When you’re looking for quality HVAC services, you generally want a technician that understands what they’re doing. Many service companies advertise experienced staff, but how can you know for certain? One of the easiest ways to verify if an HVAC technician is knowledgeable is by checking their certifications. HVAC certifications should demonstrate proficiency in services like air conditioning repair, installation and maintenance services as well as other core aspects of the industry.

There are multiple HVAC certifications available. Some are designed around a core body of knowledge technicians should have, while others are a result of industry standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. We’ll take a look at key details about a few of the most common HVAC certifications you’ll find in your search for services.

Certification from NATE

The North American Technician Excellence certification is the largest program for HVAC proficiency, with tens of thousands of certified technicians. Many organizations like the ACCA and the federal Environmental Protection Agency collaborate with the NATE program to standardize the certification exams. To pass, applicants must reach a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive additional education or retake an exam every two years.

Complete certification is a multiyear process made up of four separate tests. The first two are specific for entry-level technicians while the final set of exams provide full certification and senior-level status:

  1. Ready-to-Work Certificate – This certificate offers core knowledge and skill sets that can reaffirm any education or training already completed. The Ready-to-Work certification is particularly beneficial for recent graduates of trade programs.
  2. HVAC Support Technician Certificate – After 6 to 12 months of experience, this exam is offered to teach fundamental topics relevant to full NATE certification.
  3. Core and Specialty Certification – After a technician has been in service for two or more years, they can achieve NATE certification. Participants will have to pass both the core exam as well as a specialty exam for installation or servicing specific kinds of HVAC systems.
  4. Senior-Level Efficiency Analyst Certification – Senior status is the highest NATE certification offered. Technicians need to be certified in two specialty services—one in heating and the other in air conditioning—to be eligible for applying for the senior certificate.

Certification from ASHRAE

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers was organized in 1894. ASHRAE and its members share research and education about HVAC systems with the intent to encourage sustainability, energy efficiency and high indoor air quality. Through their work, ASHRAE creates industry standards with federal recognition. These standards are applicable not only to HVAC equipment, but to the buildings themselves as well as their other systems.

The majority of ASHRAE standards are focused on commercial properties and industrial facilities, as they often have the highest rates of energy use. They’ll study how HVAC system design can be improved as well as how equipment should be installed and serviced. ASHRAE also monitors how the engineering and architectural design of the building itself affects energy use.

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