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NATE Professional Certification Exams

By June 18, 2022September 7th, 2023Take an Exam, Technician

Set Yourself Apart

NATE offers professional certification exams for technicians to demonstrate their specialized knowledge.

Low-GWP Refrigerants Certification

The low-GWP Refrigerants certification exam is designed to validate a technician’s knowledge of the low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants becoming common in the HVACR industry due to new state and federal regulations. While new low-GWP refrigerants are more efficient, these products are also more advanced and complicated for HVACR technicians to work with. The NATE refrigerant exam is designed to ensure that HVAC engineers and technicians have the necessary skills and job knowledge to handle refrigerants of all types. Learn more about the Low-GWP Refrigerant Certification here.

NATE created an accompanying study guide to help technicians prepare for the exam. The guide is available for purchase in the NATE online store.

Click here to view the Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs) for this certification exam.

Ground Source Heat Pump Loop Installer

This is a test and certification for top level installation technicians in the Ground Source Heat Pump industry. This certification does not require the passing of any other NATE exams to receive certification. Passing the Ground Source Heat Pump Loop Installer awards a 3-year certification.

As this certification awards a joint accreditation with the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), only proctors set up through IGSHPA’s testing organization can administer the exam. For more information about IGSHPA, please visit their website.

Please note: The Ground Source Heat Pump Installer certification is renewed by following IGSHPA’s renewal process. You do not need to separately renew that certification with NATE; your NATE renewal can be included as part of your IGSHPA renewal.

Click here to view the Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs) for this certification exam.

HVAC Performance Verifier

After December 31 2023, NATE will no longer offer the HVAC Performance Verifier exam. For questions, please contact [email protected].

The HVAC Performance Verifier is exclusively for RESNET HERS raters. This certification augments existing whole house energy efficiency certifications to further demonstrate the rater has the knowledge and skills necessary, specifically in rating HVAC performance.  This certification does not require the passing of any other NATE exams to receive certification. Passing the HVAC Performance Verifier awards a 3-year certification. To renew your NATE HVAC Performance Verifier certification, you must complete 18 hours of HVACR continuing education.

Click here to view the Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs) for this certification exam.

Senior Level Efficiency Analyst

Technicians who are NATE certified and wish to showcase their skill and proficiency have the opportunity to attain the Senior Level Efficiency Analyst certification. This exam evaluates a technician’s comprehension of HVAC system installation, servicing, upkeep, and repair procedures, all of which are essential for upholding optimal energy efficiency levels. Geared towards accomplished senior HVACR technicians, this certification stands as the pinnacle of achievement. To be eligible for the exam, technicians are required to already possess two Service specialty certifications as part of their NATE certification. The two service specialty exams must be one of the following combinations:

  • Air Conditioning (AC) plus one of the following: AD, GS, OL, HG, or HO
  • Air Distribution (AD) plus one of the following: AC, GS, HP, OL, HG, or HO
  • Gas Heating (GS) plus one of the following: AC, AD, or HP
  • Heat Pump (HP) plus one of the following: AD, GS, OL, HG, or HO
  • Oil Heating (OL) plus one of the following: AC, AD, HP, HG, or HO
  • Hydronics Gas (HG) plus one of the following: AC, AD, or HP
  • Hydronics Oil (HO) plus one of the following: AC, AD, or HP

This is an open book exam and technicians can use any of their own materials during the exam. Click here to view the Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs) for this senior level certification exam.

Activate myNATE

Easily review continuing education credit balances and expiration dates, upload proof of training and keep contact information up-to-date. Call or email customer service for account activation information.

Earn Training Hours

NATE accepts any training taken in class or online. Courses must be related to a technician’s specialty or in general areas such as safety, electricity, controls, codes and regulations. Credits from state licenses in these areas are also accepted.

Track Credits

Technicians are advised to keep a personal record of all training taken. Any courses not listed in myNATE can be personally uploaded for approval. NATE accepts rosters, certificates, receipts and official letters from training organizations. These documents must clearly show the technician’s name, the name and date of the course, as well as the duration. If you do not have proof of training, fill out and submit the attendance form here.

Recertify

When 16 credit hours have been approved, eligible technicians may pay renewal fees by phone or online through the NATE store. While NATE accepts payments that are emailed, faxed and mailed, online transactions are secure and much faster! Click here for the recertification application form, to be used by those sending proof of training and payment by mail or fax.

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