NATE- What NATE Means to Homeowners
By Betty Stephens
Overview
North American Technician Excellence, Inc. is the leading non-profit certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry and the only test supported by the entire industry. . NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVAC/R industry by passing specialized NATE certification tests.
NATE encourages the employment of NATE certified technicians for superior installation and maintenance or service of heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration systems.NATE does not directly supervise or employ technicians, and does not endorse or guarantee their work or performance. As a result, NATE disclaims any liability related to services performed by an individual technician or recommended employer.
When installing, servicing or repairing your heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC/R) system, NATE-certified technicians ensure peace of mind. NATE technicians have the knowledge to get the job done right the first time.
A recent survey says that 87% of air conditioning and heating consumers prefer certified technicians. Organizations that are part of the NATE coalition include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Become a Certified NATE HVAC Technician
To become certified installation and/or service technicians, these technicians must pass both core and specialty parts of either an installation or service test with a score of 70 or better. Specialties include heat pump, air conditioning, air distribution, oil heat and gas heat. The NATE test is not easy, and not all technicians pass it the first time. NATE certification verifies that the technicians who pass are the best in the trade when it comes to knowledge and experience installing or servicing your home heating or cooling system.
Call your dealer for an appointment and ask if their installation and service technicians are NATE-certified. Look for the NATE logo when you need service on your current system or a new comfort system.
How NATE Benefits Homeowners
For superior installation and maintenance or service of heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration system, ask for a NATE-certified technician. NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVAC/R industry by passing specialized NATE certification tests. When installing, servicing or repairing your heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC/R) system, NATE-certified technicians ensure peace of mind. NATE technicians have the knowledge to get the job done right the first time.
Homeowners Benefit by:
1. Lower utility bills through proper installation and maintenance
2. Fewer callbacks and warranty returns.
3. Fast, efficient service.
4. Job done right the first time.
5. Equipment that runs at peak efficiency.
6. Advice & knowledge of skilled, certified technician.
7. Greater peace of mind.
Select Your NATE Program
NATE offers multiple certifications divided into installation and service, and senior categories. You take the CORE (if required) and one SPECIALTY test to earn your desired certification.
All NATE exams are based on Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs),
Statistically proven job task analysis from experts in the HVACR industry. KATEs represent a wide variety of perspectives on subject matter pertinent to contractors,
technicians, distributors, educators, manufacturers and utilities.
Anyone interested in obtaining NATE certification may take the tests. However, requirements for each certification can be different and may change as the industry changes.
Everblue is an approved NATE Training Organization and is the nation’s largest certification organization for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians. NATE is the only third-party certification body governed, owned, operated, developed, and supported by the HVAC industry.