Despite ever changing technology and job markets, two things people will always need are heating and air conditioning. Due to this fact, becoming an HVAC technician is one way to obtain a very stable career. However, to become an HVAC technician, you first need to obtain an HVAC certification. To learn how, follow the steps outlined below. The first step is deciding whether or not you have the commitment and dedication that will be required to obtain an HVAC technician. Part of this will be a monetary commitment. To gain an HVAC certification, you must become very knowledgeable on the subject of heating systems, ventilation systems, and air conditioning systems. To gain this knowledge, you must take training courses. These will cost money. At this point, you will need to find an HVAC training program to enroll in. Many such programs can be found at technical schools. In fact, you may even be able to complete one at an online university. Examples of schools that offer courses that teach students how to design, build, maintain, and repair HVAC systems include Arizona Western College, Albany Technical College, the College of Dupane, and Utah Valley State College. Such a program must be completed to receive your certification. However, that's only part of it. You'll also need to obtain an apprenticeship with an already licensed HVAC technician. This will allow a person to gain first hand experience dealing with HVAC systems that cannot be replicated in a classroom or a textbook. The length of such an apprenticeship can vary. However, in general, they should last from six months to two years. After the apprenticeship, a person needs to complete one last step. This is taking and passing the HVAC certification exam. Such a test can be finished in person. However, certification tests in certain areas may be able to be completed online as well. Overall, passing this test is crucial. A person should spend a good deal of time studying to prepare for the test. Once the test has been passed, that person should contact his or her state to apply for an official license. If the previous steps were completed correctly, the application should be approved.