The Importance Of Seeking NATE Certification For An HVAC Technician

For an aspiring HVAC technician, taking the NATE certification test is an important step in a promising career.  An HVAC tech works on Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. They install and repair all parts of these systems. Almost every single building in this country has some sort of HVAC system, which is why this career choice continues to be in demand. While it was common in the past for a technician to merely be trained on the job, today’s employers are requiring more education and experience.

The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) exam is a nationally recognized exam for HVAC technicians that is developed and supported by the HVAC Industry. Any HVAC technician that wants to succeed and move upwards in their career needs to take the NATE Certification. While the certification is not required by law to be licensed, it is becoming a necessary step for a technician to compete in the workforce.

What is NATE Certification?

NATE Certification is a nationwide program that certifies HVAC technicians that work in the residential or light commercial setting. Contractors, engineers, manufacturers and educators support this certification as proof of an HVAC technician’s expertise. These industry experts confer and develop the Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs). KATEs are proven job task analysis that truly test the technician’s ability and knowledge. Questions on the NATE exam come directly from KATEs.

In order to earn the NATE certification, the technician must pass two exams. The first NATE test is the CORE exam, and then a specialty exam of the technician’s choice follows. The current specialty exams are:

• Air Conditioning
• Air Distribution
• Air-to-Air Heat Pumps
• Gas Heating (Air)
• Oil Heating (Air)
• Hydronics Gas
• Hydronics Oil
• Light Commercial Refrigeration
• Commercial Refrigeration

The CORE exam of the NATE certification is fifty questions. A passing grade of seventy percent, or thirty five correct answers, is required. The specialty exams are one hundred questions, and also require a passing score of seventy percent, or seventy correct answers. Most technicians can complete both the CORE test and the specialty test in a four hour test period. The technician can take more than one specialty exam, but is not required to do so.

Finding a NATE Study Guide

A simple Google search for a NATE study guide will give a potential candidate a wide variety of training materials to use. NATE reference manuals are another good source of information to study for the exams. There are even online study sessions and practice exams that technicians can go through to prepare for the NATE certification. There may be a small fee required to enroll in some of these sessions. If the technician is enrolled in an HVAC school, they may be able to receive help there to study for the exam.

EPA Certification Required By Law

NATE certification is not required for an HVAC technician to work in the field. It is only highly recommended. Future clients can check on the NATE certification of any technician they hire. It is completely within a client’s rights to refuse to let an un-certified technician work on their systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does require a certification for every HVAC technician, depending on which setting they will be working in. There are three types of this certification, with a universal certificate covering all of the classes. This is not part of the NATE certification.

Educational Experience Required For NATE Certification

The NATE certification tests the technician’s knowledge of their field. Therefore, there are no educational requirements in order to take the test. Anyone who has knowledge of the HVAC field can attempt to pass the NATE test. However, it is strongly advised that technicians do have some formal training, whether it is in the form of work experience or education. Practical application of knowledge in the field is the best way to prepare for the questions on the exam.

There are recommendations straight from NATE regarding how much work experience is required for each specialty. The higher the level of certification, the more work experience the technician should have. Again, this is not a requirement, but technicians who do not have either experience and/or education are not likely to pass the NATE certification exam.

Educational Programs for HVAC Technicians

A person who desires to become an HVAC technician can either attend a traditional brick and mortar school, usually a vocational/technical school, or attend classes online. Both programs will teach the technician the necessary skills to succeed in this career. An online program may require an apprenticeship or other hands on learning experience before issuing the technician their diploma or certificate. If enrolled in an accredited school, there will usually be help to study for the NATE certification test as well.

NATE Website Is Increasing Importance of Certification

NATE launched its own website in January of 2009, and this has changed how people look for NATE certified technicians. It is now very easy for consumers and employers to hop online and check to see if their technician has completed the NATE certification process.

A very popular feature is the Consumer Contractors Connection (C3). This provides a directory for consumers who are looking for a local HVAC contractor that employs a high percentage of technicians that have earned their NATE certification. There is also a map of Quality Circle Contractors. These are contractors who maintain a crew of at least eighty percent NATE certified technicians. These are valuable resources for customers who only want the best, most qualified technicians to work on their systems. This also provides more of an incentive for technicians to seek their certification, so that they can be listed on the site.

The Best NATE Certified Books

There are many books available to help an HVAC technician study for their NATE certification. However, there are a few things a technician should consider before buying any books or study guides.

First of all, they need to ensure that the books are printed by someone who actually has knowledge of the HVAC field. In today’s world of the Internet and e-books, anyone can write something and post it online. A little research may be required to ensure the book is from a valid source, but this research will pay off when the technician passes the NATE certification.

Secondly, the books need to be up to date. The HVAC field continues to change as technology changes. For example, twenty years ago, most people had never heard the term “geo-thermal energy”. Yet, today, this is becoming a popular choice for heating and cooling one’s home. Questions on the NATE certification exam will certainly be up to date, so studying outdated materials will be of no advantage.

There are many CDs and DVDs that can help an HVAC technician study for the NATE certification as well. These can be wonderful resources that really help the concepts to come alive, as the technician can actually watch what is being done, while the processes are being explained.

There are many ways to prepare for the NATE certification. A technician should remember that the best teacher is experience, so they should endeavor to work in the field before taking the NATE test. Once they feel confident in their skills, they can become certified and move up in their career.

  

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