How Long is Trade School?

The duration of trade school programs ranges from six months to two years for full-time students; however, it is determined by the program you pick. In this post, we'll list some of the most popular trade school programs available and how long they will take to finish.

Length of Trade School Programs

• HVAC  – It generally takes full-time students six months to one year to earn an HVAC certificate or diploma. Some schools, however, offer associate degrees in HVAC technology which normally require eighteen months to two years of study.

• Electrical – It takes roughly six months to a year to finish an electrical technology program at a trade school. An associate degree program might be completed in as little as two years if you attend full-time.

• Auto Mechanics – To finish a certificate or diploma program in automotive mechanics, you'll generally need about a year of study full-time. Some schools provide accelerated diploma programs for full-time students that take as little as nine months.

• Aircraft Mechanics – An aircraft mechanic training program generally lasts for about a year and a half, while an associate of science degree tends to take closer to two years.

• Welding – Welding trade school programs may range from seven months to a year in length. You might also consider an associate of science in a welding technology program, which usually takes sixteen to twenty four months.

• Truck Driving – Generally, trade school programs for a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) are shorter than other professional development programs. If you study to receive your Class A CDL license, it may take anywhere from one to three months; though, if you choose additional endorsements like HAZMAT or tanker truck driving, it could slightly extend the amount of time needed.

• Cosmetology – Because each state has its own rules regarding cosmetology, the length of time it will take you to complete your program is determined by where you live. However, most cosmetology schools last between ten months and a year. Some colleges provide associate degrees in cosmetology, which might take up to two years to finish if you're a full-time student.

• Massage Therapy – The average student completing a massage therapy certificate or diploma program full-time will finish in nine months, whereas some students enrolled in accelerated programs can achieve the same goals in as little as six months. There are also associate degree programs lasting up to two years.

• Culinary Arts – A culinary certificate will likely take six months to one year to complete. For full-time students, an associate degree in culinary arts will take approximately two years. A bachelor's degree will require an average of four years of study.