If you’re new to the building automation systems (BAS) industry, or helping someone get started, this guide will give you a clear, step-by-step roadmap. It’s built from real-world experience helping thousands of professionals enter and grow in the BAS space.
This checklist outlines the five essential phases of your BAS career development. Each phase includes key skills to master, free resources from Smart Buildings Academy, and practical steps to take action today.
Phase 1: Understand the BAS Industry
Goal: Gain a clear understanding of what BAS is, how it works, and where it fits into modern buildings.
Most people entering this field do not realize how central building automation is to the operation of commercial facilities. BAS controls the HVAC systems, lighting, access, fire integration, and more. It is the digital backbone of modern buildings.
What You Need to Learn
- What is a building automation system
- Key components: sensors, actuators, controllers, supervisory devices
- Why BAS is critical for energy savings, comfort, and operational efficiency
- How BAS fits into the design, construction, and maintenance lifecycle
Free Resource
The Ultimate Guide to Building Automation
Phase 2: Learn the Core Systems
Goal: Build foundational knowledge in HVAC, electricity, and IT. These three areas are the pillars of building automation systems.
This phase provides the technical grounding that everything else is built upon. You do not need to become a master in all three areas, but you must be conversant and capable in each.
HVAC Fundamentals
Building automation professionals must understand HVAC systems because these are the systems BAS most often controls.
What You Need to Learn
- How air handlers, VAV boxes, boilers, chillers, and pumps work
- The refrigeration cycle and the basics of heat transfer
- Sequences of operation for HVAC systems
Free Resource
How HVAC Control Sequences Work
Electrical Fundamentals
You will be working with low-voltage wiring, sensors, relays, and controllers. Understanding electrical basics helps you wire devices safely and troubleshoot problems effectively.
What You Need to Learn
- Ohm’s Law and basic circuit theory
- Analog versus digital signals
- Inputs and outputs, dry contacts, relays, transformers
- How to read wiring diagrams
Free Resource
Electrical Basics for Building Automation Professionals – Podcast Episode 211
https://www.smartbuildingsacademy.com/blog/sba-211-electrical-basics-for-building-automation-professionals
IT and Networking
Modern BAS is networked. From controllers talking over BACnet/IP to cloud-integrated user interfaces, you must understand basic networking to install, configure, and troubleshoot systems.
What You Need to Learn
- IP addressing, switches, and routers
- BACnet/IP vs BACnet MS/TP
- How BAS devices communicate
- Common IT problems and how to resolve them
Free Resource
Understanding IT for Building Automation – Podcast Episode 58
Phase 3: Build Practical Technical Skills
Goal: Learn how to install, configure, and commission building automation systems.
This is where your learning becomes hands-on. Employers value candidates who can go beyond theory and understand the practical realities of installing and testing BAS equipment.
BAS Controls and Programming
You will need to understand how controllers make decisions using logic. Programming is often graphical but requires logic-based thinking and familiarity with HVAC control sequences.
What You Need to Learn
- The structure of a BAS controller
- Inputs and outputs and how they map to physical devices
- Sequences of operation and how to program them
- Graphical programming tools and logic blocks
Free Resource
What Are Control Sequences
Installation and Commissioning
Learning to wire, mount, and commission a system helps you understand how everything connects. It also builds credibility and practical skill that separates entry-level technicians from true professionals.
What You Need to Learn
- Pulling, terminating, and labeling wire
- Mounting controllers, sensors, and actuators
- Reading control drawings and wiring diagrams
- Performing point-to-point testing and system verification
Free Resource
How to Get Hands-On Experience in BAS – Podcast Episode 130
Phase 4: Develop Troubleshooting and Integration Skills
Goal: Learn to identify and fix common problems in real-world BAS environments.
Troubleshooting is one of the most valuable skills in this field. Systems do not always work as expected, and technicians who can isolate problems quickly are in high demand.
Troubleshooting BAS Systems
You will need to combine your HVAC, electrical, IT, and programming knowledge to troubleshoot effectively.
What You Need to Learn
- Troubleshooting control logic
- Diagnosing sensor and actuator issues
- Network and communication failure resolution
- Using tools like multimeters and protocol analyzers
Free Resource
Troubleshooting Common BAS Issues
Phase 5: Plan Your Career Path
Goal: Decide which BAS role fits your goals and start building a long-term career plan.
The BAS industry offers multiple roles beyond installation and programming. Whether you enjoy field work, design, software, or customer interaction, there is a place for you in this field.
BAS Career Tracks
What You Need to Learn
- BAS Technician: Field installation, startup, troubleshooting
- BAS Programmer: Programming control logic and sequences
- Project Engineer: System design and documentation
- Sales Engineer: Customer consultation and solution design
- Project Manager: Overseeing timelines, teams, and execution
Free Resource
Understanding BAS Career Paths – Podcast Episode 60
Build a Learning Plan
Once you’ve chosen your path, build a structured plan for continuous improvement. The most successful BAS professionals are always learning and refining their craft.
What You Need to Do
- Focus on one core skill at a time
- Track your learning progress and hands-on experience
- Set achievable milestones (install a sensor, write a program, configure a network)
- Build a simple BAS lab or training station if possible
Free Resource
Establishing a Career in BAS
Final Checklist Summary
Follow these steps to build a successful BAS career from the ground up:
- Understand what building automation systems are and how they work
- Master the fundamentals of HVAC, electricity, and IT
- Learn how to program, install, and commission BAS equipment
- Develop troubleshooting skills and understand front-end operations
- Choose a long-term role and follow a focused training path
Start learning now with our free resources:
- Podcast Library: https://podcast.smartbuildingsacademy.com/
- Blog and Free Articles: https://blog.smartbuildingsacademy.com/
- Free Tools and Downloads: https://www.smartbuildingsacademy.com/mini-courses
Share this checklist with anyone exploring the BAS industry. It’s the most efficient and direct path to a career in building automation.
