Certification Training

NATE offers no training because it is a conflict of interest and invalidates our third party status. We can test or train, but not both. NATE tests, and our partners create training, using the KATEs as a guideline.

Most jobs have elements we do daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or at odd times during the year. We are most familiar with the daily, weekly and monthly skills, and less familiar with those which are quarterly or only done irregularly throughout the year. It is that way with any HVACR job.

When the knowledge base that forms the KATEs was created, the 80-80 rule was used. When trying to decide what elements were part of a job, the rule of thumb was “The NATE test will test what 80% of technicians have an 80% chance of encountering at least once a year.” Some technicians may do some jobs daily, others infrequently, and their knowledge of these jobs will reflect it. Many training facilities offer refresher or review classes for the NATE test.

These courses can cover basics up through targeted specific learning. Some classes are more suitable as preparation for the CORE and SPECIALTY tests, while others are more suitable for recertification.