HVAC schools in Washington
29 schools in Washington report HVAC and refrigeration maintenance programs in the data sources on our methodology page, offering 51 programs across 19 cities, most of them in Spokane, Bellevue, Lacey. By school type: 11 public, 2 private nonprofit, 1 private for-profit.
HVAC program types in Washington
- 14 Certificate, less than 12 weeks
- 11 Credential not specified
- 9 Associate's degree
- 8 Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years
- 7 Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year
- 2 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 Washington?
3 programs in Washington publish a program-level price in our data, ranging from $11,500 to $45,556 (median $21,500). These are published tuition and fees, usually before books, tools and exam fees.
For the 7 public schools where federal data gives a school-wide in-state tuition figure (2023-24), tuition and required fees ranged from $4,057 to $6,723 per academic year (median $5,569). 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 Washington
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical program.
- In Washington, HVAC and refrigeration work is licensed through the L&I electrical program. Under WAC 296-46B-940, L&I issues specialty electrician certificates of competency that include HVAC/refrigeration (06A) and HVAC/refrigeration, restricted (06B).
- To work in the electrical construction trade you must hold a current certificate of competency or an electrical training certificate, and a trainee must work under a supervising electrician certified in the right specialty.
Official sources (read November 11, 2026): WAC 296-46B-940: Electrician, certificate of competency required. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you apply.
How to become an HVAC technician in Washington
HVAC schools by city in Washington
- HVAC schools in Spokane (4)
- HVAC schools in Bellevue (2)
- HVAC schools in Lacey (2)
- HVAC schools in Lakewood (2)
- HVAC schools in Pasco (2)
- HVAC schools in Renton (2)
- HVAC schools in Tacoma (2)
- HVAC schools in Yakima (2)
All 29 HVAC schools in Washington
Bates Technical College
Central Washington University Continuing Education
Clover Park Technical College
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington-HVAC
Eastern Washington-Northeast Oregon Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Committee
Greater Puget Sound Electrical Workers Apprenticeship Committee
Greater Western Washington Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Committee
Inland Empire Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry Apprenticeship Training Com
Northeastern Washington-Northern Idaho Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Committee
Northwest HVAC/R Training Center
Seattle Area Plumbers Housing Plumbers, Pipefitters, HVACRefrigeration Me
Walla Walla Community College
Wenatchee Valley College
Frequently asked questions about HVAC school in Washington
How many HVAC schools are in Washington?
HVAC School Finder lists 29 schools in Washington that report HVAC or refrigeration maintenance programs, offering 51 programs in total across 19 cities, with the most in Spokane, Bellevue, Lacey. 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 Washington?
3 programs in Washington publish a program-level price in our data, ranging from $11,500 to $45,556 (median $21,500). These are published tuition and fees, usually before books, tools and exam fees. For the 7 public schools where federal data gives a school-wide in-state tuition figure (2023-24), tuition and required fees ranged from $4,057 to $6,723 per academic year (median $5,569). 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 Washington?
Programs listed for Washington by award level: 14 certificate, less than 12 weeks; 11 credential not specified; 9 associate's degree; 8 certificate, 1 to less than 2 years. 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 Washington?
Licensing in Washington is handled by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Electrical program. In Washington, HVAC and refrigeration work is licensed through the L&I electrical program. Under WAC 296-46B-940, L&I issues specialty electrician certificates of competency that include HVAC/refrigeration (06A) and HVAC/refrigeration, restricted (06B). To work in the electrical construction trade you must hold a current certificate of competency or an electrical training certificate, and a trainee must work under a supervising electrician certified in the right specialty. 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.