The first way is to retake your specialty test before your certification(s) expires.
By taking your NATE Certification Specialty Test and equaling or exceeding the passing score as shown on the exam knowledge base, you will be recertified for another five year period. Click here to go to Knowledge Areas for Technician Expertise (KATEs) for certification tests and passing score information.
If your certification(s) has lapsed then you MUST retake both the core and the specialty test(s) in your technician classification (Install, Service or Senior), even if you have attended courses and have Continuing Education Hours (CEH). Click here for more information on lapsed certifications.
To retake your certification exam, click here to find a local testing organization or locate a "Scheduled Exam.” Enter your travel distance and your Zip Code (or Postal Code for Canada). and a list of Testing Organizations will appear. You can choose a location most convenient for you.
The second way is to apply for recertification by using Continuing Education Hours (CEH). NATE recognizes HVAC/R continuing education and has set up a program to help technicians recertify using CEH credits.
Please note: NATE uses Continuing Education Hours (CEH) and not Continuing Education Units (CEU). In many instances, a CEU is worth up to 10 hours in class but that does not always hold true. Each locality (state, municipality or even the federal government) may use a different factor for their CEU system. NATE determined that using CEHs for tracking hours was a preferable method.
To apply for recertification, before certification expires, submit the Technician Application for Recertification, and a copy of your record from the NATE system.
You may also include copies of all certificates from courses that were taken at a NATE recognized training organization but do not show up on your record as a credit in your specialty, and/or copies of certificates from all courses for your specialty, from training organizations that are not NATE recognized, but align with KATE specialty descriptions.
Remember all certificates must have your name, course hours, course description and training organization contact information. To see a sample certificate click here.
You can download the Technician Application for Recertification by clicking here.
To view recertification fees using Continuing Education Hours click here.
To get a copy of your record from the NATE system, click here and in the Candidate’s Section enter your NATE ID and the PIN you assigned yourself for log in. Once logged in, you can review your record and print the education hours for each of your specialties. Please attach these documents to your application.
Once all the documentation demonstrating your education is assembled, please attach it to your application and mail it to NATE, along with credit card payment information or a check, to the address on the application. Please submit your application 60 days in advance of expiration.
