Best Trade Schools in San Bernardino, California (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in San Bernardino. This guide focuses on accredited options, in‑demand programs, and the steps to get licensed in California. Use it to compare program length and specialties, then plan your next move. Local demand is strong for electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders1.

Top Trade Schools in San Bernardino

These schools serve San Bernardino and the Inland Empire. Accreditation can be confirmed through the U.S. Department of Education and recognized accrediting agencies23.

School Program Length Highlights
San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) – San Bernardino Certificates 9–12 months; Associate degrees ~2 years Public college. HVAC/R, Electricity, Welding, Automotive Service, Machine Tech, Nursing pathways. ACCJC accredited. Strong transfer and CTE support.
North-West College – San Bernardino Diplomas 8–12 months; VN 12–20 months Medical career focus. Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Vocational Nursing. ABHES accredited. Day and evening cohorts.
Summit College – Colton (Inland Empire Campus) Certificates ~9–12 months; VN 12–20 months HVAC Technician, Electrician, Welding, Vocational Nursing. ACCET accredited. Hands-on labs and career services.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Rancho Cucamonga 9–18 months Automotive and Diesel Technology. ACCSC accredited. Industry partnerships and manufacturer-aligned training.
SJVC – Rancho Cucamonga Certificates ~10–20 months; AS ~2 years HVAC-R, Electrical Technology, Medical and Business programs. ACCJC accredited. Flexible scheduling.
Chaffey College InTech Center – Fontana Bootcamps 12–20 weeks; certificates vary Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Electrical, Mechatronics, Welding, CNC. ACCJC accredited via Chaffey College. Employer-aligned training.
Riverside City College (RCC) – Riverside Certificates 8–12 months; AS ~2 years Welding, HVAC, Automotive, Electrical. ACCJC accredited. Strong lab facilities and industry ties.
InterCoast Colleges – Riverside ~40–50 weeks Electrical Training Program and HVAC Technician. ACCET accredited. Day, evening, and hybrid options.

Tip: Visit each school’s “Gainful Employment” or outcomes page. Confirm accreditation and program disclosures on College Navigator2 and the accreditor directories3.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Work includes wiring, panels, service upgrades, solar connections, and industrial controls. BLS projects steady openings and solid wages nationwide through 20321. Many Inland Empire contractors seek trainees who can work while attending school or apprenticeship.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Install and service heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in homes, hospitals, schools, and logistics centers. EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants4. Year-round service demand is strong in the region’s hot climate1.

  • Welder

    • Fabrication, structural welding, pipe welding, and repair in construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Employers often prefer AWS certifications for specific processes and metals5. Local logistics and construction projects keep welding skills relevant1.

  • Plumber

    • Install and repair water, drain, and gas systems. Residential service firms hire helpers and apprentices. Contractors need a CSLB C-36 license to run jobs in California6. Many techs advance to contractor after gaining on-the-job experience.

Explore these careers in our trade hub:

Licensing Requirements in California

Electrician

  • If you are not in a state-approved apprenticeship, register as an Electrician Trainee with the California DIR before working on the tools7.
  • Complete required on-the-job experience and classroom hours. General Electrician requires substantial hours before the exam.
  • Pass the California Electrician Certification exam through DIR7.
  • Renew certification on schedule and complete approved continuing education.

HVAC/R

  • EPA Section 608 certification is required to work with refrigerants (Core + Type I/II/III or Universal)4.
  • To contract independently or run a business, obtain a CSLB C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning contractor license. Requires four years of journey-level experience, exams, and background check6.
  • Pull local permits and follow city and county code requirements.

Plumbing

  • Journeyman licensing is not statewide. Employers and municipalities may require proof of experience or certification.
  • To operate as a contractor, obtain the CSLB C-36 Plumbing license. Requires four years of experience, trade and law exams, and bonding/insurance6.
  • Follow local building codes and permitting.

Welding

  • No single state license. Employers and jurisdictions often require AWS (e.g., D1.1 structural steel) or ASME process-specific certifications5.
  • Structural and public works may require additional jurisdictional approvals. Verify with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Contractors

  • Most construction trades need a CSLB license when the project value meets California thresholds. Check classification, experience, exam, and bonding requirements6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many local programs deliver theory online with scheduled in-person labs for electrical, HVACR, and welding.
  • Evenings and weekends: Look for evening cohorts if you plan to work while training. Summit College, InterCoast, and North-West College offer flexible schedules.
  • Short-term bootcamps: Chaffey InTech Center and similar programs run intensive, employer-aligned courses that can lead to entry-level roles quickly.
  • Credit vs. clock-hour: Community colleges grant credit-bearing certificates and associate degrees. Private career schools often use clock hours for focused, shorter programs. Both prepare you for entry-level roles; choose based on your timeline.

Next Steps

  • Compare programs and plan your timeline: Visit the California trade-school hub and our main Trade Schools page.
  • Learn the trade: Review job duties, certifications, and salaries in the Trades Hub.
  • Prepare and pay for school: See our latest resources in Guides.
  • Talk to admissions: Ask about accreditation, externships, lab hours, exam pass rates, and employer partners. Request a campus tour and meet instructors.

Local hiring is steady and practical skills move you into paid work fast1. Pick a school, set your schedule, and get certified.

Footnotes

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Electricians, HVAC/R Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers, and Welders job outlook and wages. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Institution search and program data. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/ ↩ ↩

  4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  5. American Welding Society (AWS), Welder Certification. https://www.aws.org/certification/ ↩ ↩

  6. California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Licensing classifications, exams, and requirements. https://www.cslb.ca.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  7. California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), Electrician Certification Program. Trainee registration, experience, exams, and renewal. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/ElectricalCertification.htm ↩ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.