Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician (HVTN)

Learn to maintain the quality of indoor spaces  

Prepare to challenge the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician certifications with Cambrian’s TSSA-accredited program. Gain hands-on training in state-of-the-art HVAC labs to master the maintenance of indoor air quality. You’ll get a solid understanding of natural gas, propane, and fuel oil heating systems, as well as air conditioning and refrigeration principles. You’ll be introduced to the skills required for the installation, service, and troubleshooting of residential and light commercial heating and cooling applications. 
 
After your first year and upon successfully challenging the TSSA Level Three Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician exams, you’ll be certified to work at entry-level positions. Upon completion of your second year and writing the TSSA Level Two Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician exams, you’ll be fully certified to enter the workforce as a heating systems technician. 

Program highlights

• Capped enrolment 
• Accredited by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) 
• Hands-on training in state-of-the-art HVAC labs 
• One of only two colleges in Ontario to offer Oil Burner Technician Training 
• Opportunity for select students to participate in the Ontario Skills Competition 

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian.  This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.

¹

Course with Lab Component

²

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
• Any grade 11 mathematics (C), (U), or (M)

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term delivery

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2027

Winter term delivery

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2027

Registration to practice / additional testing

• After first year, you will be certified to work at entry-level industry positions after successfully challenging the:
  • Gas Technician Three TSSA exam
  • Oil Burner Technician Three TSSA exam
  • Gas Pipe Fitter TSSA exam (optional)
• Upon completion of second year and successfully challenging the Gas Technician Two and Oil Burner Technician Two TSSA exams, you'll be fully certified to enter the workforce as a Heating Systems Technician

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates who have met TSSA certification requirements may find employment as natural gas, propane, and oil burner technicians. They may also pursue journeyperson apprenticeship within the refrigeration, air conditioning, plumbing, or sheet metal fabrication industries. Graduates are also prepared for employment opportunities as sales or maintenance personnel in commercial, institutional, and industrial areas.