How to Become an Appliance Repair Technician in Virginia

Realizing that one of your frequently used appliances suddenly stops functioning can turn a good day into a challenging one.

Should this happen in a commercial location, like a hotel, things will escalate into a real problem.

In most cases, calling an appliance repair technician is a life-saver.

You might want to be the one people call when they are faced with this situation.

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In such a case, read the article below to get info on how to become an appliance repair technician in Virginia.

Appliance Repair Technician Job Description and Responsibilities in Virginia

One of the first things you might want to know is the occupation’s responsibilities and description.

As an appliance repair tech, you are expected to:

• Fix damaged appliances
• Maintain the functioning ones
• Install and/or adjust appliances
• Use the correct tools for the job
• Provide the estimated cost of the work
• Ensure they have the correct spare parts
• Keep a data log for bills, work, inventory

The technician must be able to finish all these duties at the client’s location or in the repair shop.

It’s very common for these appliance repair techs to specialize in just one type of appliance or one brand of electric goods.

Appliance Repair Technician Training in Virginia

One of the first requirements for this job is to have a high school diploma or GED.

Since there are many types of appliances in use, it’s difficult to find a training program for repairing all of them.

Your search for a training course should start at a trade school.

There are at least 2 main programs you can look into:

• Electrician
• Plumber

After you obtain your credentials in one of these areas, you can further look for classes that specialize in repairing appliances that use electricity or gas to function.

Becoming an HVAC tech or a steamfitter are just 2 examples that can help with this profession.

Here is where you can get trained in the state of Virginia:

Virginia Technical Academy

This academy offers a three-day, 24-hour course.

It is tailored to establish a solid foundation in the intricate workings of six standard household appliances:

• Dryers
• Washing machines
• Refrigerators
• Dishwashers
• Microwave
• Ranges

Beyond appliance functionality, students will delve into the realm of electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.

The most important courses are:

• Electrical Test Equipment Mastery
  • Electrical test equipment for precise measurements
  • Covering AC & DC voltage, AC & DC
  • Resistance
  • Insulation resistance to ground
  • Identifying open, shorted, and grounded circuits
• Understanding Wiring Diagrams and Electrical Schematics
  • Develop a keen understanding of the disparity between wiring diagrams and electrical schematics.
  • Learn to identify symbols on these diagrams and schematics, unraveling the intricate language of electrical representation.
• Component Identification
  • Familiarize yourself with common electrical and electronic components, empowering you to navigate the internal workings of household appliances with confidence.
• Principles of Operation
  • Grasp the fundamental principles of operation governing the six standard household appliances, enhancing your ability to troubleshoot effectively.
• Hands-On Troubleshooting
  • Apply your newfound knowledge and skills to troubleshoot three out of the six major household appliances, ensuring practical application and real-world problem-solving.

By the end of this course, you’ll not only possess a good understanding of household appliances but also be equipped with the practical skills needed to diagnose and address issues.

Obtaining the Appliance Repair Technician License in Virginia

Taking the State exam is significant for anyone looking to get an appliance repair technician in Virginia.

To initiate this process you must contact PSI.

Testing centers are strategically placed in the bigger cities in Virginia, ensuring accessibility.

Pre-approval from the testing agency is a prerequisite before scheduling the exam.

Upon completing the aforementioned steps, the next phase involves applying through DPOR to secure your Virginia Refrigeration License.

In this state, you need to get your license renewed every 2 years.

That means you also have to attend some additional education classes before applying for renewal.

A good idea would be to attend seminars and workshops as well.

By doing this, you will be able to keep up with the industry requirements.

Appliance Repair Technician Salary in Virginia

The average wage for this occupation at the national level is $49,000 per year.

In Virginia, appliance repair techs earn around the same as the average national salary.

If you want to see in which cities you can earn more, look at the next table!

Regional Salary in Virginia

Appliance Repair Technician Schools by State