Best HVAC Schools in Maryland

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want to work on heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, Maryland offers strong training options. HVAC technicians are in demand, and the right school can get you job-ready fast. Here's how to find the best HVAC programs and start working toward your license.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Maryland

In Maryland, you don't need a state license to work as an entry-level HVAC technician, but master-level work requires licensing through the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors. Many employers prefer or require certifications and formal training.

Here are the key steps:

  1. Complete HVAC training at a trade school or community college.
  2. Get EPA Section 608 Certification - required by federal law for anyone handling refrigerants 1.
  3. Work under a licensed contractor to gain on-the-job experience.
  4. Apply for state licensing if you plan to work as a journeyman, limited contractor, or master contractor.

Maryland HVAC Licensing Note:
To apply for a journeyman license, you typically need at least three years of experience under a licensed HVAC professional and to pass an exam, per the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors.

Choosing the Best HVAC School

The right HVAC program will cover:

  • Fundamentals of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration
  • Electrical principles and safety
  • Airflow measurement and ductwork
  • Refrigerant handling and recovery
  • Controls and thermostats
  • Troubleshooting and repair

When comparing schools, look at:

  • Accreditation (check for HVAC Excellence, PAHRA, or institutional accreditation)
  • Hands-on training and lab facilities
  • Job placement support
  • Length and flexibility (day, night, or weekend classes)
  • EPA 608 preparation included in the program

Top HVAC Schools in Maryland

Here are some of the strongest options for HVAC training in the state.

1. North American Trade Schools (NATS) - Baltimore

  • Program: HVACR Technology
  • Length: About 9 months full-time
  • Details: Offers hands-on training with commercial and residential equipment. Includes EPA Section 608 prep.
  • Website: www.natradeschools.edu

2. Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) - Multiple Campuses

  • Program: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
  • Length: Certificate and Associate Degree options
  • Details: Strong program with internships. Evening classes available.
  • Website: www.ccbcmd.edu

3. Montgomery College - Rockville

  • Program: Building Trades Technology - HVAC
  • Length: Certificate and AAS degree
  • Details: Focuses on both residential and commercial HVAC, refrigeration systems, and digital controls.
  • Website: www.montgomerycollege.edu

4. Lincoln Tech - Columbia

  • Program: HVAC Training
  • Length: Varies; diploma program available
  • Details: Combines classroom instruction with live equipment work. Offers career services.
  • Website: www.lincolntech.edu

5. Allegany College of Maryland - Cumberland

  • Program: Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating
  • Length: Associate Degree
  • Details: Well-rounded program that includes system design and energy efficiency.
  • Website: www.allegany.edu

Program Lengths at a Glance

School Program Type Typical Length
North American Trade Schools (NATS) Diploma 9 months
CCBC Cert / AAS 6-24 months
Montgomery College Cert / AAS 6-24 months
Lincoln Tech Diploma 9-12 months
Allegany College of Maryland AAS Degree 24 months

Getting EPA Section 608 Certified

If you plan to work on any system that uses refrigerant, you must be EPA Section 608 certified. There are four types of certification:

  1. Type I - Small appliances
  2. Type II - High-pressure systems
  3. Type III - Low-pressure systems
  4. Universal - Covers all types

Most schools in Maryland include this test as part of the program.

Maryland HVAC Career Path

Many HVAC professionals in Maryland start as helpers or apprentices. With experience, you can move into roles such as:

  • Service Technician
  • Installer
  • System Designer
  • Project Manager
  • Master HVACR Contractor

Having formal training can speed up your path to better jobs and licensing.

Safety and Compliance

Always follow OSHA safety rules when working on HVAC systems. This includes wearing proper PPE, using lockout/tagout procedures, and handling refrigerants according to EPA guidelines 2.

Warning: Venting refrigerants into the atmosphere is illegal and carries fines. Always recover refrigerants using approved equipment.

Final Advice

If you're serious about becoming an HVAC technician in Maryland, start by visiting a few schools to see their labs and talk to instructors. Ask about job placement rates and EPA 608 pass rates. The stronger the school's industry connections, the easier it will be to land your first job.

Here's what you need to do next:

  1. Make a short list of Maryland HVAC schools that fit your schedule.
  2. Contact admissions to learn about enrollment dates and costs.
  3. Apply and start your training.
  4. Get your EPA Section 608 certification.
  5. Begin working with a licensed contractor and log your experience hours.

The sooner you start training, the sooner you'll be working in the field.

  1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Section 608 Technician Certification." https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩

  2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. "Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Safety." https://www.osha.gov ↩

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