U.S. Air Force · Civil Engineering

3E1X1 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Air Force HVAC/R technicians (3E1X1) install, maintain, and operate heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems that keep Air Force buildings, work centers, and electronic equipment climate-controlled. The current Air Force career page lists both qualifying line scores for this job: 55 Mechanical (M) and 45 Electronics (E).

last verified 2026-06-15

3E1X1 (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) is in the Air Force and requires a minimum AFQT of 31 and M of at least 55 and E of at least 45. Last verified 2026-06-15 against airforce.com HVAC/R Specialist.

Quick check

Can I qualify for this job?

Enter the scores you already know. Leave a box blank if you do not have that score yet.

AFQT minimum 31Enter AFQT
M minimum 55Enter M
E minimum 45Enter E

Plain requirement

What you need.

  • Min AFQT31
  • Training~14 weeks
  • M line score≥ 55
  • E line score≥ 45

Source: airforce.com HVAC/R Specialist · last verified 2026-06-15.

Role brief

About 3E1X1 — Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

Air Force HVAC/R technicians (3E1X1) install, maintain, and operate heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems that keep Air Force buildings, work centers, and electronic equipment climate-controlled. The current Air Force career page lists both qualifying line scores for this job: 55 Mechanical (M) and 45 Electronics (E).

Starting pay · 2026

What this job pays as a junior enlisted member.

Base pay is set by pay grade, not by job — every Air Force enlistee at the same grade earns the same monthly base pay. These are the 2026 active-duty rates (3.8% raise, effective 2026-01-01).

GradeRankMonthly base payService
E-1Airman Basic (AB)$2,407after 4 months of service
E-2Airman (Amn)$2,698under 2 years
E-3Airman First Class (A1C)$2,837under 2 years
E-4Senior Airman (SrA)$3,142under 2 years
  • Plus food allowance (BAS)$460/moFlat enlisted rate, tax-free, paid on top of base pay.
  • Plus housing allowance (BAH)Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is paid on top of base pay and is tax-free, but it varies by duty-station ZIP code, pay grade, and whether you have dependents — there is no single nationwide figure. Use the official DoD BAH calculator for your assignment location.DoD BAH rate lookup →

Source: DFAS 2026 active-duty basic pay tables (3.8% raise, effective Jan 1 2026) · last verified 2026-05-23 · date retrieved 2026-05-23.

Eligibility notes

What 3E1X1 candidates should check.

  • The current Air Force HVAC/R page lists two ASVAB line-score requirements for 3E1X1: 55 Mechanical (M) and 45 Electronics (E). If another table gives a different number, verify it against the current Air Force recruiting page before using it.
  • The Air Force page lists 98 days of technical training for HVAC/R after 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training; this row rounds the job-specific technical training to about 14 weeks.
  • The same source describes the job as installing, maintaining, and operating heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and equipment across Air Force installations.
  • The qualification list includes knowledge of HVAC/R system principles, controls, and components. Confirm any current enlistment-contract details with an Air Force recruiter before signing.

What ASVAB score do you need for 3E1X1 Air Force HVAC/R?

The current Air Force HVAC/R Specialist page lists 55 Mechanical (M) and 45 Electronics (E) for AFSC 3E1X1. This page also keeps AFQT 31 as the general Air Force enlistment floor. Source: airforce.com HVAC/R Specialist, last verified 2026-06-15.

Does 3E1X1 use Mechanical or Electrical on the ASVAB?

Use both current Air Force-listed line scores: 55 Mechanical (M) and 45 Electronics (E). If another table gives a different number, verify it against the current Air Force recruiting page before using it.

How long is 3E1X1 HVAC/R technical training?

The Air Force HVAC/R page lists 98 days of technical training after 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training. This page rounds the job-specific technical training portion to about 14 weeks.

What does Air Force 3E1X1 HVAC/R do?

3E1X1 HVAC/R specialists install, maintain, and operate heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and equipment so Air Force facilities and electronic equipment stay climate-controlled.

What are the AFSC requirements for 3E1X1 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration?

The Air Force Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration AFSC (3E1X1) requires a minimum AFQT of 31 and M of at least 55 and E of at least 45, with initial training of about 14 weeks. Those are the ASVAB-based entry requirements; a recruiter confirms the full enlistment picture (medical, background, and current openings). Source: airforce.com HVAC/R Specialist, last verified 2026-06-15.

Source: airforce.com HVAC/R Specialist · last verified 2026-06-15 · date retrieved 2026-06-15.

Nearby targets

Related Air Force score targets.

Related

Practice AFQT plus 3E1X1 line-score subtests.

AFQT + M / E practice targets

Compare Air Force ASVAB requirements

Independent test-prep — not affiliated with DoD or the ASVAB program. See officialasvab.com for the test program.

Sources