Frequently Asked

Questions, Answered Straight.

No fine-print games. Here’s exactly how the 6-month program, the all-inclusive tuition, the certificates, and the rules actually work.

Do I need any HVAC experience to enroll?
No. The program assumes zero prior knowledge and builds from safety and fundamentals up. About a third of the people it's built for have never picked up a multimeter before Month 1.
How long is the program?
Six months across 24 weeks. 34 instructor-led video lessons — five core lessons per month over six months, plus four added workforce-readiness lessons — with monthly exams and a monthly Certificate of Completion. Plan on roughly 8-10 hours a week to stay on pace.
What's included in tuition?
Everything: the 6-month program and all 34 video lessons, the required hard-copy textbook, OSHA 10 access and EPA 608 exam access (coordinated through approved third-party providers), worksheets and forms, monthly Certificates of Completion, and your final Tru Tradesman's Institute Certificate of Completion.
Does the Institute issue my OSHA 10 or EPA 608 credential?
No. Tru Tradesman's Institute prepares you and funds/coordinates your access through approved third-party providers. The providers administer the exams and issue the credentials. Passing is up to you.
What certificate do I get from the Institute?
A monthly Certificate of Completion for each of the six months, plus a final Certificate of Completion once all requirements are met. These document completion of Institute coursework only — they are not a state license, contractor license, EPA certification, or OSHA card.
Is the textbook really required?
Yes. Every student uses a hard copy of Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology, 9th Edition, 2021. It's included in your tuition.
How does payment work?
Pay in full or use a payment plan. On a payment plan, access stays active while payments are current; missed payments can pause platform access, certificates, provider coordination, and final approval until the account is brought current.
What's the refund policy?
Enrollment deposits and tuition secure platform access, materials, and reserved capacity. Once a textbook, OSHA 10 access, or EPA 608 access has been purchased or assigned, those costs may be non-refundable. Refund requests are reviewed case by case in writing.
Will this get me a job or a license?
No program can guarantee that, and we won't pretend otherwise. Completion does not guarantee employment, income, licensure, contractor qualification, or independent work authority. What it does is make you a prepared, apprentice-ready candidate.
What are the student conduct rules?
Show up, complete lessons in sequence, follow all safety/PPE/field rules and chain of command, never perform side work under the school's name, and never represent yourself as licensed or certified beyond your actual credentials.
Is there field or lab work?
Field and lab activity is apprentice-level and supervised only. Students may not touch equipment or perform live electrical, refrigerant, or brazing work unless authorized and supervised by an instructor or lead technician.
What are the other trades I see marked 'coming soon'?
Electrical, Plumbing, Culinary, Music Production, and Media + Web Design are in build for 2026-2027. Join the waitlist for the one you want — it doesn't affect HVAC.

Still Have A Question?

Ask A Working Tech.

If it’s not answered here, reach out — a working tech from the Institute will get back to you, usually within one business day.