Households and businesses in Maine and throughout New England depend on efficient, well-maintained air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration equipment. Demand for skilled A/C and refrigeration technicians is higher than ever and will only grow over time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the HVAC-R industry will add more than 400,000 jobs this decade.
Through three 1-week courses, the MEMA Technical Education Center can provide all-inclusive training to prepare you for a fulfilling career in A/C and heat pump installation and service.
When you enroll in MTEC’s A/C and Heat Pump Certification courses, you can access our knowledgeable instructors and 4,300-square-foot state-of-the-art hands-on training facility. You will also receive a comprehensive education on today’s high-efficiency cooling systems and heat pumps.
Not only that — you can receive the skills and support needed to get your EPA Section 608 Certification and all requirements to become a registered vendor through Efficiency Maine (to be eligible for heat pump rebates). We then help you connect with our 300 member companies. They count on MTEC to refer skilled, committed candidates.
Almost all our students find work right after completing the program—some even before they’re finished!
In short, MTEC provides more than A/C and Heat Pump courses. We put you in a position to succeed and help you get into the room with HVAC-R companies eager to hire our students.
The foundation of this program consists of three classes.
Introduction to A/C and Heat Pumps
This five-day course is designed for individuals with no prior experience in air conditioning or heat pumps. No prerequisites are required to take this course.
The course begins with the fundamentals of the Basic Refrigeration Cycle and progresses into essential installation procedures, including pipe joining, wiring, and system preparation. By the end of the week, students will have completed a full installation of a standard split A/C system — gaining the hands-on skills needed to confidently enter the field.
EPA 608 Technician Certification
This in-person, four-day course provides an overview of air conditioning processes and refrigerants while preparing students for the EPA Section 608 Certification exam — required to handle and purchase refrigerants. Testing takes place on the final day of class, and exam retakes are included.
Earning your EPA Certification is an essential first step toward qualifying for today’s high-demand A/C and refrigeration careers. If you already hold this certification, you may skip this course and move directly into the next part of the program.
Mini Split Installer Training
Mini Split Installer Training (formally called 40h Heat Pump Training) is a five-day course that provides comprehensive instruction on the installation and servicing of today’s high-efficiency mini split heat pump (MSHP) systems. Students gain a full-spectrum understanding of modern electric heat pump technology, from proper installation practices to essential service procedures.
This course meets the training requirements to become a registered vendor through Efficiency Maine and eligible to offer customers rebates.
Prerequisite: EPA Section 608 Certification is required prior to enrollment.
In addition to our three core classes in the A/C & Heat Pump Program, MTEC offers specialized workforce development trainings for A/C and Heat Pump technicians. These courses are designed to keep professionals current with industry standards, new technologies, and evolving rebate requirements.
This hands-on course covers the regulations and safe handling of flammable refrigerants, including A2L and hydrocarbon refrigerants. As the HVACR industry shifts toward more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerants, additional training is essential for safe and compliant use.
Tailored to meet the latest rebate requirements for whole-home heat pump installations, this workshop provides practical skills for:
Each participant receives the ACCA Manual D Duct Design Guide, a valuable reference during and after the class. Perfect for technicians looking to stay ahead in the industry.
An advanced workshop for experienced MSHP installers who want to strengthen their skills in servicing and repairing all MSHP brands. With the growing demand for maintenance, this course emphasizes:
Students will work hands-on with live equipment, guided by AC Service Tech training materials, videos, and workbooks.
Note: This is not an entry-level course. Participants should already have a solid understanding of MSHP installation and operation. Training is non-brand-specific. Each student receives a training manual and workbook but must bring their own tools for lab work. Required tool lists can be found here under the A/C/R column.
To be ready for hands-on training in our Air Conditioning and Heat Pump lab, you will need the following tools:
Note: Not all Air Conditioning & Heat Pump courses require tools. Please check the course description when registering to see if tools are needed.
You may view MTEC’s full tool list here.
Heat pumps, like regular A/Cs, keep things cool when it’s hot outside by removing unwanted heat from your home and “pumping” it outdoors. Unlike regular A/Cs, however, heat pumps can also provide heating when it’s cold out. It’s the same process, just reversed: Heat pumps can pick up heat from outside (even when it’s cold) and pump it into your house to keep it warm.
Yes. Our EPA 608 Certification Training can be taken as a stand-alone course.
Yes. You’ll take the EPA Section 608 exam on the final day of class. MTEC will take care of scheduling.
Not great at test taking? No worries! Retake exams are included.
Yes. Our Mini Split Installer Training can be taken as a stand-alone course if you already hold the EPA Section 608 certification.
MTEC has a relationship with a high-quality hotel less than a mile from campus to provide lodging for students. There are also several financial assistance options you can take advantage of.
| Class Name | Cost | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| ** FULL ** Introduction to A/C and Heat Pumps | Member: $1,200.00; Non-Member: $1,400.00 | June 8, 2026 | June 12, 2026 |
| Introduction to A/C and Heat Pumps | Member: $1,200.00; Non-Member: $1,400.00 | September 28, 2026 | October 2, 2026 |
| EPA 608 Technician Certification | Member: $1,200.00; Non-Member: $1,400.00 | June 1, 2026 | June 4, 2026 |
| EPA 608 Technician Certification | Member: $1,200.00; Non-Member: $1,400.00 | October 5, 2026 | October 8, 2026 |
| Mini Split Installer Training | Member: $1,400.00; Non-Member: $1,600.00 | June 15, 2026 | June 19, 2026 |
| Mini Split Installer Training | Member: $1,400.00; Non-Member: $1,600.00 | October 12, 2026 | October 16, 2026 |
| Heat Pump Service Procedures Workshop | Member: $600.00; Non-Member: $800.00 | September 15, 2026 | September 16, 2026 |
We know that embarking on a new career can be stressful. This is true whether you’re just entering the workforce or making a change to a new career track. MTEC is dedicated to being there for our students from the moment they schedule a tour until the day they get hired.
Are you interested in learning more about our A/C and refrigeration courses? Our team can talk with you and even provide a tour of our classes and lab facilities. You can contact us by phone or online.
Don’t delay a second longer. A fulfilling, secure job in the home comfort industry is waiting for you!
We are here to assist you and answer all your questions