Annual Accreditation Report

The HVAC Excellence accreditation review board continually monitors accredited programs, through analysis of applications, self-study materials, team visitation reports, program compliance follow up, and annual reporting. Substantive changes are part of the review process, to validate that a program remains in compliance with the established standards. This continual monitoring of programs identifies possible compliance issues, which can result in a program being placed on notice or suspension until the program returns to compliance with all the standards.

Annual Reporting

Continuation of programmatic accreditation is contingent upon receipt and acceptance of the annual accreditation report. The report will be sent to all accredited programs the first week of September and must be filed electronically no later than December 1st of the same year, along with the $150.00 filing fee.

Standard 1.1 - Mission for Program Students 
The HVACR program student shall be trained and educated to the level(s) as described in the program goals, in order to become gainfully employed at entry level or above.  There should be potential jobs available in or near the service area for students of the HVACR program.

Standard 1.2 - Program Mission and Description        
There shall be a documented program description listing goals for the students of the HVACR program. This document shall be available to any potential student. 

A student handbook listing tuition, maintenance fees, special clothing or safety equipment, textbooks, tools, and any other pertinent information must be given to each new student during orientation prior to entering the program. 

Employment potential for students and technical qualifications of the HVACR instructor shall also be included in the orientation.

Standard 2.1 - Student Achievement Records
The student shall be awarded a diploma, certificate, or degree after completion. The student records must clearly specify the demonstrated competency level(s) achieved. 

Standard 2.2 - Administration Support of the HVACR Program          
The HVACR program must have the full support of the institution's administration.  Equipment, facilities, trainers, tools, training materials, special equipment needs, and supplies will evidence said support.  Any specialized and new equipment training, or update training for the instructor must be supported and documented by the administration.  

Standard 2.3 - The Institution's Requirements
The institution's policies concerning attendance and violations, prohibitions, liabilities, safety, parking, or any other pertinent information must be provided to students and staff of the HVACR program. 

Standard 3.1 - Student's Fees  
The student shall pay any tuition or maintenance fees deemed necessary by the institution. The student shall be responsible for acquiring supplies, safety equipment, hand tools, and special equipment listed in the student handbook. 

Standard 3.2 - Annual Budget for HVACR Program     
The institution shall develop and implement an annual budget for the HVACR program. The administration shall inform each instructor of all proper and legal procedures for making purchases. 

Standard 3.3 - Formulation of Budget 
It shall be the responsibility of the institution's administration to prepare an annual budget. The HVACR Department shall submit an annual program budgetary needs assessment to the administration prior to preparation of the annual budget. The HVACR Department shall be notified periodically of the available funds. 

Standard 4.1 - Pre-Admission Procedures

Post-Secondary Schools            
Student services shall interview and accept/reject a prospective student after the student submits an official application to enter the HVACR program.  The student shall be pre-tested to assess reading, mathematical and language skills.

Secondary Schools      
The student shall be pre-tested to assess reading, mathematical and language skills.

Standard 4.2 - Student Medical Information   
Student services shall provide students an opportunity to self-disclose any existing medical condition(s) that may require special considerations or accommodations needed to ensure student success and safety.  Medical Information forms should document information for each student showing any or all allergies, medications, special medical information, and contacts in case of emergency.

Standard 4.3 - Counseling       
Student services shall be available for student counseling on a scheduled basis.

Standard 4.4 - Student Transcripts      
Student services shall maintain student records for all completers and non-completers, and/or graduates.  Student records shall be maintained in duplicate. Whether print or digital, one copy shall be kept off-site or in a fireproof environment. Both copies shall be maintained in a secure (locked) environment.

Standard 4.5 - The School-to-Work Transition
Student services shall assist the HVACR instructor in promoting and implementing job placement assistance for completers and/or graduates of the HVACR program.

Standard 4.6 - Employment Follow-up Procedures for Post Secondary Schools Only 
Student services shall establish and implement follow-up procedures to monitor the employment success of post completers and/or graduates in the HVACR field.  A follow-up shall be conducted within one year after program completion.  This information will be used to evaluate the HVACR program and aid in determining strengths and weaknesses of instruction.  Revisions to the program's curriculum must be considered when follow-up reveals program deficits. 

Standard 5.1 - Program Design

· Post-Secondary Schools        
The program design or plan shall consist of using a curriculum outline, organized in logical sequential procedures, with stated tasks, objectives, and competencies.  The curriculum shall reflect the needs of the community’s future work force.  Students shall receive a syllabus for each course in which they are enrolled.

· Secondary Schools     
The program design or plan shall consist of using a curriculum outline, organized in logical sequential procedures, with stated tasks, objectives and competencies.  The curriculum shall reflect the requirements for entrance and/or articulation to local Post Secondary programs.  Basic skills such as mathematics, reading, communication skills, team concepts and any other related instruction necessary for gainful employment should be reflected in the curriculum.

Standard 5.2 - Students Per Instructor
The number of students per instructor shall be reasonable and allow for individual instruction.  Lab/Shop lasses shall consist of no more than a maximum of 20 students per instructor.  “Qualified Lab Assistants” must be utilized when the student to instructor ratio exceeds 20 to 1. 

Standard 5.3 - Specialized Training Plan         
Well defined exit points shall be established for students that opt to specialize in specific segments of the program.

Supplemental/part-time preparatory training to meet the specialized training needs of area employers requires that the instructor devise individual training plans to achieve special objectives or goals. Bureau of Apprenticeship registered programs do not need to provide exhibits for Standard 5.3 & 5.3A.

Standard 5.4 - Safety   
Safety shall be taught during the first week of training and throughout the entire training program.  Instruction will include all safety rules and special safety practices.  Safety equipment such as eye protection and gloves are required equipment.  All safety instructions shall be administered before any student is allowed to operate or work on lab equipment.  All students shall sign a statement indicating their understanding of all safety procedures in each safety lecture and/or covered in each exam.  These records shall be maintained by the institution for a minimum of seven years or longer as defined by your governing board policies.

Standard 5.5 - Work Ethics & Worker Characteristics
The development of high personal standards for the student shall be an on-going part of training. The work ethics exhibited by students shall be comparable to those required by industry. Appropriate work ethics and worker characteristics shall be taught as an ongoing part of the students' training. Each student will be evaluated continuously for attendance, tardiness, completion of assigned jobs, tasks and lab projects. This evaluation shall be reviewed with the student each month or grading period.

Standard 5.6 - Student Progress Report

· Post-Secondary Schools        
Evaluation of the student's progress in the training program will be on a consistent and continuing basis. Performance evaluations shall be included in the student progress report.  Student progress reports shall be provided to each student every four months or at the terms conclusion, whichever is shorter.

 

· Secondary Schools     
Evaluation of the student's progress in the training program will be on a consistent and continuing basis. Performance evaluations shall be included in the student progress report.  Student progress reports shall be provided to each student every grading period.  The grades/performance reports shall be forwarded to the sending school on a regular basis.

Standard 5.7 - Lab/Shop Performance Standards
The HVACR instructor will be responsible for assigning shop/lab projects to all students.  The instructor shall compile and archive documentation of all projects and evaluations of student competencies.  The instructor shall assign a single grade for each performance test.  The criterion for evaluation of a student’s lab performance shall include established grade values for; task time, process, and outcome.  Prior to each task or project, the student shall be given the standards for acceptable work and be graded at the completion of the task by the instructor.  Students shall be notified of unacceptable work, indicating the good and bad characteristics along with any correction.  The student must prove task competency before advancing to the next task.  To ensure competence of all students, provisions for individuals performing tasks at slower levels should be made.

Standard 5.8 - Student Assessments

· Post-Secondary Schools        
The school shall conduct a minimum of three nationally recognized, closed-book, student outcome assessment certification exams per student.  These exams shall provide occupational area specific competency validation, competency breakdown and comparative analysis. These exams shall cover the following disciplines: electrical, air conditioning and heat.  A copy of this report must be submitted with the annual accreditation report. 

In addition to participating in national outcome assessment certification exams, students shall be required to take the Section 608 Certification Exam prior to program completion. 

 

· Secondary Schools     
The school shall conduct a recognized student outcome assessment per student.  These exams shall provide occupational area specific competency validation, competency breakdown and comparative analysis. A copy of this report must be submitted with the annual accreditation report.  

In addition to participating in national outcome assessment certification exams, students shall be encouraged to take the Section 608 Certification Exam prior to program completion.  

Standard 5.9 - Live Work Orders         
Live Work Orders are any and all repairs or services performed on equipment brought into the school and not owned by the school. Students shall not receive monies for work performed on live work orders. Outside work projects must receive approval of the administration. Outside work must reflect the skill level of the student (s) assigned.  The instructor shall determine the education value and appropriate level prior to acceptance of the project, and assignment to students. Documentation shall include but not be limited to; a work order and disclaimer of liability.  Note: Apprenticeship programs do not accept outside projects, “live work”, under any circumstances, therefore exhibit 5.9 does not apply.                    

Standard 5.10 - Maintenance and Repair Reference Materials
The HVACR program shall have service / installation information for all laboratory equipment available to students.

Standard 5.11 - Multimedia References and Periodicals
Current HVACR related multi-media reference materials such as; textbooks, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and computer-based programs must be available to students, as well as the instructor.  Textbooks and reference materials must include materials (written within six years or less).  All multimedia materials shall be cataloged (streaming, DVDs, CDs, etc.).  A catalog or list of all multimedia reference materials shall include a title, description, and length.  The catalog and its listed materials shall be available for student and instructor use.

Standard 5.12 - Multimedia Equipment          
Multimedia equipment capable of PowerPoint presentation or equivalent shall be available to enhance the HVACR teaching/learning experience.

Standard 5.13 - HVACR Program Advisory Committee
The program chair or instructor shall appoint a craft advisory committee consisting of a minimum of three persons, one member from each of the following; employers, program graduates, manufacturers, distributors, technicians, and contractors.  A listing of these members' names, addresses, telephone numbers and business or business connection shall be available for review.  The responsibilities of the committee include observation, advice and discussion of the HVACR program, as well as an annual review of the program efficacy as it relates to the community's future workforce requirements. This committee must meet no less than twice a year. The program chair should provide an agenda prior to the meeting. Minutes for each meeting shall include a list of attendees, and a description of all discussions and proposals. Minutes shall be retained on file for future reference. The advisory committee's program annual efficacy review shall include but not be limited to; stated mission, curriculum, equipment, lab condition, fees, and testing procedures. Each advisory committee member must sign the annual efficacy review which shall be maintained on file.

Standard 6.1 -Safety   
Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eye wash station shall be available and accessible.  The location and operation of all safety equipment must be included in the curriculum.  All classrooms and lab/work areas must comply with all applicable OSHA regulations.  All classrooms and lab/work areas shall comply with local fire codes.  The minimum required combined classroom and shop area per student is 120 square feet.

Standard 6.2 - Classroom and Office   
There shall be an area or room separate from the lab or shop area designated as a classroom, and another room designated as the instructor's office.  The classroom must be adequately lighted, heated/cooled, void of noise or distractions as much as possible.  It must be equipped with a marker board, multimedia equipment, as well as reference materials, internet connected computers (minimum of 1 for every 3 students) and other teaching/learning equipment necessary to enhance learning.  The instructor's office shall be separate from the classroom to provide a secure place for student records and be convenient for conference needs.  The classroom must be kept clean and orderly.

Standard 6.3 - Maintenance and Housekeeping
Good housekeeping and maintenance of equipment shall be an on-going priority to assure general safety, establish good work habits, and to provide an adequate training environment.  These practices shall be incorporated as part of the student's training.

Standard 6.4 - Laboratory Area           
Training areas or lab stations shall be located in a well-lit separate area, and near the classroom.  Workbenches, training mock-ups, and equipment shall be readily available in the shop area.  Given the nature of the chemicals used in the shop/lab area, the entire area shall be equipped with a permanently installed mechanical exhaust system, and positive ventilation (make up air) system, that meets the requirements as set forth by local building and occupancy codes. 

The Shop/Lab shall have the necessary utilities and fuel supplies to support the stated curriculum such as; three phase power, natural gas, fuel oil, LPG, etc.

Standard 6.5 - Tool Room and Storage Area   
There shall be at least one storage area adjacent to the lab for keeping tools, supplies, and special training equipment.  The storage area shall be securable.  Other storage area may be located away from the lab for equipment not used daily. 

Standard 6.6 - Restrooms        
A restroom for students adjacent to or near the HVACR shop is mandatory. Provisions for males and females as well as full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act are required.

Standard 7.1 - Laboratory Equipment 
High quality equipment necessary for training shall be located in the laboratory. All equipment shall be available for hands-on comprehensive training and performance testing.

Air conditioning, heating, and commercial equipment must include new technologies.  To keep the program current and relevant, the HVACR program shall have equipment manufactured over the last five years which contain some of the new refrigerants, and electrical controls.  At least one piece of functioning live equipment, representative of each phase of the curriculum, must be available.  The specific equipment will be dictated by the curriculum offered.   

Standard 7.2 - Laboratory Tools
High quality tools necessary for training shall be located in the laboratory. All tools shall be available for hands-on comprehensive training and performance testing. Tools shall be available in sufficient quantities for the students to use during the laboratory portion of the training program. The specific furnishing, tools and test equipment will be dictated by the curriculum offered.

Standard 7.3 - Hand Tools for Students          
During the course of study, the student will be required to use basic hand tools.  The following is a recommended minimum list of tools for each student and a list the student should acquire for work in the HVACR field.  A tool purchase program should be in place where the student can obtain tools at reasonable cost.  The student should purchase hand tools required to perform shop/lab experiments.  A listing of necessary hand tools shall be given to each new student by the instructor or by student services.  These tools should be acquired by the student and brought to shop/lab each day. 

Standard 7.4 - Supplies           
Supplies such as cleaning equipment, towels, and other expendable supplies shall be provided by the HVACR program and be readily available.   

Standard 8.1 - Performance Standards
All cooperative students shall be under the supervision of an experienced supervisor or instructor while on-the-job. Weekly evaluations, work characteristics (log of actual work preformed), attendance, and student's work progress, shall be made by this person. These evaluations shall then be returned to the HVACR instructor and to the institution for records and review.

Note: The essence of an apprenticeship program is cooperative training; however, unions simply refer to it as “apprenticeship training”.  

9.1 - Instructor Qualifications

Full-time and adjunct Instructors shall:

1.     Have a minimum of five years of experience as a HVACR field service technician or higher, that directly relates to the competencies being taught.

2.     Hold a valid Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Universal Certification, as required by 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F of Section 608 of the Clean Air Act of 1990.

3.     Meet all criteria as set forth as a technical educator established by your state, local government or authority having jurisdiction of the program.

4.     Be able to conduct demonstrations, provide explanations, and convey ideas, concepts and theories for all aspects of the curriculum.

5.     Reflect an image of high ethical values, honesty, tactfulness, patience, and friendliness toward others.

6.     Meet ONE of the following:

· Be a graduate of an HVACR program consisting of a minimum of 600 hours of training.                                  

· Hold an associate degree in HVACR technology.

· Hold a bachelor's degree in HVACR or building science trades technology.

· Full-time instructors
Must hold the title of Certified Master HVACR Educator "CMHE". OR;

Be working towards earning the title of Certified Master HVACR Educator “CMHE”. This credential requires one to successfully pass seven specified exams, reflecting the knowledge and teaching skills required to teach most HVACR educational programs.  Working towards earning this credential requires the instructor to take  two examinations each calendar year, and successfully passing at least one examination each year, with a maximum of five years to successfully complete the Certified Master HVACR Educator “CMHE” program.

Adjunct instructors
Must hold the title of Certified Subject Matter Educator “CSME” in each of the disciplines that directly relate to the competencies that they teach. OR;

Be working towards earning the title of Certified Subject Matter Educator “CSME” in each of the disciplines that directly relate to the competencies that they teach, by taking the required exams within one year, with maximum of three years to successfully complete the CSME program.

9.2 - Requirements for Continuation of Employment
It shall be a requirement to maintain employment as an HVACR educator that the HVACR educator:

·         Be given an annual evaluation conducted by the school administration reviewing the educator's teaching methods, use of developed curriculum guidelines, and implementation of approved curriculum.  Annual evaluations must be at a minimum satisfactory and maintained in the educator's permanent employee file.

·         Have a written evaluation completed by all students prior to exiting the program.

·         Earn a minimum of 1.0 CEU per year in HVACR technical content or educational methodology (1 CEU = 10 Continuing Education Hours). 

Declaration Statement

I certify that the information being submitted reflects an accurate assessment of the program, as it is presently being delivered, against all established standards.

 Note: If the location of the laboratory changed over the last year. please upload a short video tour of your program here. This video needs to include classroom(s), instructors’ office, and laboratory. The laboratory portion must show the emergency shut off, gas control valve, eye wash station, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, lock out tags, permanently installed mechanical ventilation system, equipment, tool room, and trainers.