Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) 1 is a Certificate program offered by Treasure Coast Technical College in Vero Beach, FL. The program takes 750 clock hours — 9 months to complete, with a total tuition of $2,190.
Program Overview
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) 1. Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R1) is a 750 clock hours program, responsible for training individuals to attain an entry-level status in the HVAC/R industry. The program covers a broad range of instruction. An appropriate amount of time is spent in each area to thoroughly cover needed instructional material as well as to gain manipulative skills. This program focuses on broad transferable skills and stresses the understanding of the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration industry. It incorporates elements of the industry such as planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, the underlying principles of technology, and health, safety and environmental issues.
Heating, Ventilation, AC/Refrigeration 1
The mission of the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program is to prepare students for entry level employment in HVAC mechanic or installer positions.
The HVAC/R program is 750 hours of instruction training individuals to attain an entry level position in the HVAC/R industry. The program utilizes both theory and practical application of materials to help the students gain needed knowledge and skills. Students will learn the how and why a procedure is done and will successfully demonstrate the practical application of the information in the classroom laboratory.
Occupational Completion Points (OCPs) - The HVAC/R program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of three Occupational Completion Points. OCPs provide a student with early completion training options linked to employment opportunities established by the Florida Department of Education based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system and accepted industry titles. Academic skill level required to complete the program: Grade 10 math, Grade 9 language and reading.
What sets this Program apart
Industry certification. EPA Certification, HVAC Excellence and OSHA 10.
Completion. Upon completion with an overall average of 70% in the program, students will receive a career certificate in HVAC.
Points of pride. HVAC/R 1 was updated in 2025 with the newest technology and training simulators.
Admission Requirements and Process
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and should be academically, physically, and emotionally capable of meeting the essential tasks of the chosen program. Each career program has its own admission requirements. Our mission includes serving all community members; therefore, all students are considered for admission.
Applicants without a high school diploma. All adult applicants are encouraged to earn a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to admission. However, the college will accept students without a diploma in some programs; these students are not eligible for federal financial aid until they have earned a standard high school diploma from an accredited high school or its equivalent recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Basic skills. Students enrolling in a post-secondary career program with 450 hours or more are required to take a basic skills exam unless an exemption is met. Applicants who have earned a standard State of Florida high school diploma, 2007 or later, or possess a documented degree (AA, AS, AAS, BA or BS) may be exempt, as may applicants who earned a GED in 2014 or later.
Florida residency. Each student has to submit documentation that he/she has been a Florida resident for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of class for which the student is enrolling, for example a voter ID, car registration, lease, homestead exemption card, tax return, or state issued ID or driver license.
All career programs are clock-hour; TCTC does not award credits.
This program's admission requirements.
- Meet with a career advisor
- Complete registration
- Complete student orientation
- Take the basic skills examination, if required
Program requirements and other costs.
- Requirements to sit for exam: successfully complete program & have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Dress Code: Students are required to dress appropriately for the HVAC profession
- Other: equipment such as index cards, access to a computer, internet access, etc
- Online component: Certain curriculum may be accessed online
- Employment Requirements: To become employed, graduate from an approved HVAC program
General Requirements
- At least 16 years of ageApplicants must be at least 16 years of age and should be academically, physically, and emotionally capable of meeting the essential tasks of the chosen program.
- State issued IDBring a state issued ID or driver license to apply to TCTC.
- Florida residencyProvide two forms of Florida residency proving one year of residency in Florida to receive the Florida-resident tuition rate.
- TranscriptsBring transcripts or proof of high school or college; a high school diploma or its equivalent may be required for some programs.
- Basic skills test, if applicablePrograms of 450 hours or more require recent (2 years) test scores or a basic skills exam ($20) unless an exemption is met.
Application Process
- 1Apply to TCTCFill out the application, bring a state issued ID or driver license, and pay the $30 application fee.
- 2Apply for financial aidFill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the scholarship on TCTC's website; all documents must be completed and submitted prior to the first day of class for a deferment.FAFSA Code for Vero Beach: 041940Complete the FAFSA
- 3Gather your enrollment documentsBring two forms of Florida residency, a state issued ID, transcripts or proof of high school or college, and recent test scores or a basic skills exam if applicable.
- 4Meet with a career advisorBook an appointment with the career advisor and complete the enrollment documents; if all requirements have been met you will be scheduled or placed on a waitlist.
- 5Purchase books and attend orientationPurchase books and supplies and complete student orientation before the program begins.
Program Schedule
Length. 750 clock hours; estimated completion time 9 months.
2026-2027 class dates. 8/17/2026 – 4/23/2027, M – F, 9:40AM – 2:40PM.
Start date. The program page gives the next start date as August 10, 2026.
Location. Treasure Coast Technical College, 4680 28th Court, Vero Beach, Florida 32967.
Classes that do not meet the minimum enrollment requirements may be canceled or postponed.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
|---|---|
| ACR0000 | Introduction to HVAC/R |
| ACR0001 | HVAC/R Fundamentals |
| ACR0012 | HVAC/R Service Practices |
| Totals |
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
This school: Treasure Coast Technical College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). It is operated by the School District of Indian River County; the state agency is the Florida Department of Education, Career and Adult Education.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Reviewed against independent standards
- Recognized by employers and licensing boards
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Estimated program cost. The 2026-2027 program brochure (dated 5/29/26) gives an estimated program cost of $3,875.00 for a Florida resident, matching the program page's Total Cost. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Tuition. Florida-resident tuition is $2,190.00 for 750 clock hours at $2.92 per hour.
Fees and other costs on the brochure.
- ID (annual): $5.00
- Material and Lab Fee: $1,100.00
- Registration Fee (non-refundable): $60.00
- Parking (annual) (if applicable): $15.00
- HVAC Excellence / EPA 608: $100.00
- Basic Skills Exam (if applicable): $20.00
- Graduation Fee: $25.00
- Textbooks: $360.00
Tuition rate. Florida residents are assessed tuition by the clock/clinical hour at the current rate set by the Florida Legislature. The current tuition rate for Career and Technical Education programs is $2.92 per clock hour; tuition includes a 10% financial aid fee, a 5% technology fee, and a 5% capital improvement fee. Tuition for non-Florida residents is $11.71 per clock hour. Students pay a non-refundable $30.00 registration fee.
Paying. Tuition is payable in full upon enrollment. Treasure Coast Technical College offers a convenient, interest free payment plan with a $50 non-refundable enrollment fee.
Aid the college accepts. Federal Pell Grant (for career certificate programs of at least 600 clock hours), Florida Bright Futures, the Florida Student Assistance Grant for career education (programs of 450 or more clock hours), the Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship, veterans benefits, and third-party billing to sponsoring agencies.
Money-Back Guarantee. Through the Florida Department of Education's Money-Back Guarantee Program, eligible students enrolled in designated TCTC workforce education programs may qualify for a refund of tuition if they are unable to obtain employment in their field of training within six months of completing their program. Employment is not guaranteed.
Refund policy. If TCTC cancels a class, or a class does not open as scheduled, 100% of all tuition and eligible fees will be refunded. Withdrawal through the closing of the third day of class receives 100% of all tuition and eligible fees; no fees will be refunded after the closing of the third day of class. Registration fees are non-refundable.
Curriculum
To receive a career certificate, students must earn a passing grade in all courses listed below. Each program is a planned sequence of Occupational Completion Points (OCPs).
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Total |
|---|---|---|
| ACR0000 | Introduction to HVAC/R | 250 |
| ACR0001 | HVAC/R Fundamentals | 250 |
| ACR0012 | HVAC/R Service Practices | 250 |
| Totals | 750 |
Career Outcomes
Credential. EPA Certification, HVAC Excellence and OSHA 10.
Employment requirements. To become employed, graduate from an approved HVAC program.
Upon completion with an overall average of 70% in the program, students will receive a career certificate in HVAC.
Treasure Coast Technical College offers short-term career training that prepares students for in-demand jobs; all programs incorporate work-based learning and provide the opportunity to earn recognized industry certifications and or licenses.
What to expect as a Treasure Coast Technical College student
Attendance. Due to the intensity and hands-on nature of our career programs, absenteeism and tardiness should be limited to emergency situations only. A student missing (6) consecutive scheduled classes will be withdrawn on the 7th day, and students who do not attend during the first three days of the program are removed as no-shows.
Grades. There is no probationary period nor conditions for re-entry for those students who are dismissed for unsatisfactory progress. Students are advised of their averages during the semester and can review their grades through the FOCUS student portal. The final grade is comprised of tests, quizzes, class work, homework, and projects.
Graduation. A Treasure Coast Technical College Career Certificate will be issued when the student has successfully completed the designated number of hours in the classroom and/or clinical settings, and has completed all OCPs with the necessary passing scores for the program.
Student expectations. Students are expected to attend school regularly and be punctual, come to class with all necessary materials and be prepared to learn, follow classroom and lab rules, treat other people and property with respect, and present a clean and neat appearance.
ID badges. All students must wear their TCTC identification badge, visible at all times while on campus; IDs are required to gain access to campus.
Other Programs at Vero Beach
Treasure Coast Technical College in Vero Beach, FL also offers these 9 programs at 4680 28th Court, Vero Beach, FL 32967.
- Baking & Pastry ArtsCertificate · 600 clock hours — 5 months
- Commercial Class B DrivingCertificate · 150 clock hours — 2-3 months (part-time)
- Medical AssistingCertificate · 765 clock hours — 7 months
- Nursing AssistantCertificate · 165 clock hours — 2-4 months
- Patient Care TechnicianCertificate · 600 clock hours — 6 months
- PhlebotomyCertificate · 165 clock hours — 2-4 months
- Practical NursingCertificate · 1,350 clock hours — 12 months
- Professional Culinary Arts & HospitalityCertificate · 1,200 clock hours — 11 months
- Welding TechnologyCertificate · 1,050 clock hours — 10 months