Looking to get your NATE certification? Learn everything you need to know here!
Table of Contents:
What Is NATE Certification?
The NATE certification is established by the North American Technician Excellence, a nonprofit organization for HVACR technicians within the United States. The NATE certification highlights HVACR skills that are seen as essential to the HVAC industry. Earning this HVAC certificate is a testament to an HVAC technician's commitment to quality service, technical proficiency, and ongoing professional development.
The NATE certification provides a structured path for professionals to stay ahead of the curve and validate skills in an industry that demands precision, safety, and efficiency. In order to earn a certificate. The journey towards certification requires you to take an pass the NATE exam that tests a technician on basic knowledge of skilled trades fields, safety practices, fundamental HVAC concepts, and HVAC processes.
The Costs & Benefits of Professional HVAC Certification
The costs of earning a NATE certificate depends on how you want to go about the exam. NATE offers live online proctoring options for exams, with most exams costing anywhere between $100-$300. On top of that, you may opt for training courses to prepare you for NATE exams.
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Typically, individual technicians will seek out NATE certifications to get further in their career. Companies may also sponsor technicians to get NATE certified to appeal to clients. Generally, there are many benefits to being a NATE certified technician:
Bonus earning potential: Having a NATE certificate is a great way to showcase your knowledge in HVAC to employers and leverage for raises and promotions.
Career establisher: NATE certificates can help you stand out as a skilled technician in career opportunities.
Credibility: Because NATE certification is also recognized by other organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), being certified gives you credibility when speaking on your HVAC experiences and skills.
What’s Included Under NATE?
Certification Pathways
There are two certification pathways under NATE that you can explore: Traditional and Certified HVAC Professional (CHP-5).
The traditional pathway simply means you earn a certificate through the NATE exams: a 50-question NATE Core exam and a 100-question Specialty exam in the area of your choice:
Installation specialties:
Air conditioning
Air distribution
Air to air heat pump
Gas heating
Service specialties
Air conditioning - also offered in Spanish
Air distribution
Light commercial refrigeration
Heat pump (air to air) - also offered in Spanish
Gas heating (air) - also offered in Spanish
Hydronics gas
Hydronics oil
Commercial Refrigeration
Oil heating (air)
The CHP-5 pathway allows you to earn your certificate through five exams in different subjects:
HVAC fundamentals
Electrical & controls
Comfort and airflow
Installation
Service
Other Certificates
NATE also offers other certificates for beginners and professionals. For entry level technicians, NATE offers the Ready-to-Work certificate and HVAC Support Technician certificates (learn more here). NATE professional certification exams are more focused in on a particular subject (learn more here).
Maintaining Your Certification
The last step for NATE certification is to renew your certificate whenever necessary. Certifications must be renewed every two years and may require a fee. In addition, 16 hours of continuing education hours (CEH) must be completed during these two years as well. You may also retake any specialty exams before the two year period ends to maintain your NATE certification.
FAQs
What is the average NATE HVAC certification cost?
The average cost for NATE HVAC certification varies depending on the specific tests and training materials required. Typically, technicians can expect to spend between $100 to $300 for the certification exam alone, with additional costs for study guides and preparation courses.
How does the NATE HVAC certification cost compare to other HVAC certifications?
When compared to other HVAC certifications, the NATE HVAC certification cost is competitive and reflects its industry recognition and value. While costs for different certifications like EPA 608 may vary, NATE certification is often seen as a valuable investment in a technician's professional development.
Can online training reduce the overall NATE HVAC certification cost?
Yes, online training platforms can significantly reduce the overall NATE HVAC certification cost. By offering affordable, flexible study options, online courses eliminate the need for expensive in-person classes and travel, making certification more accessible.
What additional costs should I anticipate besides the NATE HVAC certification exam fee?
Besides the exam fee, technicians should budget for study materials, practice tests, and possibly retake fees if necessary. However, resources like the SkillCat app provide cost-effective solutions by offering comprehensive study materials at a fraction of traditional costs.
How can I ensure the best return on my investment in NATE HVAC certification cost?
To ensure the best return on investment, focus on thorough preparation using reliable study materials, taking advantage of online resources for flexibility and affordability. Additionally, obtaining NATE certification can lead to higher earning potential and more job opportunities in the HVAC industry.