Key Takeaways
The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Certificate of Achievement at Palomar College - Escondido Center is a in-person certificate program lasting 1 year with tuition of $736.
Sixteen-unit Certificate of Achievement in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration covering system components and their interrelated functions, safety, service procedures, tools and equipment. A shorter four-class "workforce ready" endorsement can be completed in as little as one semester on the way to the full certificate.
At $736 in total tuition, this program is below the California median of $3,200. Its 1 year timeline is shorter than the state norm of 1.2 years. It includes financial aid.
HVAC technicians in California earn a median of $57,180 per year (BLS OEWS), ranging from about $38,170 early in a career to over $81,370 for seasoned techs — so a program at this price point typically pays for itself within the first year or two on the job.
Upon completion you will earn a certificate in HVAC/R. This in-person program takes 1 year to complete.