Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technical Standards

Purpose Statement

All students in the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration program are expected to meet certain technical standards which are essential for the successful completion of all phases of the program, and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the student’s ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards below.

Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. The ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any certification exams or successful completion of the program.

 

Technical Standard Definition of Standards Examples
Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving Skills

Show the ability to complete classroom and lab coursework that simulates real-world problems.
  • Show the ability to diagnose problems by using a meter or tools for specific applications.
  • Utilize theory and trade practices to maintain the functionality of the equipment.
  • Apply technical knowledge of the problem to the current situation or problem.
Interpersonal Skills

Abilities are sufficient to interact with individuals and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
  • Be able to work alone or in a group and stay focused on the current task.
  • Demonstrate time management skills.
  • Communicate information with accuracy and respect.
Communication Skills Abilities sufficient for writing, reading, and comprehending directions or instructions in the class or lab.
  • Read a service manual and comprehend the information.
  • Complete course lab assignments and explain corrective actions in written and verbal formats.
  • Comprehend/follow written and verbal instructions.
Coping Skills Abilities are sufficient to be productive in a classroom or lab environment.
  • Be able to meet deadlines.
  • Be able to deal with critiques/criticism.
  • Maintain composure under stressful situations.
  • Maintain professionalism at all times.
Mobility/Motor Skills

Must possess the ability to lift, stand, stretch, squat, and crawl or contort to any position as required by the repair situation. All positions listed above will be encountered in the class, lab, or a work-based learning setting on a consistent basis.
  • Navigate around objects or obstacles on the floor or overhead.
  • Lift a minimum of 50 lbs. to chest level from the floor level.
  • Be able to work on stationary equipment that requires reaching, bending, and potentially prone positions for up to 60 minutes.
  • Be able to move about the work area in various outside working conditions.
  • Be able to work in confining or tight spaces.
  • Operate hand and/or power tools continually.
  • Be able to complete physical course lab assignments for up to 90 minutes without sitting.
Auditory Skills Auditory abilities are sufficient to work safely in an industry environment, class, or lab.
  • Detect sounds such as unusual noises in outdoor and indoor HVAC equipment.
  • Detect sounds being emitted from the motors, compressors, and control systems.
  • Be able to hear verbal instructions, because the line of sight is not always possible.
Visual Skills Visual skills adequate to safely work in a class or lab with industrial equipment.
  • Interpret information from diagrams, labs, and test equipment.
  • Able to see in low or poor lighting conditions such as crawl spaces and attics.
  • Perceive different depths and dimensions.
Tactile Skills Tactile skills adequate for work in a class or lab with industrial equipment.
  • Be able to determine hot or cold temperatures by the sense of touch.
Environmental Must be able to function safely under varying environmental factors.
  • Maintain focus and productivity in a noisy environment.
  • Work inside and outside under variable temperature, humidity, and weather conditions.
Emotional/Behavioral Emotional/Behavior skills are adequate to maintain composure in a stressful environment.
  • Demonstrate flexibility to calmly change course while addressing a technical problem.
  • Follow the directions of an instructor, supervisor, or lead technician.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and honesty.
  • Cope with stress and other factors while troubleshooting technical problems both individually and as part of a group.

 

In the case of an otherwise qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless doing so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is invested in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Support Services is part of Student Services and is located in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Center. For detailed information or to request accommodations visit Support Services. An appointment is recommended prior to enrollment in order to discuss any special concerns.