The Texas Education Agency (TEA), having reviewed nearly 900 industry certifications, has released its list of Industry Recognized and Valued Certifications (IBCs). HVAC Excellence is proud its exams, available from ESCO Group, are included in this list.

Texas Education Code (TEC) Section 39.053 addresses student learning outcomes. The IBCs are part of a national movement to bolster reliance on third-party certifications to validate students have the retained knowledge necessary for employment. Under TEC Section 48.156 the state is authorized to provide a one-time reimbursement to districts and open-enrollment charter schools to help defray the cost of IBC exams taken by students in Grades 9-12.

The Texas Education Agency decision to include the HVAC Excellence Certifications in their IBCs will allow Texas schools to align their programs with the largest, most recognized certifier in the HVACR industry, with over 400,000 tests administered.

Inclusion on this list means state Perkins funds can be used to defray cost on the following HVAC Excellence Certifications: Heating, Electrical, & Air Conditioning Technology (H.E.A.T.) Student Outcome Assessments, and the following Employment Ready Certifications, Air Conditioning; Electrical, Gas Heat, Heat Pumps, and Light Commercial Air Conditioning.

HVACR instructors can learn more about TEA’s Industry Based and Valued Certifications, reimbursement policies, and much more, by visiting tea.texas.gov. They are also encouraged to learn more about HVAC Excellence Certifications by visiting escogroup.org and clicking the certification link.