HVAC Technician

The HVAC Technician Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, work habits, and practical applications of HVAC systems required for entry-level employment in today’s HVAC industry. The HVAC Technician program prepares students to efficiently perform and specialize in the installation, maintenance, and service of HVAC systems.

Capstone College’s HVAC Technician Program prepares you for a rewarding career in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Through hands-on training in our state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot lab, you’ll learn how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot HVAC systems for residential and commercial applications. Our experienced instructors will guide you in mastering essential skills, from electrical fundamentals to energy-efficient practices.

Program Mission and Objectives. Instruction includes safety procedures for the use of tools and testing equipment, basic electricity, electrical components, theory and practical applications of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, sheet metal installation, schematics, brazing and soldering, maintenance and service, troubleshooting, repair and installation of HVAC systems. Students receive training in a hands-on laboratory environment that remains current with industry standards, and are prepared to take the EPA 608 certification examination.

HVAC skills you’ll be learning.

• System Installation and Maintenance for residential and commercial HVAC systems.
• Electrical Fundamentals: wiring, circuits, and safety protocols.
• Ductwork Design and Fabrication.
• Diagnostic and Repair Skills.
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Practices.
• Customer Communication.

State-Of-The-Art Lab. Work in our 10,000 square foot facility equipped with the latest technology and tools. Get exposure to residential, commercial, and industrial systems.

Experienced Instructors. Learn from HVAC professionals with years of experience in the field. Get personalized guidance and feedback to ensure skill mastery.

Certification Preparation. Includes preparation for the state or EPA certification, with guidance on steps to earn additional certifications, like OSHA safety certification.

Graduate in Less Than a Year. Accelerated programs designed to get students workforce-ready in under a year.

Hands-On Training. Gain practical real-world experience working with real tools and systems, and complete projects that mirror the challenges faced on the job.

Flexible Class Schedules. We offer both morning and evening class schedules to help you train for a new career while balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.

Career Support. Job placement assistance upon graduation, including resume workshops and interview coaching, and connections with local employers in the industry through partnerships.

One-on-One Tutoring. Our instructors offer personalized one-on-one tutoring to ensure you fully understand the material.

Our Admissions team is here to guide you in selecting the best training program to match your career goals. All applicants complete an application for admission and an enrollment agreement prior to the start of any class, and a High School diploma or GED is required for all programs. A personal interview with an Admissions Representative is also required; it enables administrators to determine the qualifications of a potential applicant and gives the candidate a tour of campus.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. If younger than 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present during the enrollment process and sign the enrollment agreement. The institution accepts applicants with physical or mental handicaps or learning disabilities; the building and bathrooms are handicapped accessible.

Transfer of credit. Advanced placement/transfer of credit may be requested and awarded up to a maximum of one-third of the total program credit hours. There is no fee assessed for testing, evaluation, or granting of transfer of credit.

Evening classes meet 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The program is 48 weeks during the evening. Courses are scheduled on a modular system: students may start with any module and continue until all modules are successfully completed, so classes start throughout the year.

Upcoming start dates: October 19, 2026, December 2, 2026, February 1, 2027, February 24, 2027, April 8, 2027, May 24, 2027, July 7, 2027, August 19, 2027, October 5, 2027, and November 17, 2027.

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The school observes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Friday, and is closed for the Christmas and New Year break from December 18, 2026 through January 4, 2027 and from December 17, 2027 through January 3, 2028.

Tuition and fees (HVAC Technician). Tuition: $17,850.00 (includes books & supplies, EPA Certification). Registration Fee: $100.00 (non-refundable). STRF: $0 (STRF is charged by the State of California). Total cost: $17,950.00. Fees do not include tools.

Payment. Total tuition and fees for a program are due and payable upon starting classes for the specified term or enrollment period. Cash, check, money order, credit and/or debit card are accepted, and arrangements will be made for students to make payments according to a schedule acceptable to the student and the school. Capstone College offers interest-free, flexible payment plans, and payment options are available for all students regardless of their chosen program.

Federal financial aid. Capstone College is approved by the Department of Education to participate in the Federal Student Aid-Title IV programs; loans and grants are available to eligible students. The school participates in Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans and PLUS Loans for parents of dependent students. The school does not participate in State Financial Aid Programs. To apply, complete the FAFSA using Capstone College's Federal School Code 030199, then schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Financial Aid Advisor to review your FAFSA results and choose your best option.

Military and veteran benefits. Capstone College is approved to train veterans by the State Approving Agency, and its HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical programs are approved for GI Bill® benefits. The school accepts VA benefits (including Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) and has a Military Benefits Coordinator to help you understand your eligibility. Unearned military Tuition Assistance is returned on a proportional basis through at least the 60% point of the period for which the funds were provided.

Cancellation and refunds. You have the right to cancel the enrollment agreement and obtain a refund of charges paid through attendance at the first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later. If you do not begin classes or withdraw on the first day, no more than $100 of the tuition and fees may be retained.

Graduates of the HVAC Technician Program will be able to perform installation, service, repair of heating, air conditioning systems in residences or light commercial establishments. Graduates can obtain entry-level positions such as:

• HVAC Technician
• HVAC Service Technician
• HVAC Installer
• HVAC Apprentice
• HVAC Helper
• Sheet Metal Worker
• Building Maintenance

Reported outcomes (BPPE 2024 Annual Report). Of 54 students who began the HVAC program, 41 graduated on time (completion rate 75.93%) and 44 graduated within 150% of the published program length (81.48%). Of 41 graduates available for employment, 24 were employed in the field (placement rate 58.54%). Total charges for the program: $17,950.

School Performance Fact Sheet (calendar year 2023). HVAC Technician (30 weeks day, 48 weeks evening): 53 of 65 students completed on time (82%) and 55 within 150% of program length (85%); 39 of 50 graduates available for employment were employed in the field (78%). The program is not required to be licensed by the State of California.

Capstone College assists graduates in obtaining employment upon the successful completion of a program. While no job placement guarantees are made, the school offers job placement services to all graduates, including assistance with resume preparation, mock interviews, interview readiness and provision of job leads.