Who is NATE and what does it do?

NATE, North American Technician Excellence Inc., is an independent, third-party certification body for HVAC/R technicians.  NATE tests technicians that others train.  Testing validates the technician's knowledge and a training program's instruction. NATE-approved testing organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada offer NATE tests.  Candidates can earn installation and/or service certification in five specialty areas: air-conditioning, air distribution, heat pumps, gas heating & oil heating. 

Who Supports NATE?

• The entire HVAC/R industry supports NATE: manufacturers, utilities, wholesalers, educators, technicians, contractors and trade associations.  The NATE coalition includes:
• Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA);
• Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI);
• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE);
• Building Performance Institute (BPI);
• Eastern Heating & Cooling Council (EHCC);
• Edison Electric Institute (EEI);
• Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI);
• Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA);
• Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI);
• Hydronics Industry Alliance (HIA);
• National Energy Management Institute (NEMI, an organization representing Sheet Metal Contractors and Sheet Metal Workers);
• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors--National Association (PHCC--NA);
• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES);
• Service Roundtable;
• Skills USA;
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA); and
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Consumer Reports said, “It’s a plus if a technician is NATE-certified.”  EPA tells consumers to ask if a contractor’s technicians are NATE-certified. Under the Montgomery GI Bill, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans who take the NATE tests.  The U.S. Army recognizes NATE certification for promotion points. No other certification exam enjoys this industry support.

Why support NATE?

• Technicians taking the test can prove they're the best.  Those who pass can wear the NATE patch, a symbol recognized by the industry and growing numbers of consumers as the mark of technician excellence and place the NATE decal on their truck.
• Contractors support the test because certified technicians remain in the industry longer, do the job right the first time, and are believed to be more productive than non-certified ones.  Only contractors employing NATE-certified technicians can be listed on NATE's Consumer-Contractor Connection web page, and can request a free contractor marketing kit with logos, ad slicks etc.
• Manufacturers & Distributors win with NATE because certification encourages proper installation and service of equipment by knowledgeable technicians, and this means fewer warranty returns and ultimately, a better bottom line.
• Educators and Trainers benefit from a uniform standard of knowledge that allows them to better prepare the technician workforce of tomorrow.
• Utilities support NATE because properly trained and tested technicians are skilled in assuring the proper installation and servicing of sophisticated HVAC/R equipment that operates at peak efficiency and saves energy.
• NATE assures consumers that a knowledgeable technician will service their home heating or cooling system. 87% of consumers prefer a certified technician to work on their home comfort system. That's powerful.  Independent third party certification has great value and implies a good reputation to those looking for an HVAC/R contractor. NATE’s Consumer Contractor Connection business locator helps consumers identify contractors employing NATE-certified technicians.

Why should I support NATE certification?

Because it makes good business sense to do so. Certification matters – it ‘s a matter of dollars and sense.  Certification is about professionalism, pride, and proficiency--and consumer trust because NATE-certified technicians know heating and cooling.