Why NATE Certification?

For years, the HVAC industry has struggled to combine a variety of technical skills and knowledge into a standard testing program that represents the entire industry. NATE changes all that. As an independent, non-profit coalition of industry leaders, NATE - North American Technician Excellence - provides comprehensive, nationwide testing and certification for HVAC technicians.

As a result, many groups benefit. Consumers' opinions of the HVAC industry are raised. The supply of qualified technicians grows. And technicians themselves have a reason to reach higher and take even more pride in the job they do. Everyone with a stake in the industry reaps the rewards.

Who Benefits from NATE?

Consumers
As NATE's momentum builds, consumers have good reasons to trust in the NATE-certified technicians: peace of mind, better system efficiency (and lower utility bills), comfort, and cost savings.

Technicians
Quality begins at the individual level. With NATE certification under their belts, technicians are finally recognized and rewarded for their expertise. Certification provides the competitive edge needed to succeed in installing and servicing today's sophisticated heating and cooling equipment. And as consumers gain awareness of NATE, the image of the entire industry - and those who work in it - soars.

Contractors
Highly qualified, NATE-certified technicians give contractors a valuable asset: better customer service with fewer callbacks. And that can mean more business and a better bottom line. In fact, nearly nine out of 10 consumers prefer a certified technician to service their HVAC/R systems, according to a survey by Decision Analyst for Contracting Business magazine. When it comes to hiring, contractors recognize that NATE-certified technicians have proven their systems proficiency.

Educators & Trainers
NATE's uniform standard of knowledge helps educators and trainers better prepare the technician workforce of tomorrow and underscores the importance of ongoing education to career success.

Manufacturers & Distributors
Nationally recognized for its stringent standards, NATE testing and certification encourages proper installation and service of HVAC equipment by highly skilled and trained technicians. Manufacturers and distributors reap the benefits with fewer warranty returns of defect-free components and ultimately, a better bottom line.

Utilities
Endorsed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the NATE program turns out technicians who are highly skilled in the proper installation and service of HVAC equipment, which means equipment that operates at peak efficiency, helping utilities achieve load shape and energy goals.

How proficient are NATE certified technicians? Very.

We won't sugar-coat it - the NATE test is challenging. NATE certifies only those technicians who achieve mastery of an industry-approved level of knowledge. The tests are developed by industry leaders and reflect a consensus opinion of what the average technician should know to effectively install and service HVAC systems.