Certificate of Proficiency (Untranscripted): Transport Refrigeration/Temperature Control

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The certificate curriculum in transport refrigeration is designed to prepare students to enter the field as an apprentice or helper service technician. The course work provides training in the service, repair, and troubleshooting techniques of Carrier Transicold and Thermo King truck and trailer refrigeration units. The course work is made up of lecture and lab performances on current production units, covering the refrigeration and electrical systems used to control the unit's operation to maintain the desired product temperature to protect the consumer’s health. Employment opportunities for all individuals exist in this rapidly expanding field.

Demonstrate proper pre-trip inspection procedures prior to transport refrigeration operation.

Describe the maintenance schedule of a basic and hybrid transportation refrigeration unit.

Explain refrigeration units cycles and service procedures.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

5 units
DETT 165
Diesel-Electric Transport Refrigeration
Introduction to the principles of transport refrigeration for Thermoking and Carrier units. Emphasis on the fundamentals of heat transfer and its relationship between pressure and temperature in a liquid. Safety practices when working on transport refrigeration units. A deep overview of all the components and their functions while the unit is going through all three phases of the refrigeration process. Description of the cooling, heating, and defrost cycles. Preparation for the EPA 608 Universal HVAC technician certification. Study of inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures following OEM recommendation and EPA guidelines. Practice soft solder and silver brazing techniques. Overview of the proper use of service equipment and special tools used in the recovery, dehydration, vacuum, and charge of the units. Introduction to all electric high voltage units. Field trips may be required.
*Fall Course Only

    Second Semester

    5 units
    DETT 161
    Electrical/Electronic Systems
    Introduction to the fundamentals of electrical and electronic systems for mid-heavy-duty vehicles. Diagnosis, service, and repair procedures for conventional, multiplexed, and other networked electrical systems. Overview of electronic control modules, sensors, actuators, and control area networks (CAN). Study of low and high voltage AC/DC circuits. Analysis of high voltage battery pack management. Introduction to electric mid/heavy-duty vehicles technologies. Field trips may be required.
    *Spring Course Only

      Summer Term

      3.5 units
      DETT 171
      Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
      Operation, testing, and servicing of truck cab air conditioning and heating systems. Auxiliary power units (APU) are also covered. Introduction to electric heavy-duty vehicles (EHDV) heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) and electric APU systems. Overview of HVAC units as an alternative system to the EHDV battery thermal management systems. Preparation for the student to pass the environmental protection agency (EPA) 609 exam for automobile air conditioning technician certification. Field trips may be required.
      *Summer Course Only