San Joaquin Valley College

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration

Victor Valley (Hesperia)
Certificate
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration
Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Taught on campus in Lancaster, CA.
Not published
40 weeks
No application fee is charged.
Participates in federal aid: Pell & FSEO grants; Federal Direct Stafford (subsidized/unsubsidized) & PLUS loans; institutional low-interest loan; scholarships; VA benefits.

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration is a Certificate program offered by San Joaquin Valley College in Hesperia, CA. The program takes 40 weeks to complete, with a total cost, including fees, of $27,647.

Program Overview

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program is 60 weeks in length and prepares students to work in the heating and cooling industry. Training focuses on theories of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning. Students study the operation, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial equipment.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the successful student will be able to:

  • Discuss theories of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning and relate these concepts to practical applications.
  • Apply proper procedures for the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of both residential and light commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and systems.
  • Demonstrate proper usage of the basic tools of the trade.
  • Demonstrate requisite mastery to apply for and obtain the EPA 608 certification from the Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Create effective reports and documents electronically and in writing.
  • Apply advanced electrical concepts and critical thinking skills to interpret and draft schematic wiring diagrams and perform system diagnostics and interpret results.
  • Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in his or her career and personal life.
  • Demonstrate social skills, professional appearance, attitudes, and behavior that employers expect of all SJVC graduates.
  • Adhere to national, state, and local safety practices used by service technicians working on HVAC-R systems.

What Sets This Program Apart

Graduates earn an Associate of Science in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration, and have the opportunity to earn OSHA 10-Hour Construction and EPA 608 certification. Graduates from the Arizona location looking to work in Arizona are generally not required to achieve licensure to begin entry-level HVAC-R employment.

Admission Requirements & Process

The Admissions Department is dedicated to assisting prospective students in selecting programs that best suit their needs and qualifications. In order to ensure that prospective students are a good match for their selected program of interest, SJVC has established the following admission procedures and requirements:

  • Applicants must participate in an interview with an Enrollment Services Associate. During the interview, the Enrollment Services Associate will discuss available programs, aligning them with the applicant's career goals, training needs, and motivations.
  • Applicants must meet the minimum age requirement as defined by the state where they plan to attend SJVC: 16 in Arizona and Idaho, 17 in California and Nevada, and 18 in New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington (or younger if the applicant demonstrates proficiency or is an early high school graduate). Those who are under the age of 18 at enrollment are required to have a parent or legal guardian sign the Enrollment Agreement.
  • Applicants must possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. International diplomas and transcripts must be translated into English and academically evaluated for equivalency by an approved evaluation service (AACRAO International Evaluation Services, a member of AICE, or a member of NACES).
  • Legal status documentation is not an admission requirement. All applicants who meet admission requirements are welcome to enroll. However, applicants should note that several programs require an externship at a third-party site, and these third parties usually require a full background check.
  • Applicants must meet with either the Enrollment Services Director or a campus manager (or their designee) for an acceptance interview. In addition to this interview, applicants may be required to meet with the Director of their selected program.
  • Applicants must meet with the Financial Services Department to confirm arrangements to meet tuition obligations.

Applicants for all on-ground programs are required to take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) prior to enrolling; applicants for all online programs are required to take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam – QuickTest (SLE-Q). Minimum scores vary by program. Applicants who score below the minimum may take the assessment a second time on the same day. If the applicant scores below the minimum on the second attempt, a waiting period of six (6) months is required before the applicant may test again for the same or any program.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Submit Application
    Complete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
  2. 2
    Submit Transcripts
    Provide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
  3. 3
    Financial Aid
    Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.
    Complete FAFSA Application
  4. 4
    Enrollment
    Once accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.

Program Schedule

60 weeks in length (Associate of Science). Offered to new students at the Phoenix campus.

Admission Requirements: Valid State Driver's License.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • October 05th, 2026
  • November 09th, 2026
  • December 14th, 2026
  • January 25th, 2027
  • March 01st, 2027
  • April 05th, 2027
  • May 10th, 2027
  • June 14th, 2027
  • July 19th, 2027
  • August 23rd, 2027
  • September 27th, 2027
  • November 01st, 2027
  • December 06th, 2027

Curriculum

Core Course Requirements

  • HVAC-R 100 Theory & Applications of HVAC Systems – 5.0
  • HVAC-R 101 Theory & Applications of Refrigeration – 5.0
  • HVAC-R 102 Theory & Applications of Electricity – 10.0
  • HVAC-R 103 Advanced HVAC Systems – 5.0
  • HVAC-R 104 Advanced Refrigeration – 5.0
  • HVAC-R 105 Advanced Electricity – 5.0
  • HVAC-R 106 Air Distribution Systems – 5.0
  • Core Total: 40.0 units

General Education Course Requirements

  • ENG 121 Composition and Reading – Part A – 3.0
  • ENG 122 Composition and Reading – Part B – 3.0
  • MTH 121 College Algebra – Part A – 3.0
  • MTH 122 College Algebra – Part B – 3.0
  • NSC 1 Introduction to Natural Sciences – 3.0
  • PHIL 1C Ethics – 3.0
  • PSY 1 General Psychology – 3.0
  • SOC 1 Introduction to Sociology – 3.0
  • GE Total: 24.0 units
  • Program Total: 64.0 units

Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid

Total Program Cost
≈ $27,647

SJVC participates in federal financial aid programs; students who wish to apply for financial aid assistance must establish financial aid eligibility each year. In order to determine financial aid eligibility, students must complete the application process, meet academic progress standards, and be enrolled at least part-time. Financial assistance awarded through SJVC may consist of a combination of grants, loans, and scholarships. SJVC participates with federal, state and private agencies in providing various aid programs.

Types of Financial Aid Available

  • Federal Pell Grant Program – an important source of aid for students who demonstrate a financial need; a grant does not have to be repaid.
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants – a limited number of awards targeted to students who have the lowest calculated family income.
  • Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Subsidized) – for students requiring additional financial assistance; must be repaid, beginning six months after graduation or termination.
  • Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Unsubsidized) – independent students may borrow and begin interest payments while in school.
  • Federal Direct PLUS – parents of dependent students may borrow funds to meet educational expenses.
  • Institutional Loan – the College offers a low-interest loan program used only to pay tuition charges not covered by financial aid.
  • Student Scholarships – the College awards up to $40,000 annually in scholarships to high school seniors who meet certain requirements.

Total program tuition is $27,647 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

Career Outcomes

The Career Services Department offers a wide variety of career planning and employment-related services to current SJVC students and alumni. While SJVC does not guarantee employment, income, or wage rate, Career Services staff are available to assist students in developing job-readiness skills and pursuing employment in their chosen career fields. Some of the services offered include:

  • Résumé development
  • Job search assistance
  • Interview techniques
  • Career development courses
  • Career information panels
  • Employment-related workshops and programs

Career Academy

The Career Services Department partners students with the Career Academy to prepare students for the job search process. Utilizing an innovative, interactive hub, students will:

  • Engage in a variety of professional development games and activities.
  • Create high-quality professional résumés highlighting the skills acquired throughout their program.
  • Participate in mock interview sessions to develop effective interviewing skills.

A final exit interview will capstone the student's preparedness for interviewing with potential employers. Successful completion of each of these items is a graduation requirement.

What to Expect as a Student at San Joaquin Valley College

Housing

San Joaquin Valley College does not have dormitory facilities under its control, nor does it assist students in securing housing. However, limited guidance may be available through the Academic Dean to help students explore local housing options. According to the California Student Aid Commission's 2025–26 Student Expense Budget, students should budget approximately $1,691 per month for housing, which includes rent and utilities. These estimates are intended to help students plan their budgets and do not reflect actual housing offers or guarantees; students are solely responsible for evaluating and securing their own housing arrangements.

Additional Information and Student Services

Additional information related to the provision of student services and campus life in general may be found in the Student Handbook.

School Information

San Joaquin Valley College
sjvc.edu
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Location

Victor Valley (Hesperia)
9331 Mariposa Road
Hesperia, CA 92344

Accreditation & Approvals

Institutional Accreditation: San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001. WSCUC.org. The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5 – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations.

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Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration