North American Technician Excellence
The NATE certification program is designed to help HVACR employers hire, train and develop the best technicians possible, by providing a clear path to professional development and certification. Click the exam of interest to view the Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs) for these exams.
This entry-level exam is designed for technicians who are just entering the HVACR field, with little to no formal education or training. Priced at $50, a complimentary, downloadable study guide that focuses on fundamental job knowledge and skills is available when the exam is ordered.
The Ready-to-Work Certificate exam is available online only, does not require a proctor and can be taken from any computer, anywhere, including at home. Those who pass this exam earn a certificate, not a NATE certification. Therefore, recertification (certification renewal) is not required. Retakes of the exam for the same technician cost $35 each. Multiple Ready-to-Work Certificate exams can be reserved through the NATE online store.
This exam is designed to support technicians who have worked in the field for 6 to 12 months. Topics linked to the NATE professional level certifications are covered, but at a more fundamental level. Earning this certificate demonstrates increased knowledge and skills, and strengthens the foundation needed to pursue NATE’s professional certifications.
The HVAC Support Technician Certificate is monitored or proctored. As such, technicians are required to take this exam at a Testing Organization. Those who pass this exam earn a certificate, not a NATE certification. Therefore, recertification (certification renewal) is not required.
NATE Certification is recommended for technicians with two or more years of experience. NATE offers two certification pathways for technicians to choose from to earn NATE Certification: the Certified HVAC Professional (CHP-5) pathway or through the traditional Core and Specialty exam pathway.
Technicians that choose the traditional NATE certification pathway will take two exams – the NATE Core exam and a Specialty exam. NATE offers multiple Specialty exams for technicians to choose from, and will earn an Installation, Service, or Senior certification specialization depending on the exam the completed.
With the CHP-5 pathway, technicians earn their NATE certification through a series of five exams, each on a different subject domain: HVAC Fundamentals, Electrical and Controls, Comfort and Airflow, Installation, and Service.
Technicians must pass all exams in their chosen certification pathway in order to become NATE Certified.