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Best way to get into controls is to get a job for a controls company such as Siemens or Johnson Controls. Check their websites and see what their qualifications requirements are.
I wasn't able to get a controls job until I received my AS in electronics. The degree along with 15 years HVAC experience was what it took for me.
Good luck.

Thank all of you guys so much. There is some great info here. I think what I'm going to do (in addition to schooling myself) is find a commercial contractor who does controls, work for him, and see if I can get them to let me learn controls on the job as well.

Check out this manual from Honeywell. https://customer.honeywell.com/resou...s/77-E1100.pdf

http://www.rsd.net/events.php

Wish they were east, cali, colorodo mostly

I would second RSD's classes. A very good place to start.

You will want to become well versed in Tridium Niagara as I believe it is becoming the Windows of the Controls world.

Your HVAC back ground will get you into pro. Sign up.

Originally Posted by shovelhead

You alreay have the hard part done, you understand HVAC. The rest is learning to use a software program. I own my own company and would not hire anyone who didn't know HVAC, that's a real problem here. Controls guys are for the most part computer operators, they are good at programming but have no mechanical system experience. What makes a great controls man....or woman, is the ability to predict a outcome and then prove it correct with a meter or system response.

You alreay have the hard part done, you understand HVAC. The rest is learning to use a software program. I own my own company and would not hire anyone who didn't know HVAC, that's a real problem here. Controls guys are for the most part computer operators, they are good at programming but have no mechanical system experience. What makes a great controls man....or woman, is the ability to predict a outcome and then prove it correct with a meter or system response.

Thanks Alcomech, I'll try them tomorrow!

You should try RSD controls in Anaheim. Ask them about there classes which they offer.

I don't have a pro account yet =(

Useful info in pro forums,, great links to some Niagra video's

Want to get into Controls. Need advice where to start

8 year service tech here... I'm looking to get into some certification classes to learn DDC and BAS controls. I'm pretty much new to these controls besides light pneumatics. Do you guys have any advice on which classes to start with? Or maybe a chronological order of classes I should take. A local company around here is offering a job for DDC/BAS control tech starting $65k-$95k. I can get used to that. I broke my back a couple years back and have been looking into transitioning into a different area of HVAC rather than residential and commercial repairs...