Entry Level Maintenance
Ready 2 Work
Air Conditioning I
Low Pressure Boilers
Principles of Electricity
Plant Equipment and Operations
Boiler Operations
Low Pressure Boilers
High Pressure Boilers/3rd Class Steam
Electrical
Principles of Electricity
Electric Motors
Electrical Systems, Code & Theory
Schematics
HVAC
Air Conditioning I – Introduction
Air Conditioning II – Troubleshooting
Air Conditioning III – Operations and Management
Heat Pumps
Refrigeration
Controls
Controls I – Basic
Management
The Managing Engineer
Miscellaneous
Blueprint Reading
License Preparation and Continuing Education
Virginia Journeyman and Master Mechanical
Maryland 3rd Class Exam Preparation
Virginia Tradesman Continuing Education Seminars
LEED-GA Prep Seminar
National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE)
Tests
CFC Seminars and Test – Alexandria
CFC Test/Retest Only
Seminars
R410-A Refrigerant Seminar and Certification
HVAC Preventive Maintenance Seminar
HVAC Electrical Wiring Seminar
Air Conditioning “Hands-On” Troubleshooting Tips and Techniques
Entry Level Maintenance
Air Conditioning 1
56 hrs
This entry-level course concentrates on basic refrigeration circuits up to 20 ton package and split systems – air and water cooled. The goal is for students to develop a basic understanding of the refrigeration cycle and its components. Students are required to attend one weekend lab session. Intermediate English skills are required.
Ready to Work
60 hrs
This new Ready 2 Work Engineering Kick-Start Program designed to provide you with the training you need to get started in this exciting career as an entry-level building engineer. This course will cover Career Outlook & Professionalism, Electrical and Building Maintenance, HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Alarm & Life Safety and more. A job fair will be included to help you put your training to use after you have successfully completed Ready 2 Work.Low Pressure Boilers
57 hrs
No pretest is required. This is a beginner’s class for those with one year or less experience who wish to get the basic knowledge of “steam and hot water heating systems.” This provides the basic information to put you on the road to becoming a licensed engineer. This is not a prep course for the 6th Class license, although it may be useful. Intermediate English skills required. Course Curriculum Covers: Boilers: boiler room safety; boiler fittings; boiler room terminology; feed water accessories; fuel oil systems; combustion accessories; feed water systems; draft systems; water treatment; steam systems and boiler operations.
Plant Equipment and Operations
30 hrs
No pretest is required for this class. This course teaches the basic operation and maintenance of heating systems, air conditioning systems and auxiliary equipment. This 10-week course will also cover the preventive maintenance aspect of these systems. Course Curriculum Covers: Boiler operation and Air Conditioning systems – daily, monthly, and yearly preventive maintenance. Air handlers, pumps, towers, air compressors and other auxiliary equipment. Other topics include safety issues related to these systems and setting up preventive maintenance schedules for equipment.
Boiler Operations
Low Pressure Boilers
57 hrs
No pretest is required. This is a beginner’s class for those with one year or less experience who wish to get the basic knowledge of “steam and hot water heating systems.” This provides the basic information to put you on the road to becoming a licensed engineer. This is not a prep course for the 6th Class license, although it may be useful. Intermediate English skills required. Course Curriculum Covers: Boilers: boiler room safety; boiler fittings; boiler room terminology; feed water accessories; fuel oil systems; combustion accessories; feed water systems; draft systems; water treatment; steam systems and boiler operations.High Pressure Boilers/3rd Class Steam
60 hrs
Completion of a Low Pressure Boiler Course, or Licensure (DC 6; MD 3; NIULPE 3) is required. This is curriculum based on selected study materials for the DC Licensing Exam. Because the DC 3rd class test covers more than just steam, this course is not advertised as a prep course, but it focuses on the exam. Course Curriculum Covers: High pressure boilers; boiler fittings; water treatment; fuels and firing equipment; pumps; steam engines; automatic boiler control; boiler operation/maintenance and duplex pumps.
Electrical
PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRICITY
30 hrs
No prerequisites required. This is a beginner’s course which starts with the basic elements of circuitry, safety rules, understanding of terminology and simple mathematical calculations. It prepares the student for all other aspects of engineering. This course is designed to allow the student to progress directly to our Electrical Systems, Code and Theory course. This is not a wiring class. This course is required for Electrical Systems, Code and Theory, Controls and Air Conditioning I. Basic English and math skills required.
ELECTRIC MOTORS
30 hrs
Completion of the Principles of Electricity course is required. This course will focus on single phase and three phase A/C motors. How motors start and run, electromagnetism, and practical applications of induction type, split phase and capacitor type motors will be covered. Basic English and Math skills required.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, CODE & THEORY
56 hrs
Completion of the Principles of Electricity course is required, and intermediate English skills are necessary. This intermediate-level course will focus on electrical principles and components, inductance and capacitance, motors and motor starters, measuring instruments and their use; single and three phase fundamentals, various in-class exercises; alternating current characteristics; safety; electrical formulas and their applications. This course will explore and clarify updated code information. Please note: This is not a wiring class. As time permits there may be some hands-on exercises.SCHEMATICS
30 hrs
Completion of Principles of Electricity course is required. A basic understanding of A/C and electrical components and how they apply to HVAC is necessary before taking this course. Curriculum includes wiring, diagrams, symbols, legends, walk thru and troubleshooting of ladder wiring diagrams for control circuits. No pretest is required for this course. Basic English skills required.
HVAC
Air Conditioning I – Introduction
63 hrs (includes 1 weekend lab – 6 hrs)
Completion of Principles of Electricity class is recommended. This entry-level course concentrates on basic refrigeration circuits up to 20 ton package and split systems – air and water cooled. The goal is for students to develop a basic understanding of the refrigeration cycle and its components. Students are required to attend one weekend lab session. Intermediate English skills are required.All A/C I students are required to attend 1 day of lab in Alexandria on a weekend.
Air Conditioning II – Troubleshooting
69 hrs (includes 2 weekend labs – 6 hrs each)
Completion of Principles of Electricity and Air Conditioning I – Introduction courses are required. This course covers step- by-step methods of analyzing why a system will not run or is inefficient. Procedures are taught in service person’s language. Electrical and mechanical problems and solutions are covered. Students may be advised to transfer to a lower level course based on a pretest. The textbook is the same as A/C I. Students are required to attend two (2) lab sessions on two weekends. Intermediate English skills required.All A/C II students are required to attend 2 days of Lab
Air Conditioning III – Operations and Management
Completion of Air Conditioning I, II, and Heat Pump courses is required. This course will focus on large commercial systems including, but not limited to: The study of Psychometrics, Air and Water balancing, Heat load calculations, Chiller Systems, Chiller simulation hands-on experience, Understanding VAV operation, EMS electrical savings, Review of plant operations, Pumps and Cooling towers, Heat Pumps and Troubleshooting Gas and Oil Rooftop units. Students may be advised to transfer to a lower level course based on a pretest.Heat Pumps
56 hrs
Completion of Air Conditioning I and Air Conditioning II classes is required. This course specifically covers heat pump operation cycle and efficiency, compressors and motor controls, refrigerant controls, reversing valves, air and water coils, defrosting cycles, supplemental heat, service and troubleshooting and wiring diagrams. Students may be advised to transfer to a lower level course based on a pretest. Advanced English skills required.Refrigeration
56 hrs
Completion of Air Conditioning I and Air Conditioning II courses is required. This course will concentrate on commercial refrigeration and ice machines. Course will cover installation and service of walk-ins, reach-ins, and ice machines as used primarily in the food service industry and in retail stores. Intermediate English skills required.
Controls
Controls I – Basic
56 hrs
Prerequisites are Principles of Electricity and Air Conditioning I. This 56 hours course will cover basic building operations and HVAC systems, as they relate to control systems and components. Specific subjects include: on-off control, switching, control methods, control strategies and control components. Control systems terminology will also be covered, along with input and output measuring methods, psychometrics and control logic. Basic English and Math skills required.
Management
The Managing Engineer
45 hrs
This course is recommended for individuals who have several years in the field and desire to learn the many aspects of a supervisor’s fiduciary duties and responsibilities that they will encounter as a Managing Engineer. This course provides the student with an understanding and introduction to the tools, management skills, objectives, and general knowledge and understanding a supervisor needs to become an effective manager and leader. The course curriculum also covers the following: Business Writing (reports and email communication), Project Management, Organizational Skills, and Crisis Management. The course expands the student’s knowledge of Word and Excel.Using Excel, students will create a budget for a building, including equipment and costs. This exercise challenges the students to generate a 5-year budget forecast that differentiates between a general operating budget and a Capitol Project budget. Students will improve their interpersonal skills for internal and external customer service. This course covers the interview process for both the interviewer and the interviewee. The class curriculum closes with a video presentation on a subject selected by the student and presented to their fellow classmates. This tool provides the student with an understanding of the skills needed to conduct meetings, give presentations, and speak in public. English skills in verbal and written communication are a requirement. This course is required to receive the Supervising Engineer Award. Advanced English skills required.
Miscellaneous
Blueprint Reading
30 hrs
No pretest is required for this course. This course is designed to provide information on reading and interpreting building plans and specifications. Types of drawings, details, symbols, and schedules are introduced. Upon course completion, students will be able to understand the drawings and schematics for their buildings, increasing their ability to communicate with contractors, architects and management. Intermediate English skills required.
License Preparation and Continuing Education
Virginia Journeyman and Master Mechanical
45 hrs
A review for air conditioning, heating, sheet metal, and plumbing mechanics preparing for VA Journeyman or Master Mechanical License exams. For license information call (804) 367-8500. Virginia and Maryland licenses are now reciprocal.Maryland 3rd Class Exam Preparation – High Pressure Steam Class
56 hrs
This course helps you prepare for the MD 3rd Class License. This class is for those with one of the following: at least 2 years experience as a Maryland grade 4 or 5 stationary engineer, or 1 year experience as a Maryland grade 4 or 5 stationary engineer and 6 credit hours of continuing education units of class in boiler operations/a valid marine engineer’s certificate or Chief Petty Officer’s certificate from the United States Navy. This course will cover problem solving, basic electricity, boiler types and equipment, burners and fuel train, pumps and valves, sequential operations, inspections and maintenance, central station and chillers, water treatment, emergency operations, and auxiliary operations. The books for this course are those recommended by the MD Licensing Board.Costs of license exams for State of Maryland are NOT included in total class cost. The State of Maryland licensing board handles payment and results. For more information contact (410) 230-6262 for State of MD or http://candidate.psieams.com/common/bulletin/display_bulletin.jsp?
Virginia Tradesman Continuing Education Seminars (not offering this year)
NAPEEF offers 3-hour seminars on Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Codes; an 8-hour seminar on Contractor Basic Business; and a 1-hour seminar on Fuel/Gas Codes for VA Tradesmen to renew their license. These seminars are approved by the Virginia Board for Contractors.LEED-GA Prep Seminar
16 hours of instruction
Practice Examinations; LEED Credit Categories; study methods; exam preparation.The LEED Green Associate (LEED-GA) credential is intended for professionals who want to demonstrate Green Building expertise in non-technical fields of practice. The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) has created this credential, which denotes basic knowledge of green design, construction and operations. Applications and fees for the LEED-GA examination are conducted through GBCI.
Completion of this seminar is required for the Certified Supervising Engineer (CSE) Certificate.
National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE)
The National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIUPLE) is a third-party certification organization mandated to establish and maintain international standards of education and competency for the power and energy related trades and professions. Several trades and professions included in these standards are boiler operators, firemen, water tenders, operating engineers, stationary engineers, power plant operators, refrigeration plant operators and turbine operators.NIUPLE is offered at the NAPE Educational Foundation on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:00 PM. Call Donald Peters at 703-501-6588 (cell) or 703-594-3511 (home) or email Mr. Peters at dpeters@capitolboilerworks.com to register. For more information visit www.niulpe.org.
Tests
CFC Seminars and Test – Alexandria
Format: Seminar for four sessions. Test is on the last session.
In this EPA approved program, topics will include CFC containment methods, legal requirements, existing and new refrigerants, and basic understanding of the refrigeration cycle and system components.CFC Test/Retest Only
Fee: 1st Test $90, Retest $70 (if last test taken within three months)
NAPEEF is a certifying organization for the EPA Technician Certification exam in accordance with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
Dates: Test sessions at 2:00pm: Call 703-845-7055 for current testing schedule.
No PO#’s accepted for payment. Pre-registration is preferred, but same day registration no later than 1:00pm is allowed.
Seminars
R410-A Refrigerant Seminar and Certification – 6hrs
Prerequisites: Air Conditioning I and CFC Universal. This seminar will cover characteristics (pressures, etc.) of 410-A; evacuation requirements; servicing; installation; disposal; safety; cylinders, etc. The seminar is an exam preparation for NAPE’s 410-A Certification test, which is administered at the end of the seminar. R-410 A Certification is required for the GCAR Certificate .HVAC Preventive Maintenance Seminar
6hrs
Prerequisites: Participants must have completed or be currently enrolled in AC II. This seminar is designed for HVAC technicians working in a building or on a service truck. Learn the PM procedures to be followed when a technician arrives at a property, commercial or residential. Minimize operating costs and repairs. Learn best practices for a PM to maximize equipment life and satisfy office personnel or customers. Participants will fill out a check list for the customer or to remain at the property with system information and readings. Upon completion, attendees will be able to perform a first-rate HVAC PM.HVAC Electrical Wiring Seminar
6hrs
Prerequisites: Participants must have completed or be currently enrolled in AC I. This one- day hands-on seminar will enable students to understand the wiring in a basic air conditioning/ heating unit. Participants will wire a basic HVAC system on paper and discuss the operation of all related components. Students will develop their own wiring diagram and convert it into a ladder diagram. Upon completion of the paper exercise, actual components will be wired on a simulator board. When properly wired, all board components will function as they would in an HVAC system. The components studied and wired will include relays, contactors, condenser and evaporator fan motors, compressor, time delays, etc.Air Conditioning “Hands-On” Troubleshooting Tips and Techniques
12hrs
Prerequisites: Participants must have completed or be currently enrolled in AC I. This two- day workshop is designed to enhance the troubleshooting skill sets of the participants to save time when encountering an air conditioning unit that is not operating at full capacity. The seminar will begin with a review of the basic air conditioning components and their effect on superheat, sub-cooling, and operation of the air conditioning unit. Each component and its operation will be explored, including the potential for possible causes of failure or malfunction. Alternating with classroom discussions, participants will work in the AC laboratory, providing an opportunity to directly apply their new knowledge and skills.