There are three ways to become an air conditioning repairman: post-secondary training, apprenticeship completion, and the air conditioning certification examination. An air conditioning repairman is responsible for fixing both residential and commercial air conditioning units. This career is forecast to experience above average growth in the next five to ten years, as people become more reliant on air conditioners.
People who report the greatest satisfaction working as an air conditioning repairman are skilled at working with their hands, are naturally outgoing, and enjoy problem solving. This type of career requires a dedication to continuous learning. As new models and technology are used, air conditioning repairmen must make sure they have learned the skills necessary to repair both the newer and the older units.
The first step to become an air conditioning repairman is to complete a post-secondary air conditioning repair program. There are two types of programs available: community college or apprenticeship. A community college program is one to two years in length and provides classroom learning with job placements. At the end of the program, graduates are qualified as air conditioning repair technicians.
An apprenticeship program is usually three to four years in length, as the majority of the time is spent learning on the job in a full-time placement. The course work required is completed through evening and weekend classes. In order to become an air conditioning repairman apprentice, you must find a journeyman or master tradesman who is willing to take responsibility for your training.
Apprentice is a paid position, with the amount of salary closely tied to the skills learned. At the beginning of an apprenticeship, it is not uncommon to be paid just slightly more than minimum wage, with the tasks being mostly manual labor. Over time, as new skills are learned and applied, the hourly rate increases. An apprenticeship is an investment for both the employer and the employee.
As part of the process to become an air conditioning repairman, most states have a certification or licensing process. To qualify for this program, candidates must have a combination of working experience and course knowledge. There are several online schools that provide access to the courses required for an air conditioning repairman. This information, together with a self-directed training program meets the certificate requirements. A written examination is usually required, so it is important to ensure that you have the book knowledge required in this role.