HVAC schools in Washington
Compare 29 HVAC schools in Washington in one place: 54 programs across 19 cities, with the most in Spokane, Bellevue, Lacey. 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: 11 public, 2 private nonprofit, 1 private for-profit. Free to use.
The U.S. Department of Education reports graduate earnings for HVAC programs at 3 schools in Washington. Look for the earnings table on each school page.
5 registered HVAC apprenticeship sponsors in Washington, including union sheet metal and pipefitting programs.
HVAC program types in Washington
- 14 Certificate, less than 12 weeks
- 9 Associate's degree
- 8 Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years
- 7 Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year
- 3 Registered apprenticeship
- 2 Certificate, 2 to less than 4 years
Many schools offer more than one award level.
How much does HVAC school cost in Washington?
3 programs in Washington publish a program price, ranging from $11,500 to $45,556 (median $21,500). These are published tuition and fees, usually before books, tools and exam fees.
For the 7 public schools with a published school-wide in-state tuition figure (2023-24), tuition and required fees ranged from $4,057 to $6,723 per academic year (median $5,569). 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 Washington
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical program.
- In Washington, HVAC and refrigeration work is licensed through the L&I electrical program. Under WAC 296-46B-940, L&I issues specialty electrician certificates of competency that include HVAC/refrigeration (06A) and HVAC/refrigeration, restricted (06B).
- To work in the electrical construction trade you must hold a current certificate of competency or an electrical training certificate, and a trainee must work under a supervising electrician certified in the right specialty.
Official sources: WAC 296-46B-940: Electrician, certificate of competency required. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you apply.
How to become an HVAC technician in Washington
HVAC schools by city in Washington
- HVAC schools in Spokane (4)
- HVAC schools in Bellevue (2)
- HVAC schools in Lacey (2)
- HVAC schools in Lakewood (2)
- HVAC schools in Pasco (2)
- HVAC schools in Renton (2)
- HVAC schools in Tacoma (2)
- HVAC schools in Yakima (2)
All 29 HVAC schools in Washington
Northwest HVAC/R Training Center
Bates Technical College
Clover Park Technical College
Walla Walla Community College
Wenatchee Valley College
Central Washington University Continuing Education
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington-HVAC
Northeastern Washington-Northern Idaho Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Committee
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Frequently asked questions about HVAC school in Washington
How many HVAC schools are in Washington?
HVAC School Finder lists 29 schools in Washington with HVAC and refrigeration programs, offering 54 programs in total across 19 cities, with the most in Spokane, Bellevue, Lacey. Programs and prices change, so confirm current enrollment with the school.
How much does HVAC school cost in Washington?
3 programs in Washington publish a program price, ranging from $11,500 to $45,556 (median $21,500). These are published tuition and fees, usually before books, tools and exam fees. For the 7 public schools with a published school-wide in-state tuition figure (2023-24), tuition and required fees ranged from $4,057 to $6,723 per academic year (median $5,569). That covers all programs at the school, not only HVAC. Always confirm the current cost, including tools and fees, with the school.
What kinds of HVAC programs are offered in Washington?
Programs listed for Washington by award level: 14 certificate, less than 12 weeks; 9 associate's degree; 8 certificate, 1 to less than 2 years; 7 certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says HVAC programs at technical schools and community colleges generally last from 6 months to 2 years.
Do I need a license to work as an HVAC technician in Washington?
Licensing in Washington is handled by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical program. In Washington, HVAC and refrigeration work is licensed through the L&I electrical program. Under WAC 296-46B-940, L&I issues specialty electrician certificates of competency that include HVAC/refrigeration (06A) and HVAC/refrigeration, restricted (06B). To work in the electrical construction trade you must hold a current certificate of competency or an electrical training certificate, and a trainee must work under a supervising electrician certified in the right specialty. Federal EPA Section 608 certification also applies to anyone who handles refrigerants.
General career data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Federal certification rule: 40 CFR 82.161. Browse all states.