in when needed, or is there to answer questions, but it’s up to the students to troubleshoot and resolve the issues.
HVAC students get hands-on during lab sessions
During a recent lab session, Ayers HVAC students get hands-on experience using a few tools of the trade: utilizing wiring diagrams to trouble shoot furnace issues, using flare tools and torches to braise sections of copper pipe, and learning and practicing new soldering techniques under the helpful guidance of HVAC Instructors Paul Shores and Maurice Jackson.
Student Update: HVAC graduate Nicholas Bartek
HVAC graduate Nicholas Bartek recently sent us this email updating us on his new career after graduating from the HVAC program here at Ayers. He is working for Cerpangha Commercial Group. They are based out of Texarkana and service LA, AR and East TX. We thought it was a great testimony to how successful our students are after they graduate, and wanted to share it with you!
- From: nicholas bartek
Sent: Monday, Sept 22, 2014 8:46 PM
To: Erica Barrett
Subject: Re: Hey
Ms. Barrett,
IT WAS AMAZING! I have been telling my family all about it! So, today started at 8 AM getting picked up at my house, then traveling to Nachidoches(I think it was that city) working on the AC system at a Little Ceaser’s. Then we went to a Burger King in Pineville to work on their bun toasters(we were called about one, but we serviced all three of them). Then we went down to DeRidder to service a Subway’s Turbo-Chef(sub toaster) but found that either the the manager, or the manufacturer gave us the wrong location(so unfortunately no services were provided). Then finally back to my house by 5:50 PM giving me a total of ten hours; minus 1 hour for lunch.
I am REALLY enjoying this job(check with me again soon(I’m sure I will still really love this job)). The people are SO friendly, and the customers are happy to see us. I like the driving time, and the ability to get a TON of overtime.
Thank you SO much for you assistance in finding this career path for me, you are the BEST!
Nicholas Bartek
HVAC graduates recieve new tool kits
TreMelvion Lewis, Awinn Smith, Marcus Bernard, amd William Shepherd with Instructor Paul Shores show off the tool kits they each received when they completed their training through our HVAC program on June 26, 2014.
Below, Dalvern Jenkins shows off his tool kit while Marcus Bernard and and William Shepherd double-check theirs to make sure they received all the necessary tools when they finished up on their last day of the program. Each tool kit contains a multi-meter and gauge set, along with a number of other hand tools that will be helpful in jump-starting graduates careers in the HVAC industry.
HVAC students work on Lab Session projects
HVAC student Andra Jackson troubleshoots a wiring issue on a furnace during a recent lab session. Jordon Jackson and Kenny Hodges work on an inside air handling unit, while Nicholas Bartek and Amily Musallam work together to figure out what us wrong with a furnce. HVAC Instructor Maurice Jackson sets up thse scenarios and has the students work to solve them.
June 25, 10am: KSLA Employent Expo
Ayers Career College will be at the KSLA Employment Expo on Wednesday, June 25, 2015!
Come out and talk with representatives from Ayers Career College to find out what it takes to get started training for a new and rewarding career as an HVAC Technician, ET Technician, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Professional or Pharmacy Technician! You can get more information on each of these training programs, see what financial assistance options are available, and see how our convenient classes make training for your new career fit easily into your busy schedule.
The KSLA Employment Expo will be held at the Pierre Bossier Mall, located at 2950 East Texas Street, Bossier City, LA 71111 on June 25, 2014 from 10am – 3pm. For more information on this event, please contact us at 1-800-317-0131
Marvin Coleman works in HVAC lab project
HVAC student Marvin Coleman uses a meter to troubleshoot a wiring issue in a furnace during an HVAC lab project. Campus Operations Manager Chuck Stripling says “It is gratifying to watch the students in the labs applying what they have learned in the classroom during a hands-on lab exercise!”
HVAC Ductwork Lab
Our students participate in a variety of different lab projects to get the hands-on training that is needed in today’s job market. In this lab, Paul Shores instructed his HVAC class on the construction of a plenum from a sheet of ductboard, that is now on display after being installed atop an air handler. HVAC student Brian Carey attached instulation to a section of ductwork during a recent lab project he participated in.
Photo Gallery: Career Services Recruiter Hiring Events
Thank you everyone for working so hard to make our Career Services recruitment events work! Here are some photos from our May 9 and May 14 events. We have an awesome staff, and without all of your hard work, events like these wouldn’t be possible. Students, prospective students, and graduates – you are all invited to attend these events, so please stay turned for the date/time and employers that will participate in our next one!
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