HVAC schools in California

Compare 60 HVAC schools in California in one place: 72 programs across 46 cities, with the most in Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Riverside. See which are certificates and which are degrees, what they cost where the price is published, and which are closest to you. By school type: 38 private for-profit, 10 public, 3 private nonprofit. Free to use.

Accredited HVAC programs in California

4 schools in California have an HVAC program accredited by HVAC Excellence or PAHRA, the national industry accreditors for HVAC training: Brownson Technical School; North American Training Center; Cypress College; Mt San Antonio College.

The U.S. Department of Education reports graduate earnings for HVAC programs at 36 schools in California. Look for the earnings table on each school page.

31 registered HVAC apprenticeship sponsors in California, including union sheet metal and pipefitting programs.

HVAC program types in California

• 32 Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years
• 25 Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year
• 9 Associate's degree
• 4 Certificate

Many schools offer more than one award level.

How much does HVAC school cost in California?

32 programs in California publish a program price, ranging from $1,135 to $26,377 (median $18,782). These are published tuition and fees, usually before books, tools and exam fees.

Prices are the published figures for the year shown on each school page. They change, and tools, books and certification exams can cost extra. See our HVAC school cost guide for how we calculate this.

HVAC licensing and certification in California

Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

• California licenses the contracting business. The C-20 classification, Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, covers fabricating, installing, maintaining, servicing and repairing warm-air heating systems, ventilating systems and air-conditioning systems.

Official sources: CSLB: C-20 classification · CSLB: Get licensed to build. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you apply.

How to become an HVAC technician in California

HVAC schools by city in California

• HVAC schools in Bakersfield (3)
• HVAC schools in Los Angeles (3)
• HVAC schools in Riverside (3)
• HVAC schools in Fresno (2)
• HVAC schools in Huntington Park (2)
• HVAC schools in La Puente (2)
• HVAC schools in Ontario (2)
• HVAC schools in Sacramento (2)
• HVAC schools in San Bernardino (2)
• HVAC schools in San Jose (2)
• HVAC schools in West Covina (2)

All 60 HVAC schools in California

Frequently asked questions about HVAC school in California

General career data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Federal certification rule: 40 CFR 82.161. Browse all states.