Trade Schools
With the exponential improvement in technology, new appliances are launched that integrate the latest hardware and software to provide more functionality than ever.
As a result, demand for appliance repair technicians is growing at a rapid pace.
To accommodate the growing number of budding technicians, many schools began crafting online appliance repair technician curricula, which grant students flexibility with their personal lives and content accessibility.
If you’re interested in becoming an appliance repair technician, it’s important to understand the best online programs available before jumping into the field.
Keep reading to learn more!
Earn your accredited, affordable Appliance Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Best Online Appliance Repair Technician Programs
Appliance University
Appliance University offers countless online technical training videos for those who wish to learn about a single specific appliance or area.
The school also offers a bundle of all 34 courses, 27 courses, 17 courses, 15 courses, and 7 courses in refrigeration, five courses in gas and electric work, and four courses in basic electricity.
There’s also an Advanced Tech Training Ultimate Bundle that includes entrepreneur and business classes for those seeking to start a company.
For the highest level courses, the cost is $15,875, including all fees, and the curriculum is self-paced, so the completion time varies based on the student.
Dyer Appliance Repair Academy
Dryer Appliance Repair Academy has an online appliance repair technician training program that is only 10 days long.
However, students learn about the fundamentals of the industry and appliance repair theory, which can be applied to practical situations.
The curriculum includes basic electricity, gas fundamentals, reading schematics, service mode diagnostics, basic refrigeration, sealed systems, multimeter usage, microwaves, customer service, washers, dryers, and ranges.
Penn Foster
No trade school list would be complete without Penn Foster.
One of their countless online trade school programs is the Appliance Repair Career Diploma, which doesn’t have required exam dates and lets students progress on their schedule.
The curriculum covers troubleshooting common problems with cooktops, ranges, dryers, and washers, basic gas and electrical systems, and appliance safety.
Learners can access student support, digital libraries, and all study materials around the clock and receive tool discounts with the Snap-on Student Excellence Program.
The program lasts between two and six months, depending on how quickly the student completes the workload, and has a single track: Core Appliance Repair.
The program’s tuition is between $829 and $1,139 and is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Appliance Tech Academy
The Appliance Tech Academy offers one of the only free structured appliance repair training programs available.
The goal of this new company is to elevate the appliance repair trade while offering high-quality education that’s accessible to those interested in this career.
The school utilizes live training sessions along with an appliance repair learning management system with all the information needed for beginners.
The program covers washer, dryer, refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher repair, essential electrical concepts, and troubleshooting techniques.
Fred’s Appliance Academy
Coming in third spot is Fred’s Appliance Academy, which offers a self-paced online training program using a custom learning platform that provides appliance component analysis and detailed diagnostics.
Students gain skills in soldering, wiring, circuit design, and an EPA certification is available for those in refrigerator courses.
The program costs between $200 and $1,365, depending on the number of courses the student wishes to take, and lasts between three and six weeks.
The focus of the coursework is on laundry and kitchen appliance repair.
Cornerstone Appliance Training
Cornerstone Appliance Training has a foundational online program that takes between four and 10 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s learning availability.
The curriculum covers the detailed workings of gas and electric appliances.
The program was developed to create an in-depth understanding of all appliance systems so students can accurately diagnose issues and make repairs across all models and brands.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on advanced troubleshooting methods, so students have the skills to handle uncommon appliance issues.
Learners also have access to interactive forums where they receive personalized support.
The cost of the program is $232 for the introductory level classes and $695 for the entire program.
The Better Business Bureau accredits Cornerstone Appliance Training.
Master Samurai Tech
Considered the top online appliance repair technician school, Master Samurai Tech offers a self-paced program that teaches students how critical systems, like motors, gas, and electricity, work within common appliances.
The primary focus of the curriculum is for the student to build diagnostic skills that apply across any brand while assisting students with identifying and fixing issues rather than guessing.
Instructors encourage learners to practice on household appliances; repair donated machines and assist others while receiving support via peer communities and expert forums.
The program lasts between one and three months, depending on your schedule and motivation, and the available specialization is advanced appliance repair.
Tuition costs $795, inclusive of all books, fees, and materials.
What Courses Are in an Online Appliance Repair Technician Program?
Those enrolled in an online appliance repair technician training program should expect a foundational yet comprehensive curriculum that combines theory with practical application.
These programs were created to prepare students for firsthand scenarios, giving them the tools, knowledge, and soft skills required for workplace success.
The best programs offer the following courses:
Appliance Motors and Parts
This coursework covers the replacement, function, and identification of the most common appliance parts like compressors, thermostats, belts, and motors.
Students will study a variety of appliance types and brands to understand different system designs.
Basic Circuit Systems, Electricity, Electronics, and Wiring
Students learn about the functioning of electronic components, resistance, voltage, current flow, and electrical principles in this curriculum.
These topics are vital for working with appliances that rely on sensors and circuit boards to ensure accurate and safe diagnostics.
Interpersonal Skills and Communication
As part of the soft skills side of an online appliance repair technician program, students must learn effective interpersonal skills and communication.
According to Onet Online, 97 percent of home appliance repair technicians have phone conversations daily, and 89 percent have in-person discussions with teams, clients, or co-workers daily.
This means proper written and verbal communication skills are a necessity for this career.
The best online programs teach students how to maintain professionalism in business or at home, correctly provide estimates, and explain repairs to those who lack technical knowledge.
Test and Tool Instructions
This course provides students with foundational knowledge of critical tools used on the job by repair technicians, such as hand tools, voltmeters, and multimeters.
These tools are essential for proper installation, diagnostics, and repair.
Students learn how to choose, handle, and maintain these tools effectively and safely.
Specializations
In addition to the foundational courses, many online schools have opportunities for students to specialize in specific home appliance types.
The most common specializations include:
- Dishwashers, washers, and dryers – the training covers electronic controls, drainage mechanisms, water inlet valves, and motor systems. Students learn how to troubleshoot improper drying performance, faulty spin cycles, and identify leaks.
- Freezers and refrigerators – the curriculum covers diagnosing and repairing common issues like defrost system malfunctions, compressor failures, and cooling inefficiencies. Learners also become adept at complying with EPA standards, sealed system repairs, pressure testing, and refrigerant handling.
- Ranges, ovens, and microwaves – this specialization covers power sources, safety switches, control boards, and electrical heating components. At the end of the program, students can troubleshoot non-functioning displays, faulty timers, and uneven heating.
These are several of the foundational and specialization options in leading online appliance repair technician programs.
They are aimed at helping learners develop the professional and core technical skills required for a successful career.
Reviewing and understanding the course descriptions before enrolling in a program ensures the curriculum aligns with your preferred learning style and educational goals.
Can You Earn an Online Appliance Repair Technician Certification Completely Online?
Yes, you can earn a certification entirely online, without setting foot in a classroom.
Before signing up, it’s crucial to understand the differences between an online and an on-campus experience.
Students enrolled in an on-campus program benefit from face-to-face discussions with peers and instructors, which leads to group learning and immediate feedback.
Online programs rely on messaging apps, video calls, and forums.
On-campus programs offer access to different appliances and physical tools during class.
Those in online programs must rely on virtual simulations and video tutorials and may have to purchase tools or practice appliances in their home.
On-campus programs foster networking through interactions with local employers, peers, and instructors, whereas online programs rely on virtual networking events, and students must seek hands-on opportunities.
Online learners build relationships through industry-specific communities and share online insights.
On-campus learners must physically commute to an educational location and must work to digest the information at the same pace as the rest of the class.
Online students have the flexibility to attend class from wherever they want, and many programs are self-paced, so the student can fully comprehend the information.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Appliance Repair Technician Certification?
The time commitment to earn an online repair technician certification varies greatly depending on the student’s availability, course format, and school curriculum.
Some programs were created to be completed in as quickly as four to six weeks, while others may take up to six months for more comprehensive training.
The shorter programs are typically self-paced and tend to focus on core technical skills for new appliance technicians to immediately jump into the job with basic knowledge.
The longer programs commonly include business fundamentals, customer service, and advanced diagnostics.
Students usually choose an online program due to the flexibility of not having to commute to a physical location and the ability to move through the material at a pace they are comfortable with.
This can significantly lengthen or shorten the completion time, depending on the student’s schedule and motivation.
Those working full-time or who have other responsibilities may take longer than those who can dedicate time to the curriculum and finish quickly.
Many of the top-rated schools have certification preparation, which can add several weeks to the total time commitment.
Although this slightly extends the timeline, additional qualifications are often worth the investment regarding earning potential and job opportunities.
In general, the time to finish an appliance repair program depends on the comprehensiveness of the curriculum and the amount of time the student can commit.
How Much Does an Online Appliance Repair Technician Certification Cost?
Attending an online appliance repair program varies greatly in cost, depending on the level of support, course structure, duration, and school.
The average tuition for said program ranges from $200 to $2,500.
Entry-level courses cost several hundred dollars, while more comprehensive programs, including certification preparation, diagnostics tools, and multiple appliance types, will be at the higher end of the financial spectrum.
Unlike other creative or technical degrees, an online appliance repair program offers straightforward pricing with few hidden fees.
Some schools charge students per module, while others offer a discounted rate for membership access or entire program packages.
Since online appliance repair programs usually require a shorter time commitment, there is also a smaller financial investment, thus making it an attractive option for working adults looking for a skill trade or career changers.
One of the most important steps when considering career training is the ability to finance the education.
Although some schools don’t hold an accreditation, thus limiting federal financial aid, there are other options.
Many schools have in-house payment plans allowing students to spread tuition costs across several months.
Others work with third-party financial companies that offer low-interest-rate loans.
Employer-sponsored tuition assistance and scholarships are always worth exploring, especially for those currently working in retail services, construction, and maintenance industries.
While traditional financial aid may only be available at school trade schools, it’s important to understand that there are other funding options available.
It’s always best to ask the school about available financing options when comparing programs and their costs.
Summary
Given the high consumer demand for an ever-expanding portfolio of appliances, repair technicians are needed now more than ever.
Luckily, training programs can be completed entirely online with time commitments ranging from two weeks to six months and costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $15,000.
The most common curricula include washer, dryer, stove, oven, and dishwasher fundamentals, troubleshooting, and repair, as well as how to use specific tools.
