Becoming an HVAC Technician in Illinois

May 30, 2025

Last month we mentioned the 13 “lucky” benefits of becoming an HVAC technician in Illinois. These include numerous financial benefits as well as numerous non-financial benefits. Bottom line, it is a great career.

One of the benefits is it is very affordable and easy to get into the field. No need for a six-figure, four-year college degree (it shouldn’t cost you more than $20K). And you don’t even need a license in Illinois.

So here is what it takes.

The Basics

The first three very basic requirements for becoming an HVAC technician in Illinois are:

  1. You must be at least 18 years old, although a few places stipulate 16.
  2. You must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  3. You must have a valid driver’s license. Job listings may also require no major or frequent traffic violations or DUI citations in the last five years.

Training

There are a few training options for becoming an HVAC technician in Illinois:

  1. Complete an HVAC training program at a trade school, which usually takes six to nine months. This is the quickest way to get trained.
  2. Complete an HVAC training program at a community or technical college, which usually takes about two years.
  3. The best option is to receive on-the-job training with an HVAC company, for which you will be paid. These apprenticeships generally take two years.

Certifications

EPA Certification Core Section

For any certification, you must pass the Core Section of the EPA exam. It covers:

EPA Section 608

Any HVAC technician in Illinois handling controlled refrigerants found in refrigeration and AC systems must pass the EPA Section 608 Certification Exam, which is given by approved organizations that can be found on the EPA website. Hopefully your classroom training or on-the-job training will prepare you for this. There are four different levels of certification, based upon the type of equipment and refrigerants involved.

  1. Type I for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
  2. Type II for servicing high pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant.
  3. Type III for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
  4. Universal – which covers all three of the above.

NATE Certification

While not required when becoming an HVAC technician in Illinois, it is a good idea to receive certification from North American Technical Excellence (NATE) – a large, non-profit certification organization for HVAC technicians. This certification is broader than EPA certification. There are also four types of NATE certification:

  1. Ready-to-Work Certificate. Earn this after passing an online entry-level exam focusing on essential job skills.
  2. HVAC Support Technician. This certificate is for technicians working to advance their careers.
  3. Core and Specialty Test. This certificate is available for technicians with at least two years of experience.
  4. Senior Level Efficiency Analyst. This is the highest NATE certification, and applicants must hold at least two other NATE certifications before taking this exam.

Contact Ravinia Plumbing for a Career as a HVAC Technician

If you are looking for an outstanding career as a HVAC technician, Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric wants to talk with you. We offer opportunities for both apprenticeship and certified HVAC technicians. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 97 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to find out more.