There are a number of for-profit training institutes that offer appliance training. Training programs exist in air and refrigeration as well as electrical services.The length of programs vary depending on the state requirements and the type of training program, but tend to be no longer than one year if attended full time. Accredited programs offer financial aid. For example, the Bay State School of Technology's commercial air and refrigeration program requires 100 hours of electrical code and 100 hours of refrigeration code as per Massachusetts guidelines.
Appliance training can also be pursued at many community colleges. The course requirements tend to be the same as those at technical institutes. However, you have the advantage of a college setting to take additional courses and use broader resources. You might decide to turn your electronics repair certificate into an electrical engineering degree with additional coursework. Financial aid is also available.
Online programs also offer opportunities to get a certificate or diploma in appliance repair. Few jobs will let you start working without some on-the-job training as well, so the lack of a formal classroom setting may not be a disadvantage. They also allow you to work at your own pace and sign in to complete coursework any time of the day or evening, from anywhere in the country. Online programs may not offer financial aid.
You may be able to get appliance training directly from an appliance manufacturer. This will enable you to become specialized and certified to repair particular brands and models. Los Medanos College in Pittsburgh, California offers training programs sponsored by Whirlpool. Students get hands-on training using these appliances in refrigeration, electrical and cooking products. Some companies will offer additional two-three weeks of on-the-job training programs sponsored by manufacturers as well.
If you are interested in working with refrigerants, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that you pass an exam that demonstrates your competency in handling refrigerants. Verify that this exam is administered by your trade school or college program. It may also be offered by an employer.
Certification is not required to become an appliance repair person. However, several national organizations offer certification exams that may supplement your appliance training school program and be advantageous when you are looking for a job. The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) offers the National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC) which uses a written format to see how well you diagnose problems and repair appliances. The Professional Service Association (PSA) offers a similar exam that can earn you the title of Master Certified Appliance Professional (MCAP) .