Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
CERT - Occupational Certificate
Provides the student with the essential skills required for entry-level employees in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. Training in various aspects of air conditioning and refrigeration include trouble-shooting, maintenance, repair and servicing of A/C units, related electrical controlling devices, motors, and safety factors concerning the use of various refrigerants. Program curriculum is aligned with National Center for Construction Education Research standardized national skills standards for the construction trades.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate basic knowledge in air conditioning and refrigeration that will prepare them to obtain an entry-level position within the field and critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the obligations of workers, supervisors, and managers to ensure a safe work place (NCCER module 00101-09 – Basic Safety, subject to revision).
- Discuss the history of air conditioning and refrigeration.
- State the purpose of different refrigerants.
- Demonstrate an ability to identify HVAC electrical controls.
- Describe the installation and servicing of an air supply system.
- Describe the operation of a natural gas furnace.
- Describe the operation of a window air conditioning system.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of heat pump systems.
- Explain the purpose of estimating heating/cooling loads.
- Explain the theory of light commercial refrigeration systems.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office or with a Faculty Advisor.
First Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEC 100 | Core Curriculum Introductory Craft Skills | 5 | Major Requirement |
| ACR 101 | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 1 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ACR 103 |
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Motors, Circuits/Controls |
3 | Major Requirement |
| 11 |
Second Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACR 102 | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 2 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ACR 112 | Control Systems | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ACR 113 | Heating Technology | 3 | Major Requirement |
| 9 |
Third Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACR 201 | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 3 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ACR 202 | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 4 | 3 | Major Requirement |
| 6 |
Fourth Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACR 212 | Heat and Load Calculations and Duct Design | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ACR 213 | Light Commercial Systems | 3 | Major Requirement |
| TEC 165 | Employee and Occupational Safety | 3 | Major Requirement |
| WLD 104, 105, 106, or 109 | Techniques in Flux Core Arc Welding, Oxyacetylene Welding and Cutting, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, or Gas Metal Arc Welding | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 12 |