Program Basics
Training Programs
For each trade, basic theory and concepts are taught through a variety of reading assignments and interactive exercises. Hands-on skills assessments and interactive exercises are overseen by an onsite training leader of your choosing to help students gain technical skills specific to their trade.At this time, NexTech Academy is available for Nexstar Network members only
Nexstar members can shop learning plans through their My Page account. Nexstar members can pay with Gold Points, a credit card, or via an ACH payment.
Full HVAC, Plumbing, or Electrical Training Program:
Traditional Level 1-4
Student Costs : $125/month subscription fee per student.
Enrollment Fee: There is no enrollment fee.
NexTech Select: Nexstar members can easily shop for NexTech Select course bundles via their Member My Page. Prices start at $100. Content is added periodically, so make sure to check in often. Some of our most popular course bundles are:
- Drain Cleaning
- Water Heaters Only
- Plumbing Fixture Replacement
- Electrical Troubleshooting
- Electrical Service and Panel Changes
- Electrical Conductors Only
- Cool System Maintenance
- Residential Heat Pump Systems
- Hydronics
NexTech On-The-Go App:
The NexTech On-The-Go app can be downloaded from the Android and Apple app stores for $9.99/ month.
Nextech Select offerings and the annual subscription to OTG ($100) can both be purchased using Gold Points.
NexTech Academy: The length of the program will largely depend on the amount of time that a student can devote to the program during their workweek. Because students are able to learn at their own pace, some learners will move more quickly through the curriculum than others.
While regulations vary, the Department of Labor (DOL) generally requires a specific number of hours spent using a training curriculum, broken down by classroom time (in the case of NexTech, self-guided online learning) and lab hours.
Here is a breakdown of course hours to help you gain approval:
HVAC Heating & Cooling Track
Classroom Hours: 114
Lab Hours: 328
Total Hours: 442
Cooling ONLY Track
Classroom Hours: 93
Lab Hours: 243
Total Hours: 336
Plumbing
Classroom Hours: 107
Lab Hours: 219
Total Hours: 326
Electrical
Classroom Hours: 93
Lab Hours: 122
Total Hours: 215
Curriculum Details
There are a few key differences between NexTech’s online technical training and similar programs.
NexTech Tech Builder’s curriculum was developed by experts in the trades. NexTech Academy was created by Nexstar Network, an organization that promotes success in the home service trades through education and shared resources.
The curriculum combines the best parts of an apprenticeship with the efficiency of online learning. Using the program, students can ride along on service calls with your company’s experienced techs, ensuring they see the real-world applications of the concepts they learn via online courses.
NexTech Tech Builder is designed for the way students learn. Every module includes videos and interactive content to keep students engaged and to accommodate their unique learning styles.
Yes! Check out the following:
NexTech Select: NexTech Select course bundles address customer service training, seasonal and regional tasks, and advanced troubleshooting skills. These courses can fulfill continuing education credits. For example, NexTech Select’s HVAC courses are approved for NATE CEUs. Nexstar members can easily shop for NexTech Select course bundles via their Member My Page.
NexTech On-The-Go App: Technicians can be prepared for any residential task with how-to videos in the palm of their hand. The NexTech On-The-Go app can be downloaded from the Android and Apple app stores for $9.99/ month.
Yes, NexTech Select has course bundles designed for installers. Some of our installer course bundles are:
- HVAC Installation Bundle
- Water Heaters Only!
- Lift Stations
- Private Water Wells
- Electrical Service and Panels
Nexstar members can easily shop for NexTech Select course bundles via their Member My Page.
NexTech Academy training was developed to teach the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC trades as they relate to residential service and replacement businesses.
Some member companies have successfully gained approval and recognition of the NexTech Academy curriculum by their local governing bodies. The approval process varies nationally and internationally.
Seeking such approval and recognition is the responsibility of the companies using NexTech Academy training.
The program follows both the International Code Council (ICC) and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) model codes, and the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC).
While NexTech Academy does not directly “teach” code, it recommends that students be aware of their local and state codes, and their requirements, which may differ.
NexTech Academy has worked to become a North American Technician Excellence (NATE®)-recognized training provider. NATE® was founded in 1997; it is the nation’s largest non-profit organization for HVACR and refrigeration technicians. NATE®-approved programs have strict guidelines for their training partners. NATE® tests are continuously updated to represent the real world of HVACR, as it changes rapidly. These tests are developed by a group of industry experts nationwide, and the subjects of these tests are pertinent to contractors, educators, and local utility companies for HVAC businesses to provide utility rebates for their customers.
Now that NexTech Academy has partnered with NATE®, you have even more you can offer your technicians and your customers for a better bottom line.
