HVAC schools in California
54 schools in California report HVAC and refrigeration maintenance programs in the data sources on our methodology page, offering 66 programs across 43 cities, most of them in Bakersfield, Riverside, Fresno. By school type: 37 private for-profit, 5 public, 3 private nonprofit.
HVAC program types in California
- 32 Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years
- 25 Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year
- 9 Associate's degree
Award levels follow the U.S. Department of Education's categories. Many schools offer more than one.
How much does HVAC school cost in California?
32 programs in California publish a program-level price in our data, ranging from $1,135 to $26,377 (median $18,782). These are published tuition and fees, usually before books, tools and exam fees.
Prices come from federal and state data for the year shown on each school page. They change, and tools, books and certification exams can cost extra. See our HVAC school cost guide for how we calculate this.
HVAC licensing and certification in California
Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
- California licenses the contracting business. The C-20 classification, Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, covers fabricating, installing, maintaining, servicing and repairing warm-air heating systems, ventilating systems and air-conditioning systems.
Official sources (read November 11, 2026): CSLB: C-20 classification · CSLB: Get licensed to build. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you apply.
How to become an HVAC technician in California
HVAC schools by city in California
- HVAC schools in Bakersfield (3)
- HVAC schools in Riverside (3)
- HVAC schools in Fresno (2)
- HVAC schools in Huntington Park (2)
- HVAC schools in La Puente (2)
- HVAC schools in Los Angeles (2)
- HVAC schools in Ontario (2)
- HVAC schools in San Jose (2)
- HVAC schools in West Covina (2)
All 54 HVAC schools in California
Abram Friedman Occupational Center-LAUSD
American College of Healthcare and Technology
American College of Healthcare and Technology
Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education
California State University San Marcos Extended Learning
DeHart Technical School
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education
Institute for Business and Technology
InterCoast Colleges-Fairfield
InterCoast Colleges-Rancho Cordova
InterCoast Colleges-Riverside
InterCoast Colleges-West Covina
Mayfield College
National Career Education
National Polytechnic College
Richard N Slawson Occupational Center-LAUSD
San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield
San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia
San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster
San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario
San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage
San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula
San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia
Southern California Regional Occupational Center
UEI College-Bakersfield
UEI College-Chula Vista
UEI College-Garden Grove
UEI College-Huntington Park
UEI College-West Covina
Universal Technical Institute-Southern California
West Valley Occupational Center-LAUSD
Frequently asked questions about HVAC school in California
How many HVAC schools are in California?
HVAC School Finder lists 54 schools in California that report HVAC or refrigeration maintenance programs, offering 66 programs in total across 43 cities, with the most in Bakersfield, Riverside, Fresno. Schools appear in the list because they reported HVAC awards or are listed as approved training providers, not because we confirmed they are enrolling now.
How much does HVAC school cost in California?
32 programs in California publish a program-level price in our data, ranging from $1,135 to $26,377 (median $18,782). These are published tuition and fees, usually before books, tools and exam fees. Always confirm the current cost, including tools and fees, with the school.
What kinds of HVAC programs are offered in California?
Programs listed for California by award level: 32 certificate, 1 to less than 2 years; 25 certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year; 9 associate's degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says HVAC programs at technical schools and community colleges generally last from 6 months to 2 years.
Do I need a license to work as an HVAC technician in California?
Licensing in California is handled by Contractors State License Board (CSLB). California licenses the contracting business. The C-20 classification, Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, covers fabricating, installing, maintaining, servicing and repairing warm-air heating systems, ventilating systems and air-conditioning systems. Federal EPA Section 608 certification also applies to anyone who handles refrigerants.
General career data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Federal certification rule: 40 CFR 82.161. Browse all states.