Getting Started

• Contractors prefer NATE-certified technicians because they remain in the industry longer, have the proven knowledge to do the job right the first time and are more productive than non-certified technicians.
• Manufacturers and distributors know that NATE certification encourages proper installation and service, which means fewer warranty returns and, ultimately, a better bottom line.
• Educators and trainers benefit from NATE certification's uniform testing standard.
• Utilities appreciate NATE certification's focus on correctly installing and servicing sophisticated HVACR equipment, which saves energy and money when operating at peak efficiency.
• Consumers look for NATE certification because it ensures that a knowledgeable, well-trained and highly experienced technician will service their home heating or cooling system.
   

Step Up with NATE

1. Select Your NATE Program

NATE offers two pathways to earn NATE Certification, as well as multiple specialty and senior certifications. To earn NATE Certification, technicians will choose between the Certified HVAC Professional (CHP-5) pathway or 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.

The NATE Senior Level Efficiency Analyst exam is recommended for certified technicians with five or more years of HVACR experience. This exam requires a technician to hold two NATE service specialty certifications, one in heating and one in a cooling.

NATE also offers the Ready-to-Work Certificate and the HVAC Support Technician Certification for technicians with less than two years of experience. These exams are designed to support technicians that have recently entered the HVAC field.

All NATE exams are based on Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs), statistically proven job task analysis from experts in the HVACR industry. KATEs represent a wide variety of perspectives on subject matter pertinent to contractors, technicians, distributors, educators, manufacturers, and utilities. KATEs outline all information tested in each exam, and should be used as reference material. Review the KATE for each certification desired on the Exams Offered page.
 

2. Prepare to Take Your NATE Exams

There are no educational or work experience requirements, but NATE strongly recommends that you have some formal training provided by an employer, a technical school or other educational institution before taking NATE exams. 

NATE recommends the following amount of experience for each exam:

• 6 months to one year of experience for the Heating and Cooling Support exam
• Two years of experience for professional level NATE certifications
• Five years of experience for the Senior Level Efficiency Analyst exam

3. Take Your NATE Exams

To become NATE-certified, you must take the appropriate exam(s) to fulfill your certification requirements.  Please refer to the Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs), to determine the requirements.
 

4. Earn Your NATE Certification

Once you pass your required certification exams, you will receive your official NATE certification credentials, which include:

• A NATE certificate and wallet card (sent via email as a PDF and digital badge for download and sharing)
• A complimentary NATE patch (sent via mail)
• A Quick Reference Guide to help you manage your NATE certification