Elevate for Humanity
HVAC Technician Training Program
Competency Standards & Performance Requirements
Program Summary
The Elevate HVAC Technician Training Program is a 160-hour competency-based workforce development program that prepares students for entry-level HVAC technician positions. The program combines 110 hours of online theory instruction with 50 hours of supervised on-the-job training (OJT) at employer partner sites.
Students demonstrate mastery across 67 competencies organized into 7 domains. Theory competencies are assessed through quizzes and cumulative exams with a minimum 80% passing score. Performance competencies (19 total) require hands-on verification by a qualified OJT supervisor using standardized skill checksheets.
Upon successful completion, students earn six industry-recognized credentials: EPA 608 Universal Certification, OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety, CPR/First Aid/AED, NRF Rise Up Customer Service, and Elevate Residential HVAC Certification Levels 1 and 2.
Instructional Clock Hours
| Domain | Theory Hours | OJT Hours | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1: Safety & Regulatory Compliance | 14 | 6 | 20 |
| D2: Tools & Trade Math | 8 | 4 | 12 |
| D3: Electrical Fundamentals | 10 | 6 | 16 |
| D4: Refrigeration Cycle Principles | 14 | 8 | 22 |
| D5: Installation Procedures | 16 | 12 | 28 |
| D6: Diagnostics & Troubleshooting | 14 | 10 | 24 |
| D7: Refrigerant Handling & EPA Compliance | 34 | 4 | 38 |
| Total | 110 | 50 | 160 |
Theory hours are delivered via the Elevate LMS platform. OJT hours are completed at approved employer partner sites under qualified supervisor observation.
Hybrid Delivery Model
Online Theory (110 hours)
- Video instruction with closed captions (ADA compliant)
- Interactive reading materials and diagrams
- Module quizzes with 80% minimum passing score
- EPA 608 practice exams (25 questions per section)
- Cumulative mastery assessments at domain boundaries
- Sequential lesson locking — no skipping ahead
- 90% video completion required before advancing
On-the-Job Training (50 hours)
- Supervised hands-on practice at employer partner sites
- Standardized skill checksheets for each performance competency
- Qualified supervisor observation and sign-off
- Pass/Remediate scoring with documented remediation paths
- Minimum hour requirements per competency domain
- Employer partner evaluation of workplace readiness
Assessment Standards
Theory Assessments
- Minimum passing score: 80%
- Module quizzes: 10 questions each
- EPA 608 section exams: 25 questions each
- EPA 608 Universal exam: 105 questions
- Cumulative mastery exams at Modules 5, 10, and 13
- ESCO Group: $38/attempt. Mainstream Engineering: $26.51 online (unlimited free retests) or $31.82 paper
- Wrong-answer explanations for remediation
Performance Assessments (OJT)
- Scoring: Pass / Remediate
- Observed by qualified OJT supervisor
- Documented on standardized skill checksheets
- Supervisor signature and date required
- Remediation: additional practice + re-assessment
- 5 core performance checksheets required
Required Performance Checksheets:
- Brazing & Soldering (Competency 5.6)
- Manifold Gauge Reading (Competency 6.3)
- Refrigerant Charging (Competency 4.6)
- Leak Detection (Competency 6.4)
- System Startup & Verification (Competency 5.8)
Competency Domains & Standards
D1: Safety & Regulatory Compliance
12 competencies · 14h theory + 6h OJT
Identify program structure, credentials, and career pathways
Lessons: 1, 4, 94
Explain WIOA funding requirements and attendance policies
Lessons: 2
Describe HVAC career pathways and earning potential
Lessons: 3
Select and use appropriate PPE for HVAC work environments
Lessons: 7, 81OJT Verified
Complete OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification
Lessons: 77, 84Partner Cert Verified
Identify fall hazards and apply fall protection standards
Lessons: 78
Apply electrical safety procedures and lockout/tagout
Lessons: 79OJT Verified
Interpret SDS sheets and apply HazCom standards
Lessons: 80
Identify confined space and excavation hazards
Lessons: 82
Apply fire prevention and hot work safety procedures
Lessons: 83
Complete CPR/First Aid/AED certification
Lessons: 85, 87Partner Cert Verified
Administer basic first aid for common workplace injuries
Lessons: 86
D2: Tools & Trade Math
3 competencies · 8h theory + 4h OJT
Explain how heating, cooling, and ventilation systems function
Lessons: 5, 9
Identify and properly use HVAC hand tools and power tools
Lessons: 6OJT Verified
Identify major HVAC system components and their functions
Lessons: 8
D3: Electrical Fundamentals
4 competencies · 10h theory + 6h OJT
Apply Ohm's Law to calculate voltage, current, and resistance
Lessons: 10, 14
Read and interpret wiring diagrams and schematics
Lessons: 11
Use a multimeter and amp clamp to measure electrical values
Lessons: 12OJT Verified
Identify capacitors, contactors, and relays and explain their function
Lessons: 13
D4: Refrigeration Cycle Principles
6 competencies · 14h theory + 8h OJT
Identify the four components of the refrigeration cycle
Lessons: 5, 21, 26
Explain pressure-temperature relationship using PT charts
Lessons: 22
Compare reciprocating, scroll, and rotary compressor types
Lessons: 23
Identify TXV, piston, and capillary tube metering devices
Lessons: 24
Calculate superheat and subcooling from gauge readings
Lessons: 25OJT Verified
Perform refrigerant charging using weight and superheat methods
Lessons: 60OJT Verified
D5: Installation Procedures
9 competencies · 16h theory + 12h OJT
Explain gas furnace operation and combustion process
Lessons: 15, 20
Describe electric heat strip operation and sequencer function
Lessons: 16
Explain heat pump operation in heating mode including reversing valve
Lessons: 17
Design and install ductwork per ACCA Manual D standards
Lessons: 65, 70
Size HVAC equipment using Manual J load calculations
Lessons: 66
Perform brazing and soldering on copper refrigerant lines
Lessons: 67OJT Verified
Install refrigerant line sets with proper insulation and support
Lessons: 68OJT Verified
Execute system startup procedures and verify operation
Lessons: 69OJT Verified
Prepare for on-the-job training and internship requirements
Lessons: 93
D6: Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
12 competencies · 14h theory + 10h OJT
Perform combustion analysis and interpret results
Lessons: 18OJT Verified
Conduct furnace inspection using manufacturer checklist
Lessons: 19OJT Verified
Diagnose system faults using manifold gauge readings
Lessons: 61, 64OJT Verified
Perform leak detection using approved methods
Lessons: 62OJT Verified
Apply systematic troubleshooting methodology
Lessons: 71, 76
Diagnose common air conditioning failures
Lessons: 72
Diagnose common heating system failures
Lessons: 73
Resolve field troubleshooting scenarios using diagnostic data
Lessons: 74
Communicate technical findings to customers professionally
Lessons: 75, 88, 89
Prepare a trade-specific resume highlighting certifications
Lessons: 90, 95
Demonstrate professional interview skills for trade positions
Lessons: 91
Identify employer partners and apprenticeship opportunities
Lessons: 92
D7: Refrigerant Handling & EPA Compliance
21 competencies · 34h theory + 4h OJT
Explain ozone depletion and environmental impact of refrigerants
Lessons: 27, 34, 53, 55
Identify Clean Air Act Section 608 requirements and penalties
Lessons: 28
Apply refrigerant safety procedures including proper ventilation
Lessons: 29
Classify refrigerants by type, ODP, and GWP
Lessons: 30
Use pressure-temperature charts for common refrigerants
Lessons: 31
Demonstrate proper recovery, recycling, and reclamation procedures
Lessons: 32, 63OJT Verified
Explain refrigerant sales restrictions and certification requirements
Lessons: 33
Identify small appliance systems and refrigerant charge limits
Lessons: 35, 39, 54, 56
Apply Type I recovery requirements for small appliances
Lessons: 36
Operate self-contained recovery equipment
Lessons: 37OJT Verified
Identify leak repair exemptions for small appliances
Lessons: 38
Describe high-pressure system characteristics and components
Lessons: 40, 46, 54, 57
Apply Type II recovery requirements and evacuation levels
Lessons: 41, 45
Perform leak detection using electronic, ultrasonic, and UV methods
Lessons: 42OJT Verified
Execute proper evacuation procedures to required micron levels
Lessons: 43OJT Verified
Apply leak repair requirements for high-pressure systems
Lessons: 44
Describe low-pressure chiller system characteristics
Lessons: 47, 52, 54, 58
Apply Type III recovery requirements for low-pressure systems
Lessons: 48
Explain purge unit operation and non-condensable removal
Lessons: 49
Identify water management issues in low-pressure systems
Lessons: 50
Explain rupture disc and pressure relief device requirements
Lessons: 51
Credentials Awarded
EPA 608 Universal Certification
EPA-approved proctor · Federal
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
CareerSafe (OSHA-authorized) · Federal
CPR/First Aid/AED
HSI (OSHA-accepted) · National
NRF Rise Up Customer Service
National Retail Federation · National
Residential HVAC Certification Level 1
Elevate for Humanity · Program
Residential HVAC Certification Level 2
Elevate for Humanity · Program
Governance & Policies
Attendance: Students must complete all 95 lessons and accumulate the required OJT hours. Consecutive absence of 14+ days without communication results in administrative withdrawal.
Academic Integrity: All assessments must be completed independently. Sharing quiz answers or misrepresenting OJT performance results in disciplinary action up to program dismissal.
Grading: Theory assessments require 80% minimum. Performance assessments are Pass/Remediate. Students who do not pass a performance competency receive additional supervised practice and re-assessment.
ADA Compliance: All video content includes closed captions. Accommodations for documented disabilities are provided upon request through the student's case manager.
Grievance Procedure: Students may submit grievances through the LMS support portal or directly to program administration. All grievances receive written response within 5 business days.
Instructor Qualifications: All OJT supervisors hold a minimum of EPA 608 Universal Certification and 3+ years of field experience. Theory content is developed and reviewed by licensed HVAC professionals.
Elevate for Humanity · HVAC Technician Training Program · Competency Standards v1.0
This document is the intellectual property of Elevate for Humanity. Competency framework developed independently and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NCCER, AHRI, or any third-party credentialing body.