HVAC schools in Virginia
35 schools in Virginia report HVAC and refrigeration maintenance programs in the data sources on our methodology page, offering 54 programs across 29 cities, most of them in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton. By school type: 20 public, 8 private for-profit, 2 private nonprofit.
HVAC program types in Virginia
- 28 Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year
- 14 Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years
- 7 Certificate, less than 12 weeks
- 4 Associate's degree
- 1 Certificate, 2 to less than 4 years
Award levels follow the U.S. Department of Education's categories. Many schools offer more than one.
How much does HVAC school cost in Virginia?
1 program in Virginia publish a program-level price in our data, ranging from $13,736 to $13,736 (median $13,736). These are published tuition and fees, usually before books, tools and exam fees.
For the 17 public schools where federal data gives a school-wide in-state tuition figure (2023-24), tuition and required fees ranged from $4,835 to $5,714 per academic year (median $4,928). That covers all programs at the school, not only HVAC.
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 Virginia
Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR), Tradesmen program.
- The Board for Contractors regulates individual HVAC tradesmen, and state certification of the trades is mandatory, not optional. Individuals may also be subject to local ordinances.
- Since April 1, 2025, new Residential HVAC Mechanic licenses (residential structures only, no commercial work) give an additional pathway. They require less experience and vocational training than a journeyman license and can be a step toward journeyman status.
Official sources (read November 11, 2026): Virginia DPOR: Tradesmen program. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you apply.
How to become an HVAC technician in Virginia
HVAC schools by city in Virginia
All 35 HVAC schools in Virginia
Advanced Technology Institute
Central Virginia Community College
Centura College-Chesapeake
Centura College-Newport News
Centura College-Virginia Beach
Centura CollegeChesapeake Norfolk, Peninsula
Danville Community College
Laurel Ridge Community College
Mountain Empire Community College
Mountain Gateway Community College
Northern Virginia Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Southern Virginia Higher Education Ctr
Southside Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College
Tidewater Community College
Tidewater Tech-East Little Creek
Virginia Highlands Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Virginia Western Community College
Frequently asked questions about HVAC school in Virginia
How many HVAC schools are in Virginia?
HVAC School Finder lists 35 schools in Virginia that report HVAC or refrigeration maintenance programs, offering 54 programs in total across 29 cities, with the most in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton. 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 Virginia?
1 program in Virginia publish a program-level price in our data, ranging from $13,736 to $13,736 (median $13,736). These are published tuition and fees, usually before books, tools and exam fees. For the 17 public schools where federal data gives a school-wide in-state tuition figure (2023-24), tuition and required fees ranged from $4,835 to $5,714 per academic year (median $4,928). That covers all programs at the school, not only HVAC. Always confirm the current cost, including tools and fees, with the school.
What kinds of HVAC programs are offered in Virginia?
Programs listed for Virginia by award level: 28 certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year; 14 certificate, 1 to less than 2 years; 7 certificate, less than 12 weeks; 4 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 Virginia?
Licensing in Virginia is handled by Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR), Tradesmen program. The Board for Contractors regulates individual HVAC tradesmen, and state certification of the trades is mandatory, not optional. Individuals may also be subject to local ordinances. Since April 1, 2025, new Residential HVAC Mechanic licenses (residential structures only, no commercial work) give an additional pathway. They require less experience and vocational training than a journeyman license and can be a step toward journeyman status. 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.