School Catalog

1. School Overview & Mission

Thompson Appliance Service Academy (TASA) is a proprietary school offering a 3-week intensive training program in major appliance repair. TASA is located in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and draws students from across the United States.

Mission: To provide hands-on, career-focused training that prepares students to enter the appliance repair industry as competent, confident, and professional service technicians. TASA is rooted in over 40 years of family-owned appliance service business experience and delivers real-world training directly from working professionals.

2. Licensure & Accreditation Status

3. Program Description

Program Objectives

Upon completion, graduates will be able to:

• Safely diagnose and repair washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators
• Use a digital multimeter to test components and trace circuits
• Read and interpret wiring and schematic diagrams
• Understand sealed refrigeration systems and EPA 608 requirements
• Apply systematic diagnostic procedures from symptom to root cause
• Communicate with customers and use professional field service software
• Prepare for NASTEC certification and EPA 608 certification exams

For a detailed week-by-week curriculum, see the Program Syllabus.

4. Admissions Requirements

These requirements are made available to the public and will be administered as written. Before enrolling in the certificate program, an applicant must provide one of the following:

1. Graduation from a public, private, or home high school operating in compliance with state or local law, documented by a high-school transcript or diploma;
2. A certificate of high-school equivalency, such as a GED, retained in the student record;
3. Graduation from a compliant community college or university, documented by the applicable transcript or diploma;
4. Completion of secondary education equivalent to U.S. high-school education, documented by an English-translated diploma or transcript;
5. A signed, notarized attestation confirming one of the education pathways above, used only when the student provides written evidence that the school could not obtain the applicable transcript, certificate, or diploma;
6. For an applicant at least 18 years old who does not meet pathways 1–5, demonstration of ability to benefit through a test instrument approved by the U.S. Department of Education, with the result retained in the student record.

Applicants must also submit the TASA application, identify their age and educational background, complete an admissions interview, and review the physical demands and safety expectations of hands-on appliance training. High-school students may not attend while high schools are in regular session unless their high-school principal approves the attendance in writing; that approval must be retained in the student record.

TASA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or any other protected status. See Section 16 — Non-Discrimination Policy.

5. Tuition & Fees

TASA does not offer federal financial aid. The school is not eligible to participate in Title IV programs.

6. Payment Plans & Financial Aid

TASA offers the following payment options:

1. Full Payment: $4,000.00 due at least 14 business days before the session start date.
2. Payment Plan: $250.00 registration fee at enrollment + remaining balance of $3,750.00 due 14 business days before class. TASA may offer extended payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Contact admissions for details.

TASA does not participate in federal financial aid programs (Title IV). Students are encouraged to explore employer tuition assistance, workforce development grants through NCWorks, or personal financing options.

7. Cancellation & Refund Policy

This policy complies with NC General Statutes §115D-211.

Refunds will be issued in the same manner as payment when practicable, or by another documented method, within the time required by the applicable rule and no later than 30 days after the effective cancellation or withdrawal date unless a different federal requirement applies. See the Enrollment Agreement for the signed policy.

8. Attendance Policy

• Students must attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled clock hours (96 hours) to receive a certificate of completion.
• Tardiness of more than 15 minutes is recorded as a half-day absence.
• Students who anticipate an absence must notify TASA as soon as possible.
• Excessive absences may result in dismissal from the program.
• Made-up time may be arranged at the instructor's discretion, subject to facility availability.

9. Academic Standards & Grading

Assessment methods include written quizzes and exams, hands-on practical evaluations, class participation, and a final comprehensive exam.

10. Student Conduct & Dismissal

TASA may dismiss a student for any of the following reasons:

• Failure to meet financial obligations
• Academic failure after remediation has been offered
• Violation of safety rules or procedures
• Dishonesty, theft, or destruction of school property
• Disruptive behavior that interferes with the learning environment
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during class

In the event of dismissal, the refund policy applies based on the student's last date of attendance.

11. Certificates & Credentials

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive:

• Certificate of Completion — Major Appliance Repair Technician, issued by TASA
• NASTEC Exam Preparation — Training aligned with the National Appliance Service Technician Certification exam
• EPA 608 Training — Preparatory training for the EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling certification (exam administered separately by an EPA-approved testing organization)

12. Facilities & Equipment

TASA operates a dedicated training facility in Rutherfordton, NC featuring:

• Hands-on appliance lab with operational washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators
• Classroom area for lecture, diagram review, and group discussion
• Student workstations with digital multimeters and hand tool kits
• Reference library of service manuals and wiring diagrams
• Complimentary weekend resort amenities at Rumbling Bald Resort, Lake Lure, NC (subject to availability)

13. Instructor Qualifications

All TASA instructors are experienced appliance repair professionals who meet or exceed the following requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of field experience in appliance service and repair
• Current NASTEC certification or equivalent
• EPA 608 Universal certification
• Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor students
• The program founders operate Thompson Appliance Service, a family business with over 40 years of continuous operation

14. Student Services

• Job Placement Assistance: TASA provides career guidance, resume assistance, and connections to employers seeking appliance repair technicians. TASA maintains a job board at tasaacademy.com/jobs.html.
• Alumni Network: Graduates have access to the TASA alumni community for ongoing peer support, referrals, and industry updates.
• Servicer Edge Software: Students receive training on the Servicer Edge field management app, including a trial period after graduation.
• Weekend Amenities: Students receive complimentary passes to Rumbling Bald Resort facilities during the training session (subject to availability).

15. Complaint Procedure

Students with concerns should first attempt to resolve the matter with their instructor, then with the School Director. If unresolved, students may file a formal complaint with the NC State Board of Proprietary Schools, 5001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-5001, (919) 807-7100.

See the Student Complaint Procedure for complete details and the complaint form.

16. Non-Discrimination Policy

Thompson Appliance Service Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all aspects of the school's operations, including admissions, instruction, grading, and student services.

17. Privacy Policy (FERPA)

TASA respects the privacy of student records. Student education records are maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to the extent applicable. Students have the right to inspect their own education records and may request corrections to inaccurate records. Student records will not be released to third parties without written consent, except as permitted by law.

See the TASA Privacy Policy for additional details.

18. Required Disclosures