NATE is a non-profit organization which certifies heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians. It was founded in 1997 and has become one of the highest standards for HVAC technician certification. When shopping for HVAC service, homeowners and renters should strongly consider hiring someone who has been NATE certified.
About the Test
One of the primary differences between the NATE certification and some of the other certifications that are out there, is the focus NATE has on real world working knowledge. Technicians who pass the NATE certification have to be able to think about applying knowledge in a real world setting. The NATE test was designed by a committee of industry experts. Certification can be gained in a number of specialty areas such as oil heating, gas heating, air distribution, commercial refrigeration, and hydronics.
Why NATE Was Founded
NATE was founded in an effort to create a standard of excellence in the world of heating, cooling, air conditioning, and ventilation. In the late 1990s, many consumers were unhappy about the quality of HVAC service and repair they were receiving. They were having difficulties telling good service technicians from bad service technicians. NATE partnered with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society in order to create an organization that was credible. The first NATE test was administered in 1997.
NATE Today
Today, NATE is given only to those technicians who have achieved mastery of heating, cooling, air conditioning, and ventilation service and repair. NATE provides training resources in order to help prospective technicians prepare for the certification test. They would do their best to study hard and take a good deal of time to prepare. The test is extremely difficult. Only those who truly know the HVAC industry will be able to pass. NATE exists as a protection not just for consumers, but for those that work in the HVAC industry as well.