ARLINGTON, Va. — ACCA has announced the launch of Qtech, a new series of online certificate programs for HVAC technicians. Through Qtech, contractors can offer their employees on-demand training in quality HVACR installation, maintenance, home performance, and other areas. Technicians that successfully complete Qtech programs will be awarded certificate designations allowing them to differentiate themselves in the field. In addition, the courses are approved for continuing education unit (CEU) hours from a variety of certifying organizations.

“ACCA knows that contractors and their teams are looking for easily accessible training, so that they can improve their skills and better serve their customers,” said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA president and CEO. “It has been proven that when contractors follow ACCA’s quality standards their customers reap the benefits of better comfort and lower energy bills. And the contractors themselves reap the benefits of higher profit margins resulting from fewer callbacks. The Qtech program helps contractors train their technicians, and identify and reward those technicians who excel at quality field service.”

The first Qtech certificate program, Technician Field Practices for Quality Installation, consists of over six hours of video training in ANSI/ACCA 5 QI-2015 HVAC Quality Installation Specification (QI Standard). It is broken into convenient five to 15 minute segments that technicians can work into their busy schedules.

The video series provides a broad perspective on available HVAC measurement tools and includes instructions on measuring methods cited in the QI Standard. Examples and illustrations address various types of testing and diagnostic tools, procedures, and documentation requirements.

ACCA said a skilled technician, with the appropriate tools, should be able to perform verifiable and repeatable HVAC measurements with confidence after watching the videos. A copy of the Technician’s Guide & Workbook for Quality installations (a $90 value) is included with the program.

Those who watch all of the videos qualify to take a 50 question exam online. Upon passing the exam, students will receive a certificate and are eligible for CEUs from the following organizations: North American Technician Excellence (NATE); Building Performance Institute (BPI); Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET); RSES; and HVAC Excellence.

The second Qtech certificate program, Home Evaluations and Performance Improvement, consists of six-and-a-half hours of video training that covers the ANSI/ACCA 12 QH-2014 Home Evaluations and Performance Improvement (QH Standard). It is also broken into convenient five to 15 minute segments.

This video series provides details on the required procedures in the QH Standard. Examples and illustrations address various types of testing and diagnostic tools, procedures, practices, and documentation requirements. A copy of the QH Technician’s Guide & Workbook (a $90 value) is included with the program.

Upon passing this program’s final exam, students will receive a certificate and are eligible for CEUs from the following organizations: NATE; BPI; RESNET; RSES; and HVAC Excellence.

Contractors and their technicians can sign up for these two new programs at www.acca.org/qtech. Each course costs $139 ($99 for members). To receive CEUs, students must contact the individual organizations and provide them with a copy of their certificate.

For assistance with registration and managing the online classes, contact training@acca.org or 888-290-2220. For questions about Qtech course material, contact Donald Prather at donald.prather@acca.org.

Publication date: 10/19/2015

Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!