Building and Facilities Maintenance Certification

Mountain West Trade School

Program Overview

The Building & Facilities Maintenance program is a 150-clock-hour, online distance-education course covering the full breadth of skills required of a multi-trade facilities technician. The curriculum integrates electrical fundamentals, plumbing and water systems, mechanical systems, HVAC awareness, refrigerant handling, appliance service, building systems and controls, and preventive maintenance with CMMS. Graduates are positioned to sit for the NATE Ready-to-Work, EPA Section 608 Type I, and OSHA 10-Hour General Industry credentialing exams.

Quick Facts

Program Length	150 Clock Hours
Delivery Format	100% Online — Asynchronous Distance Education with VR Lab Component
Modules	20
VR Labs	6
Typical Duration	20–26 weeks self-paced (maximum 52 weeks)
CIP Code	46.0401 — Building/Property Maintenance
SOC Codes	49-9071 (Maintenance & Repair Workers, General), 37-1011 (First-line Supervisors of Building & Grounds)
Target Occupations	Maintenance Technician, Facilities Technician, Building Engineer Helper, Apartment / Property Maintenance Technician, Appliance Service Helper
Industry Credentials Targeted	NATE Ready-to-Work · EPA 608 Type I · OSHA 10 General Industry · ATC Building & Facilities Maintenance Certification

Lead Instructor — Dan Parker

The Building & Facilities Maintenance program is led by Dan Parker (John “Dan” Parker), a Missouri-based career technical instructor and the owner of Need Air, where his daily work spans HVAC/R, electrical, plumbing, and construction in residential and commercial facilities.

Background & Credentials

HVAC/R Instructor, Poplar Bluff Career Technical Center (2020–present)
Owner, Need Air — HVAC and facilities service company, Poplar Bluff, MO (2015–present)
Former HVAC Tech Consultant, HVAC Insurance Co. (2014–2019)
M.S., Career and Technology, University of Central Missouri (2021)
B.S., Business Administration, Southwest Missouri State University
HVAC/R Certificate, Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center
EPA Section 608 Universal certification
OSHA 10
Multi-trade field experience across HVAC/R, electrical, plumbing, and general construction

Target Audience & Prerequisites

Minimum age 18 years
Functional reading and basic math (fractions, decimals, simple algebra)
Computer literacy and email proficiency
Technology requirements per Program Policies
Physical capability to perform multi-trade maintenance tasks (with or without reasonable accommodation)
No prior maintenance experience required

Program Learning Outcomes

Apply OSHA 10 General Industry safety standards across facilities, mechanical, and electrical work.
Identify and safely use common hand tools, power tools, and test instruments used in facility maintenance.
Apply Ohm’s Law and basic electrical theory using a digital multimeter.
Identify and service common residential plumbing fixtures and water-supply components.
Perform routine maintenance on mechanical systems including bearings, belts, and pumps.
Identify HVAC system components and perform basic refrigeration awareness tasks for EPA 608 Type I.
Service common residential and light-commercial appliances safely.
Identify building system controls (BAS), lighting controls, and basic energy management concepts.
Develop and execute preventive maintenance schedules using a CMMS platform.
Demonstrate workplace readiness including communication, ticket documentation, and customer service.

Course Schedule & Modules

The program is organized into 20 sequential modules totaling 150 clock hours. Modules are gated — students must pass each module’s assessment before advancing.

Module 1 — Introduction to Building and Facility Maintenance | 4 Hours

Introduction to Building and Facilities Maintenance
Ethical Repair and Customer Service
Safety Fundamentals and Job Site Awareness

Module 2 — OSHA 10 General Industry | 10 Hours

Introduction to OSHA
Fall Hazards
Avoiding Electrocution Hazards
Struck-By Hazards
Caught-In or -Between Hazards
Personal Protective Equipment
Health Hazards in Construction
Excavations
Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal
Scaffolds
Hand and Power Tools
Safe Driving Practices
Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection
Cranes
Welding and Cutting
Final Assessment

Module 3 — Tools | 6 Hours

Hand Tools for Facility Maintenance
Power Tools and Safety
Precision Measurement & Layout
Specialty Diagnostic Tools

Module 4 — Electrical Fundamentals | 12 Hours

Module 5 — Virtual Reality Labs | 5 Hours | VR Lab

VR Lab: Measuring Voltage
VR Lab: Measuring Amperage
VR Lab: Component Resistance
VR Lab: Selecting Wire Gauges
VR Lab: Wiring a Circuit

Module 6 — Garbage Disposals | 4 Hours

Types/Styles and Theory of Operation
Key Components by Sequence of Operations
Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Installation

Module 7 — Dishwashers | 5 Hours

Dishwasher Basics and Repair
Theory of Operations
Key Components by Sequence of Operation
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Installation

Module 8 — Clothes Dryers | 6 Hours

Gas Combustion
Principles of Drying
Installation
Dryer Components, Wiring, and Troubleshooting
Dryer Gas Burner System

Module 9 — Washers | 10 Hours

Types and Styles
Theory of Operations
Key Components by Sequence of Operations
Agitation and Tumble
Motors and Pumps
Drive Systems
Suspension Systems
Washer Chemistry — Water & Detergents
Troubleshooting & Diagnostics
Installation

Module 10 — Gas Cooking Appliances | 6 Hours

Understanding Gas Systems and Safety
Proper Burner Combustion & Safety
Flame Characteristics & Ignition
Direct Spark Ignition
Adjustment and Repair Procedures to Minimize Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Module 11 — Electric Cooking Appliances | 8 Hours

Theory of Operation — Radiant & Induction
Types and Styles
Cooktop Surface and Components
Oven Cooking and Components
Oven Door and Components
Self-Clean and Components
Convection, Steam Cooking, and Components
Electric Cooking Appliances Troubleshooting Basics

Module 12 — Refrigeration and Cooling Systems | 10 Hours

Basic Refrigeration
Brazing and Lok Ring
Recovery, Evacuation, and Leak Detection
Window AC
Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, System Evacuation, Leak Detection, and Recharging
Ice Maker Troubleshooting
Ice Machine Troubleshooting

Module 13 — HVAC for Facilities | 10 Hours

HVAC Fundamentals and the Comfort Triangle
Air Distribution Systems
Heating Systems
Cooling Systems
Thermostats & BAS Interfaces
Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

Module 14 — EPA 608 Type I Prep | 4 Hours

EPA 608 Core
EPA 608 Type I

Module 15 — Mechanical Systems | 8 Hours

Bearings, Belts, and Pulleys
Lubrication Schedules
Vibration Basics
Fasteners & Torque Awareness
Pumps and Fans

Module 16 — Plumbing and Water Systems | 10 Hours

Module 17 — Building Systems and Controls | 6 Hours

Doors, Locks, and Panic Hardware
Lighting Systems and Ballasts
Emergency Lighting
Fire Alarm Systems and Generators

Module 18 — Preventive Maintenance | 8 Hours

Preventive Maintenance Fundamentals
CMMS Software Fundamentals
Asset Management and Tagging
PM Checklists and Execution
Seasonal Changeover and Planning

Module 19 — Career Support | 4 Hours

Starting Your Job Search
Resume Tips & Examples
Interviewing for Success
What to Expect on Your 1st Day

Module 20 — ATC Certification Prep | 14 Hours

Grading & Assessment

Component	Pass Standard	Format
Module quizzes & knowledge checks	Pass each	Online
Virtual reality labs & skills simulations	Pass each	Online / VR headset or desktop
Mid-program competency assessment	Must pass	Online (proctored)
Participation & timely completion	Required	LMS activity tracking

Completion Requirements

Pass all 20 modules in sequence
Complete all virtual reality lab tasks with passing scores
Sit for the ATC Building & Facilities Maintenance Certification, EPA 608 Type I, and OSHA 10 General Industry credentialing exams

Student Supports

Instructor office hours held weekly via video conference and asynchronous messaging
Technical support for LMS, VR headset configuration, and proctoring software (response within one business day)
ADA accommodations available — contact Student Services within the first two weeks of enrollment

After the Program

Graduates pursue roles including Maintenance Technician, Facilities Technician, Building Engineer Helper, Apartment / Property Maintenance Technician, and Appliance Service Helper. Multi-trade competency makes graduates strong candidates in multifamily property management, K-12 and higher-ed facilities, healthcare, hospitality, and corporate facility teams.

Academic Integrity & Attendance

Students are expected to log into the learning management system and engage with course material at least three days per week. A student who has not logged in for 14 consecutive days will be contacted by Student Services and may be required to submit a written catch-up plan. Students must complete all coursework independently. All proctored exams use identity verification and session recording.

Building & Facilities Maintenance — Course Catalog