Training programs in Alabama focus on basic refrigeration and HVAC operations, compressor operations, heat pump systems, reading blue prints, residential air conditioning and commercial refrigeration. Lawson State Community College's campuses in Birmingham and Bessemer offer HVAC training that leads to one of the following: short certificate (23 credit hours), long certificate (52 credit hours) and an associate in occupational technologies (75 credit hours). For Lawson State CC students, field training is achieved through an internship. Alabama Power Company, based in Verbena, offers online and mentor-based HVAC training. The Alabama Power and Lawson State CC training programs include a preparatory class for the state of Alabama HVAC contractor's certification exam.
For entry into Lawson State CC, students must apply and be admitted into the college. Candidates must possess a high school diploma or passing score on the general education deficiency (GED). The Alabama board of education requires all students to provide a form of identification before being admitted. There are no entrance requirements for HVAC training with Alabama Power; however, some classes may have prerequisites.
As of October 2010, Alabama Power training classes range from $150 to $820. Students who attend Lawson State CC pay $91 per semester hour for tuition. Once fees are added, the cost is $129 per semester hour.