HVAC schools in Virginia

Compare 42 HVAC schools in Virginia in one place: 61 programs across 33 cities, with the most in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Alexandria. 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: 21 public, 8 private for-profit, 2 private nonprofit. Free to use.

Accredited HVAC programs in Virginia

8 schools in Virginia have an HVAC program accredited by HVAC Excellence or PAHRA, the national industry accreditors for HVAC training: Northern Virginia Community College; Southside Virginia Community College; Academies of Loudoun; Chesterfield Career and Technical Center; Edison Academy; Greene County Technical Education Center; New Horizons Regional Education Centers; Norfolk Technical Center.

The U.S. Department of Education reports graduate earnings for HVAC programs at 10 schools in Virginia. Look for the earnings table on each school page.

12 registered HVAC apprenticeship sponsors in Virginia, including union sheet metal and pipefitting programs.

HVAC program types in Virginia

• 28 Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year
• 14 Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years
• 7 Certificate, less than 12 weeks
• 4 Associate's degree
• 1 Certificate, 2 to less than 4 years
• 1 Certificate

Many schools offer more than one award level.

How much does HVAC school cost in Virginia?

1 program in Virginia publish a program price, ranging from $13,736 to $13,736 (median $13,736). These are published tuition and fees, usually before books, tools and exam fees.

For the 17 public schools with a published school-wide in-state tuition figure (2023-24), tuition and required fees ranged from $4,835 to $5,714 per academic year (median $4,928). That covers all programs at the school, not only HVAC.

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 Virginia

Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR), Tradesmen program.

• The Board for Contractors regulates individual HVAC tradesmen, and state certification of the trades is mandatory, not optional. Individuals may also be subject to local ordinances.
• Since April 1, 2025, new Residential HVAC Mechanic licenses (residential structures only, no commercial work) give an additional pathway. They require less experience and vocational training than a journeyman license and can be a step toward journeyman status.

Official sources: Virginia DPOR: Tradesmen program. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you apply.

How to become an HVAC technician in Virginia

HVAC schools by city in Virginia

• HVAC schools in Norfolk (5)
• HVAC schools in Virginia Beach (3)
• HVAC schools in Alexandria (2)
• HVAC schools in Hampton (2)
• HVAC schools in Newport News (2)

All 42 HVAC schools in Virginia

Frequently asked questions about HVAC school in Virginia

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