Commercial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Career Certificate Program (Program Code: 5630)
- In-Person
Courses available in person on Lake Worth campus.
Jump into a high-demand career with hands-on training in cooling and refrigeration.
Program Overview
Keep commercial buildings running smoothly with Palm Beach State College's Commercial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Career Certificate Program (CCP). This hands-on program trains you to install, repair and troubleshoot heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems (HVAC/R) in businesses and beyond.
Through targeted coursework and practical experience with equipment, you'll build in-demand skills and gain the confidence to tackle real-world challenges of the field. This program focuses on industry-relevant training that employers value, such as testing evaporative condensers, evaluating refrigeration systems and working with electrical systems.
Designed for established professionals looking to enhance their skillset, this certificate is a pathway to advanced credentials, positioning you for long-term career growth. This program is supported by the PBSC4C Grant Program from the U.S. Department of Labor Strengthening Community Colleges (SCC) Round 4 grant services, enhancing academic and professional success through skills training, industry partnerships and career success coaches.Program Details
- Admission requirements:
- Completion of the 750-hour Florida Department of Education Career & Technical Education (CTE) Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) 1 Career Certificate Program (CCP).
- Or professional experience as demonstrated and documented by EPA Section 608 Universal License.
- 3+ years of verifiable air conditioning and/or refrigeration field experience.
- To receive financial aid, a high school diploma or GED may be required.
- Location: On-site at Lake Worth campus
- Clock hours: 600
- Program Length: 22-week daytime program or 32-week evening program
- Start Terms: Fall and Spring
- Cost: Approximately $2,400 for Florida residents, including tuition, fees, books, uniforms and safety glasses. View tuition details.
- Financial aid and scholarships: Available to qualified students. Learn more about financial aid options.
This program is part of the Industry, Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation
(IMCT) Pathway. Learn More
Career Outlook
Upon completion, graduates can step into entry-level roles focused on installation, maintenance and repair of HVAC/R systems in commercial and industrial environments. You can begin as maintenance technicians, field service technicians and HVAC/R technicians. With experience and credentials, you can progress into more advanced and specialized roles, such as senior technicians or facilities maintenance leads.
This career path allows you to build on your expertise, making space for upward mobility, diverse job opportunities and long-term earning potential and growth.
Stackable Credentials
With a Commercial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration certificate, you can:
- Pursue advanced HVAC credentials, such as the HVAC Excellence credential, NATE Certified HVAC Professional credential and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) HVAC credential.
Why Choose PBSC?
- Affordable Tuition: PBSC offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Florida, making a career-focused technical education accessible to all.
- Career-Ready Mindset: Learn from expert faculty and graduate with the skills employers need in today's workforce.
- Supportive Community: Access internships, industry networking and daily interaction with faculty dedicated to your success.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Attend a mandatory program information session.
- Step 2: After you attend an information session, you may apply to the program by selecting Program Code 5630 for the Commercial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration CCP when you fill out PBSC's application on the Admissions webpage.
- Step 3: Meet with a Trade and Industry advisor.
- Step 4: Take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) exam if not exempt from TABE testing.




