HVAC/R Technician program at our Riverside Main Campus — pathway to EPA Section 608 certification.
9-module curriculum covering math, electrical, refrigeration, heat pumps, and commercial HVAC. Both lead instructors hold EPA Universal certification. Students may take the EPA Section 608 exam (Types I, II, III) prior to graduation.
Start your HVAC application
Learn more about Certification Details and the programs. An admissions advisor will follow up during business hours.
By submitting, I’m 18+ and consent to be contacted by ACH about enrollment by phone, text, or email — including via automated systems. Consent is not required to enroll.Full consent & privacy terms →
From curriculum to credential — what’s covered
EPA 608 certification path
Program curriculum aligned to EPA Universal certification.
Diploma + EPA 608 credential
Graduate with your diploma and EPA certification in hand.
Industry-recognized certification
EPA 608 Universal — the credential HVAC employers look for.
Inside the HVAC/R Technician program
Why students choose our Riverside Main Campus
Four reasons our HVAC/R Technician program stands out to students deciding between schools.
9-module curriculum
720 clock hours covering math, electrical, refrigeration, heat pumps, commercial HVAC, and troubleshooting — aligned with EPA 608 exam topics.
Hands-on with real equipment
Train on real refrigeration, heating, and electrical systems — preparing you for the EPA 608 graduation requirement.
Hands-on practical training
Heat pump service, refrigeration systems, electrical troubleshooting, EPA 608 exam prep. Simulation labs with real-world HVAC scenarios.
Expert faculty
The HVAC/R program is taught by EPA Universal-certified instructors with industry field experience.
Multiple ways to pay
Every HVAC/R Technician applicant is screened for federal aid, VA benefits, and WIB funding.
Federal Aid (FAFSA)
Title IV federal financial aid. We help you complete the FAFSA at no cost.
VA / GI Bill®
Approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education. DOD Tuition Assistance also accepted.
Workforce Investment Board
Qualifying students referred by local WIB agencies pay — a reduction.
Other paths
Worker’s Compensation, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and periodic payment plans available.
From form to first day in 4 steps
Submit the form to get started. Here’s the enrollment path:
Submit the form
Name and phone — simple one-step form.
Admissions call
An advisor follows up. Questions, start dates, funding eligibility.
Tour the campus
See the labs and meet faculty before enrolling.
Enroll & start
Sign agreement, finalize funding, arrive Day 1.
9-module curriculum
720 clock hours, 36 weeks, 54 credits — covering math, electrical theory, electric heat, air conditioning, gas heat, heat pumps, commercial AC, refrigeration, and troubleshooting. Students may take the EPA Section 608 Certification test (Types I, II, III) prior to graduation.
Source: ACH School Catalog 2025–2026, pages 56–57, 67–68. Curriculum subject to revision; verify current modules in the most recent catalog.
Federal certification pathway
Under Section 608 of the U.S. Clean Air Act, technicians who service equipment containing refrigerants must be EPA Section 608-certified. The HVAC/R curriculum at ACH includes coverage of the topics tested on this federal certification exam.
Federally required for refrigerant work
Issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Types I, II, III, and Universal certifications. Required by federal law to service refrigeration equipment. Independent EPA-approved testing organizations administer the exam.
EPA Universal-certified instructors
Both lead instructors at ACH (Brian Jackson, AS — Riverside; Jose Zalapa — Huntington Park) hold EPA Universal certification per the ACH School Catalog 2025–2026.
ACH does not issue, administer, or guarantee the EPA Section 608 certification. The certification is issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through approved testing organizations (e.g., ESCO Institute, Mainstream Engineering). Eligibility, exam scheduling, and exam fees are determined by the testing organization. Source: 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F; ACH School Catalog 2025–2026, page 73 (faculty roster).
HVAC/R Technicians work at:
Per the U.S. Department of Labor occupational profile (SOC 49-9021.01), hvac/r technicians are employed across:
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics O*NET database (onetonline.org). ACH does not guarantee employment in any specific role or setting.
Learn from experienced HVAC/R Technician faculty
Brian Jackson, AS
HVAC Lead Instructor (Riverside)
EPA Universal certified
HVAC instructors at ACH are EPA Universal certified and teach with real equipment: heat pumps, commercial refrigeration, gas heat, electrical training.
Riverside Main Campus
Campus details
Designation: Main
Address: 11801 Pierce St, Suite 100, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (888) 430-4224
VA approved: California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education
WIB partnership: Yes — eligible students may receive reduced tuition via WIB partner agencies
Lab equipment on site
- Heat pump training units
- Commercial refrigeration systems
- Gas heating trainers
- Electrical training boards
- EPA 608 exam prep tools
- Diagnostic equipment (gauges, multimeters)
- [VERIFY: additional HVAC equipment]
Enrollment questions
When does the next class start?
Cohorts start regularly at the Riverside campus. Submit the form to get the next confirmed start date from admissions.
How can I pay for the program?
Federal aid (FAFSA), GI Bill®, WIB funding, payment plans, and other options are available for eligible students. Contact admissions for current tuition information.
Do I need a high school diploma?
Yes — high school diploma, GED, or CHSPE. Contact admissions for special circumstances.
What happens after I submit the form?
An admissions advisor will reach out during business hours. A campus tour and personal interview are required before enrollment.
Can I take classes online?
The HVAC/R Technician program is primarily in-person. We offer some online content, but lab work and externship are on-campus. Contact admissions for details.
Ready to enroll at Riverside?
Submit the form and an admissions advisor will follow up during business hours.
►Speak with admissionsGet Certification Details