Achieving NATE certification is no small feat, but the rewards are great. Here are a few tips to help you do the best you can on your exams, so that you also do the best you can on the job.

1. Review KATEs

For training and testing information, first review NATE’s Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs). Each KATE contains a detailed list of references. The KATEs enable you to cross-reference information with the index of any HVACR reference book to locate the correct information to study. No question will be on a NATE-developed test unless it is referenced in a KATE.

2. Attend a NATE-Recognized Class

You may find further assistance by attending a NATE-approved training class, held by a NATE-recognized Training Provider. While not hosted by NATE, these classes meet the standards of our KATE materials, and may serve as good educational supplements. You may also ask the NATE testing provider you choose whether any preparatory training is offered.

3. Read NATE Study Guides

NATE now has study guides to help technicians prepare for their NATE exam. All guides are concise, graphics-heavy, and have practice questions at the end of each chapter. Study guides are available for the Ready-to-Work certificate, the HVAC Support Technician certificate, the CHP-5, the Core exam, NATE specialty exams, and the new Low- GWP Refrigerants certification. You can also find guides for NATE’s Ready-to-Work and HVAC Support Technician certificate exams in both English and Spanish. All guides are available for purchase in the NATE Online Store.

4. Subscribe to NATE Training Academy

NATE has partnered with Interplay Learning to create NATE Training Academy, a complete online training program. The comprehensive set of courses allow technicians to prepare for the the CHP-5 certification exams at their own pace and from the
comfort of home. Course subjects cover HVAC Fundamentals, Electrical and Controls, Comfort and Airflow, Installation, and Service.