One of my biggest issues with being an HVAC technician happened when I was still in school.
- I had no problems with the HVAC school but the certification class was my foe.
Before my instructor kicked me out, I asked how many times I could take the certification test. I was at the top of my class in the HVAC hands-on and book learning. When I took the certification class that led up to me being a certified HVAC technician, I was so nervous that I couldn’t comprehend anything I was learning. I forgot half of what I had previously learned. I walked in to take the test, and I was numb. My mind went blank, and it was all I could do to sit still while they were handing out the test. I hadn’t even looked at the first question when I got up and walked out. I was afraid I would not keep breathing, and I leaned over and put my hands on my knees. The instructor followed me out and asked if I was okay. I told him I was having a hard time breathing. He sat down with me and told me to take deep breaths. He started telling me about all the HVAC technicians he had seen and had a difficult time taking tests. After five minutes, he asked if I wanted to take an oral exam instead of a written test. I felt so relieved I almost cried and nodded yes. Two days later, I was back in the exam room, but I was more relaxed. This time, I knew I would pass the test, and I would soon be an HVAC technician.