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Best refrigeration technician certifications
The best certifications for a refrigeration technician are EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA), Journeyman Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, and HVAC Master Specialist.
Refrigeration technician certifications demonstrate your competency as a refrigeration technician to employers. However, not all refrigeration technician certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best refrigeration technician certifications. Obtaining a refrigeration technician certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
12 best certifications for refrigeration technicians
12 best refrigeration technician certifications
1. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
A comprehensive, equipment specific safety program designed to provide operators and their employees with a thorough understanding of best risk management practices. Industry accidents, which serve to put a spotlight on potential issues, can often be avoided through the utilization of proper risk management techniques.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Journeyman Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Originally a P.I.P.E. Certification since January 1986, this certification has been issued by NITC since 1998. A certificate and photo-id card is issued upon successful completion of all requirements.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
3. HVAC Master Specialist
A written exam indicates whether a technician has retained the knowledge to be competent, but not whether they are competent. Just as new drivers take a written exam and a road test to demonstrate their knowledge and skill, Master Specialists are required to go beyond a written test and demonstrate their skill and workmanship. The analogy would be knowing which solder to use and then demonstrating that you can solder tubing that is structurally sound and leak free. The Master Specialist program requires a technician to demonstrate retained knowledge and prove that they can apply that knowledge through skill verification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. Commercial Refrigeration Specialist
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
5. Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
6. Transit Bus Technician: Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
To identify and recognize those Transit Bus Technicians who demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair various systems on transit buses.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
7. Air Conditioning Service Certification
Tests a candidate's knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems. System sizes are limited to 30 tons or less cooling capacity.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
8. Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Professional
If you are an EPA-certified installer, then the BPI Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Professional certification is the right next step for you. By achieving this certification, you will prove that you understand the role of refrigerant-based mechanical systems and their interaction with other building systems.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
9. Heating Professional
Through the Heating Professional certification, you will optimize, and verify, the installation, operation, and maintenance of heating equipment in relation to other building systems. The Heating Professional certification helps the professional save the occupant energy and money, and ensure occupant comfort, health, and safety. The Heating Professional certification addresses buildings with up to four (4) residential units.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO)
Operator Assistant has basic knowledge to function in an engine room.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
11. Operator Certification
Operator Certification is an intensive six-day training program that educates operators in the correct applications and techniques for safe, competent operation of sawing and drilling equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
12. Universal R-410A Certification
R410A operates at considerably higher pressures than R22 and requires the use of special tanks, gauges and recovery equipment. R-410A systems employ thicker walled tubing, newly de d compressors and a higher grade oil that requires different installation and service procedures. Technicians must understand the safe handling, proper charging procedures, and operating characteristics of R410A systems.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
What is the best certification for a refrigeration technician?
The best refrigeration technician certification is EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA). The EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) is awarded by the Event Planners Association. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this refrigeration technician certification:
- To become a certified EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for refrigeration technicians?
The most in-demand refrigeration technician certification is Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator based on all active job postings. Having this refrigeration technician certification will give you access to more refrigeration technician jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a refrigeration technician career and salary?
The Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Professional certification will help you to secure a service technician position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A service technician's average salary is $37,173 whereas refrigeration technicians make an average salary of $50,701.
The most common combination of refrigeration technician certifications include: EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA), Journeyman Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, and HVAC Master Specialist.
Online courses for refrigeration technicians to earn certifications
1. Refrigeration & Air conditioning - Design and calculation
Refrigeration and HVAC fundamentals, design and calculation for commercial and industrial application...
2. Basic Refrigeration and Troubleshooting
Learn about the refrigeration cycle and apply what you have learned to troubleshoot any refrigeration system...
3. HVAC Fundamentals and BMS Controls
Build your knowledge systematically, from the working principles of HVAC to optimizing a chiller plant operation...
4. Rotating Equipment Masterclass: Pumps & Compressors
A compelete understanding of pumps & compressors used in process industries for a successful operation of your facility...
5. HVAC Psychrometry, Air Handling System and Duct Selection
Build your knowledge systematically, from building cooling load estimation, to sizing and selection of AHU and ductings...
6. Electrical Control & Protection Systems
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...
7. Advanced Process Control & Safety Instrumented Systems SIS
Learn how the main process equipment such as chemical reactors , pumps , compressors & heat exchangers are controlled...
8. Start Improving Customer Service
Creating a Customer Service advantage in Your department or business through communication and Customer Management...
9. Customer Service Foundation
An introductory course about understanding the foundations of Customer Service...
10. Air Insulated Electrical Substation Design
This course will give you a great appreciation of Air Insulated Substations and how all of the equipments fit together...
11. HVAC (PART1) with HAPExcelAutoCADManual Calculations
A Practical Guide in the Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning with Programs & Layouts (Including 4 Practical Projects)...
12. Customer Service & Support For Customer Service Executives
Learn Customer Service Skills & Provide Excellent Customer Support, Customer Experience & How To Manage Upset Customers...
13. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide
Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...
14. Customer Service Mastery: Delight Every Customer
Master Customer Service using this practical customer care course...
15. BMS - Building management system
BMS, building management system & building automation systems study , design and calculations...
16. Customer Service Fundamentals: Putting People First
Customer Care Listening Great Customer Service Concern for Others Company Culture Engaging People Responding...
17. Customer Service Basics: Improve your Service now
The basic golden rules to kickstart your service...
18. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System
Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...
19. Customer Service
How to Approach New Customers and Maintain Existing Ones...
20. HVAC (PART2) with Revit MEP & Practical Projects
your Practical Guide in the Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning with Programs & Layouts (A Complete Project Included)...