When you’re looking for quality HVAC services, you likely want a technician that understands what they’re doing. Lots of service companies advertise expert staff, but how can you know for sure? One of the best ways to check if an HVAC technician has experience is by checking their certifications. HVAC certifications should demonstrate proficiency in services like air conditioning repair, installation and maintenance services as well as other core aspects of the industry.

There are many HVAC certifications available. Some concentrate on a core body of knowledge technicians should possess, while others are a result of industry standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. We’ll review key details about a few of the most common HVAC certifications you’ll see in your search for services.

North American Technician Excellence Certification

The North American Technician Excellence certification is the largest program for HVAC proficiency, with tens of thousands of certified technicians. Other organizations like the ACCA and the federal Environmental Protection Agency work with the NATE program to standardize the certification testing. To pass, applicants must meet a minimum score of 70%. To maintain NATE certification, technicians must receive continuing education or retake an exam every two years.

Full certification is a multiyear process made up of four separate tests. The first two are specific for entry-level technicians while the second set of exams provide full certification along with senior-level status:

  1. Ready-to-Work Certificate – This certificate provides core knowledge and skill sets that can reaffirm any education or training already completed. The Ready-to-Work certification is particularly beneficial for recent graduates of trade programs.
  2. HVAC Support Technician Certificate – After 6 to 12 months of experience, this exam is offered to test proficiency on fundamental topics relevant to full NATE certification.
  3. Core and Specialty Certification – After a technician has been in service for two or more years, they can achieve NATE certification. Participants will need to pass both the core exam as well as a specialty exam for installation or servicing specific types of HVAC products.
  4. Senior-Level Efficiency Analyst Certification – Senior status is the highest NATE certification offered. Technicians should be certified in two specialty services—one in heating and one in air conditioning—to be eligible to apply for the senior certificate.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Certification

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers was created in 1894. ASHRAE and its members provide research and education about HVAC systems with the intent