About this course

Learning to install Ground-Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems will keep you competitive in the HVAC market, where consumers and utilities are focusing on green technologies and decarbonization. The Residential Installation Technician, and Residential Service Technician courses are the first two modules developed by IGSHPA that are part of the “modularization” process of breaking down the Accredited Installer 3-day course into modules that are specific to job functions, which will be important as the industry grows.

Who should attend?

The comprehensive workshop is designed for GSHP installers, contractors, dealers, manufacturers, and distributors. Representatives from public utilities, private utilities, and rural electric cooperatives can also benefit from training. Prerequisites for attendees wishing to take the exam for this course are as follows:

  • Knowledge of basic HVAC terminology
  • HVAC trade school or experience in the industry
  • Basic understanding of electrical concepts, relating to HVAC
  • Basic understanding of refrigeration

Credentials

Upon successful completion of the workshop and passing the IGSHPA installer’s exam, you will be issued an IGSHPA certificate of successful completion. You will receive an installer’s card and a certificate for 3 years. Renewal and completion of CEUs every 3 years is required to maintain the certificate.

Learning Objectives

  • Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to evaluate site conditions and select appropriate geothermal heat pump equipment and loop configurations. Learners will interpret manufacturer specifications and apply C-448 standards to design compliant systems that meet customer requirements.
  • Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to install complete geothermal heat pump systems including indoor equipment, piping, and electrical connections following industry best practices. Learners will implement proper air purging, debris flushing, and system filling procedures to ensure optimal system performance.
  • Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to conduct systematic pre-startup reviews and perform comprehensive performance testing of geothermal systems. Learners will measure and document system capacity, flow rates, and temperature differentials to verify equipment meets manufacturer specifications.
  • Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to implement proper safety protocols throughout the installation process and create comprehensive documentation for warranty compliance. Learners will identify and prevent common installation errors while troubleshooting basic system issues using established diagnostic procedures.

Course outline

14 modules
8 hours to complete
4:06 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

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Module 1 • 2 assignments
Setting the Indoor Packaged Unit

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Module 2 • 3 assignments
Indoor Piping

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Module 3 • 2 assignments
Loop Air Purge, Debris Flush and Fill

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Module 4 • 2 assignments
Heat Transfer Fluid

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Module 5 • 1 assignments
Heat Transfer Fluid Tools & Testing

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Module 6 • 1 assignments
Open Loop/Well Water Applications

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Module 7 • 2 assignments
Equipment High/Low Voltage Wiring & Controls

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Module 8 • 1 assignments
Condensate Drain and Optional: Domestic Water Heating

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Module 9 • 1 assignments
Split System Units

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Module 10 • 1 assignments
Unit Pre-Startup Review

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Module 11 • 2 assignments
Equipment Startup & Performance Verification

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Module 12 • 2 assignments
Final IGSHPA Residential Installation Technician (RIT) Certificate assessment

This assessment evaluates your ability to install and commission geothermal heat pump split systems, covering essential skills from component configuration and refrigerant line installation to brazing procedures and system commissioning.

The 50 questions test your knowledge across both all-electric and dual-fuel applications, emphasizing proper installation techniques, safety protocols, and troubleshooting procedures that ensure optimal system performance and reliability. You'll encounter scenarios involving real-world installation challenges, manufacturer specifications, and industry best practices that reflect the technical competencies required for professional geothermal system installation.

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Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

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Instructor

Ryan Carda

CTO, Midwest Geothermal

Ryan Carda is the CTO at Midwest Geothermal, one of the largest national installers of commercial-scale ground heat exchangers for geothermal heating and cooling applications. Before joining Midwest, Ryan held the positions of Sr. Director of Engineering at Dandelion Energy and President at Geo-Connections (which was acquired by Dandelion in 2018). Ryan has more than 20...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students can pre-order but will not be able to access the full course materials or earn a certificate of completion until the course is fully published. Once the course is published any students who have pre-ordered will then have access to the course materials for one year (365 days). After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.
What makes geothermal installation different from traditional HVAC work?
Geothermal heat pump installation requires specialized knowledge of ground loop systems, heat transfer fluids, and unique commissioning procedures that traditional HVAC technicians don't encounter. Unlike conventional systems, geothermal installations involve designing and installing buried piping networks, managing antifreeze solutions, and performing water-side performance testing rather than refrigerant-based diagnostics. The systems also require adherence to specific industry standards like C-448 and involve long-term system considerations that can span decades. This training provides the specialized skills needed to properly design, install, and commission these high-efficiency systems.
Will this training help me avoid warranty issues and callbacks?
Yes, this comprehensive training specifically addresses the most common installation errors that lead to warranty denials and customer callbacks. You'll learn critical details like proper material selection (avoiding incompatible piping), correct fluid handling procedures, systematic air purging techniques, and manufacturer-specific startup procedures. The course emphasizes thorough documentation practices and pre-startup reviews that prevent expensive failures. Many warranty claims are denied due to improper installation techniques that this training directly addresses, helping you protect both your customers' investments and your professional reputation.
Is there enough demand for geothermal installers to justify this specialized training?
The geothermal market is experiencing significant growth driven by energy efficiency incentives, environmental concerns, and long-term energy cost savings for homeowners. As more customers seek sustainable heating and cooling solutions, the demand for qualified geothermal installers continues to increase. This specialized certification differentiates you from general HVAC contractors and positions you to capture premium projects with higher profit margins. The technical expertise gained through this training creates a competitive advantage in a growing market where properly trained installers are still relatively scarce.

$495

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