Program Details Page Commercial Refrigeration Technology Certificate

NOT ACCEPTING ENROLLMENTS FOR FALL 2025

Welcome to the Program Page dedicated to the Commercial Refrigeration Technology program! This page is designed to give an overview of what the quarter will look like based on the starting point in the year. Click on one of the desired tabs below to view the course schedule. This information may be subject to change at any time without notice; please contact your adviser for more information regarding the courses.

Bookstore Information

a picture of an open book Information regarding the materials can be found at the RTC bookstore. Just fill in the course information and you will be set!

The bookstore has what you need in regards to materials so be sure to check it out! It is always better to be prepared than to wait last second to buy your materials!

General Overview

When can I start? Fall (September) or Spring (April)

How long is the program? 4 quarters (up to14 months) with 50 total credits

When do classes meet? Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 to 8 P.M., with some online classes

You learn how to check and repair equipment in our HVAC training facility. You study electrical theory, safe handling of refrigerants, and diagnostic procedures for commercial chiller systems. This program is accredited by the Professional Service Association, a national appliance industry organization.

What does a refrigeration technician do?

What is the average salary?

$75,500 annually in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn at least $47,660; there is a wide salary range.

Who can I contact with questions?

New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Commercial Refrigeration Technology.

(Links to an external site.)

Overall Materials Needed:

Access to a functioning laptop or computer (you may use computers on the RTC campus)
Working internet connection
Textbooks and software ($680)
Tools and calculator ($500)

Materials Warning

Some materials on this page are listed as TBD, which means that the materials have yet to be determined. Please consult your instructor on what textbooks or materials are required for the class. If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!

Mobile Browser Information

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Fall start (closed for new enrollment)

Quarter 1

[Fall] Quarter 1 Course Information
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COL 101	College Success	NO	2
CBE 101	Fundamentals of Electricity and Lab	YES	6
WTD 168	Math for Trades	NO	4

Quarter 2

[Winter] Quarter 2 Course Information
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
HVAC 107	Refrigeration Fundamentals	YES	6
HVAC 251	Light Commercial Refrigeration Service	YES	6
WTD 180	Human Relations for Trades	NO	2

Quarter 3

[Spring] Quarter 3 Course Information
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
HVAC 111	Control Fundamentals	YES	7
HVAC 213	Motor Control Principles and Lab	YES	5

Quarter 4

[Fall] Quarter 4 Course Information.
It's time to apply for graduation!
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
HVAC 115	HVAC Systems & Lab	YES	5
HVAC 116	HVAC/Plumbing Distribution & Lab	YES	5
HVAC 228	EPA Regulations and Refrigerant Recovery	YES	1
WTD 175	Communication for Trades	NO	1

Grand Total Estimate: $9,059

Spring start (closed for new enrollment)

Quarter 1

[Spring] Quarter 1 Course Information
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COL 101	College Success	NO	2
CBE 101	Fundamentals of Electricity and Lab	YES	6
WTD 168	Math for Trades	NO	4

Quarter 2

[Fall] Quarter 2 Course Information
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
WTD 175	Communication for Trades	NO	1
HVAC 115	HVAC Systems & Lab	YES	5
HVAC 116	HVAC/Plumbing Distribution & Lab	YES	5
HVAC 228	EPA Regulations and Refrigerant Recovery	YES	1

Quarter 3

[Winter] Quarter 3 Course Information
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
HVAC 107	Refrigeration Fundamentals	YES	6
HVAC 251	Light Commercial Refrigeration Service	YES	6
WTD 180	Human Relations for Trades	NO	2

Quarter 4

[Fall] Quarter 4 Course Information.
It's time to apply for graduation!
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
HVAC 111	Control Fundamentals	YES	7
HVAC 213	Motor Control Principles and Lab	YES	5

Grand Total Estimate: $9,069

Winter 2026 NEW

Check back for more information about our NEW:

HVAC-R Technician Certificate (3 quarters)
HVAC-R Technician AAS Degree (6 quarters)

New enrollment starting Winter 2026!

Not quite the career path you want to take? Let's go back to the Program Map!

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