A NATE-certified technician holds a certificate from the North American Technician Excellence organization to install heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. A NATE-certified technician will be able to perform basic and complex HVAC work, complete services safely with proper equipment and tools, and have the knowledge to advise their customers on the best decisions regarding the heating and cooling equipment for their home.
To become a NATE-certified technician, an individual must complete the following steps:
- Gain experience by completing at least six months to one year of relevant work experience, which can be obtained through internships, apprenticeships, or being hired and trained by an installation company. For professional-level tests, the individual should have at least two years of experience.
- Take classes either through online classrooms or in a traditional classroom setting at a technical college or vocational school. There are several classes to choose from, some of them including HVAC basics, installation and design, airflow measurement, maintenance, regulation and codes, furnace configuration, and electrical troubleshooting.
- Learn through hands-on work experience and by studying material learned in the classroom.
- Sign up and take the NATE test. The basic test has 50 questions, and the professional core test has 100 questions. The test will take approximately four hours to complete. To pass the test, the individual must score higher than 70%.
- After passing the test, technicians must continue to work to maintain certification. This includes completing 16 training hours every two years to remain up to date on the latest practices.
- A person can earn senior level status as a NATE-certified technician by gaining at least five years of experience and passing at least two of the specialty exams. Specialty exams test the individual in system performance, air distribution, load calculation, equipment selection, hydronic distribution, indoor air and environmental quality, and planned maintenance.
At Humphrey Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we are proud to have NATE-certified technicians on our team. This way, we can ensure you are receiving the best services possible. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.