Selection Criteria and Policy

Becoming a NATE Testing Organization

Any organization applying to be a NATE Testing Organization (TO) must agree in writing to follow the policies and procedures outlined for TOs and proctors.

To become a NATE TO, you must have a minimum of one NATE approved proctor. A proctor can be any person who is a member of the TO, and he or she must be conscientious, well-organized and a good administrator. A proctor does not have to be technical or hold NATE certification. 
 

Organizations with multiple locations may opt to be a centralized testing organization—with one central contact—or each branch may be an individual TO.
 

Contractors

Eligible contractors can save time and money by ordering exams directly from NATE to test their technicians. As weather or business needs change, contractors can host sessions at a time that is most convenient. These contractors must have:

1. At least five technicians
2, An individual outside of the service department who does not have hiring, firing or supervisory responsibilities over the technicians, to act as the proctor for exams
3. The ability to conduct at least one (1) test session per year
4. A space, such as a training or meeting room that is conducive to testing
 

About the NATE Exams
 

• NATE offers a Core exam and multiple Specialty exams, for Installation or Service technicians. To earn certification, a technician will need to take and pass the Core and one Specialty exam of their choice, in the specialty of their choice. Please refer to the table on the Exams Offered page for the details of each exam administered by NATE.
• Technicians who earn Heat Pump certification are also awarded certification in Air Conditioning. Technicians who earn Service certification are awarded certification in Installation as well. Credentials are only issued for the specialty test taken and passed. While sample patches and electronic certifications are sent upon achieving certification, technicians may purchase patches, certificates and wallet cards for all awarded credentials at the NATE online store.
   

Test Fees & Payments
 

• NATE has established a wholesale base price for its exams.
• As a TO you may charge whatever you like for the exams, either more or less than the wholesale base price. However, NATE has established the suggested price and it is listed on the opening page of the KATEs and the front page of the exam booklet.
• TOs collect registrations using their own methods.
• For paper exam orders, if your shipment needs to be processed in three days, an expedite fee will be applied to the shipping cost. View any additional charges on the test order calendar.
• At the end of the test session, proctors and candidates seal and initial the exams and the proctor completes a Test Session Audit Form. TOs must send the sealed exams via a trackable method with completed transmittal form to NATE within 48 hours of the completion of the test session. Failure to ship as required will be cause for suspension or revocation of the privilege to be a NATE TO.