NATE Certification: Make Sure Your HVAC Pro Is One of the Best

NATE Certification: Make Sure Your HVAC Pro Is One of the Best

When choosing a qualified HVAC contractor, it pays to look for one with NATE certification. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) began as a non-profit organization in 1997, and it has evolved as one of the industry’s leading certification programs. Find out why NATE certification holds value for contractors and homeowners alike.

Testing vs. training

Many of the certification programs available to HVAC technicians require that they train on one or more pieces of HVAC equipment, and receive certification for that training. Therefore, it behooves manufacturers and other organizations to pass technicians. NATE, however, doesn’t gain anything from certifying technicians, because the process doesn’t involve training — only testing.

Industry supported

Entities from across the HVAC industry endorse and participate in the NATE organization, including utility companies, manufacturers, contractors and other non-profits like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association (SMACNA).

Comprehensive, specialized testing

The program requires that technicians undergo rigorous testing. They must pass a general test based on day-to-day knowledge required of technicians, which runs the gamut of scenarios they typically encounter in the field, as well as a specialized test(s) of their choice, including:

• Air conditioning
• Geothermal
• Hydronics
• Furnaces
• Air-source heat pumps
• Air distribution
• Refrigeration
• Efficiency analyst

Recertification

The quality of testing doesn’t stop there. Technicians must maintain their certification by renewing their standing with NATE. This process ensures that technicians stay abreast of changes in efficiency laws, new heating and cooling technologies and so forth. To recertify, technicians may choose to:

• Take the specialized test again, which would cover any updates in technologies, etc.
• Take 60 continuing education hours in the area of specialty the technician has chosen

NATE requires recertification every five years to ensure strict adherence to the quality of testing, and to preserve the validity of the NATE badge.

Get more information about NATE certification by calling the area’s leading HVAC contractor at Air-Tro. We’re proud of our NATE certification, and we’re confident that it ultimately benefits our customers time and time again. We serve homeowners in greater Pasadena. Give us a call today or visit our website for more information.