There’s no denying the importance of certifications in the HVAC industry, and whether you’re just starting your career or consider yourself a seasoned pro, it’s never a bad time to learn about the different credentials that are available to you.
Today we’re focusing on the HVAC NATE certification – what is it, how do you become certified and, maybe most importantly, why should you get certified?
What is NATE Certification?
NATE, or North American Technician Excellence, is the nation’s largest nonprofit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians. NATE certification tests represent a strong working knowledge of HVACR systems and help validate the technical competency of service and installation technicians.
Contractors, manufacturers, distributors and educators across the country partner with NATE to develop knowledgeable, competent HVACR technicians. Consequently, home and business owners are incentivized to choose HVACR contractors who employ NATE-certified technicians, giving these customers peace of mind that the job will get done right the first time around.
NATE Certification Test: The Basics
NATE certifies HVAC technicians through a series of knowledge and experience-based testing, then initiates follow-up training and testing every two years. There are multiple types of exams offered to technicians, all depending on the level of certification they want to achieve.
In developing the NATE certification exams, the organization works with a nationwide committee of HVAC experts that identifies Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs) by drawing from their own real-world job experience. If a technician passes all the necessary exams (with a score of 70% or higher), they become NATE-certified.
It’s important to note that before being eligible for a NATE certification, technicians must pass two separate exams: the Ready-To-Work and HVAC Support Technician. Both of these exams are designed for technicians just entering the field and are recommended by NATE to be completed within the first six months to a year on the job.
Becoming NATE HVAC Certified
After passing both entry exams and completing at least two years of work in the HVAC field, technicians are eligible for NATE certification in one of two ways:
• The traditional NATE certification pathway, where a technician takes the NATE core exam and at least one NATE specialty exam in an area of their choosing
• The Certified HVAC Professional (CHP-5) pathway, consisting of a series of five NATE certification exams: HVAC fundamentals, electrical and controls, comfort and airflows, installation, and service
If a technician holds two specialty-level NATE HVAC certifications (one in heating and one in cooling), they’re eligible to take the senior level test, earn them the Senior Level Efficiency Analyst certificate.
NATE Certification Cost
On average, the Core exam and the Specialty exam will cost about $130 to $250 per exam, plus registration fees. NATE administers its tests through authorized centers across the country, allowing each one to determine its own pricing structure. For first-timers planning to take both the Core exam and at least one Specialty exam, we recommend budgeting at least $500 for your NATE certification cost.
To find a testing center near you, refer to the official test center page at natex.org.
NATE Certification Practice Test
In preparation for your HVAC NATE certification, there are several NATE certification practice tests at your disposal both online and in-person, including:
• Paperback study guides offered by NATE with graphics and practice questions at the end of each chapter, available in the NATE online store.
• The NATE Training Academy, a complete online training program featuring a comprehensive set of courses covering the CHP-5 subject domains.
Achieving NATE certification is no small feat, so be sure to explore all training options available and decide what’s best for your schedule, learning style and budget.
NATE HVAC Recertification
As previously mentioned, NATE certifications last two years, except for the ground source pump heat installer certification, which lasts three years. To recertify, technicians must complete 16 continuing education hours on the NATE HVAC website within two years and pay a renewal fee or re-take the specialty exam before the certification expiration date.
Additionally, technicians have a 120-day grace period to recertify after their certification expiration date. After 120 days, technicians must take and pass all exams in a NATE Certification Pathway (Traditional or CHP-5) to re-establish their certification.
HVAC NATE Certification: Conclusion
NATE-certified technicians demonstrate both the educational and real-world knowledge to reliably maintain HVAC systems nationwide. There’s also the benefit of the two-year renewal window, ensuring that these pros are up-to-date on the latest industry developments and updates that impact systems everywhere.
For any additional questions or, if you’re ready to start the NATE certification process for yourself, visit natex.org and get started today!
