Optional · 1 of 3

Certifications that raise your rate

• Federal refrigerant certification

  Not optional if you touch refrigerant. The test covers a core section plus Type 1 small appliances, Type 2 high-pressure systems and Type 3 low-pressure systems. Techs who pass all of them are usually called universally certified.

• North American Technician Excellence certification

  The country's largest nonprofit certification body for this trade, with nearly 42,000 certified techs listed. Many employers pay more for it and customers look for it.

• Commercial refrigeration

  Supermarkets, cold storage and restaurants. Fewer techs can do it, so it pays more and the calls never stop.

• Controls and building automation

  The computer side of big heating and cooling systems. The best-paid branch of the trade.

• Contractor license

  The state credential that lets you pull permits and run your own company.