In addition to knowledge based certification you will also be required to become EPA certified as well.
So let’s take a look at some of the specifics of HVAC Certification. Plus an overview of HVAC EPA certification as well.
North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
NATE is the only organization that is nationally recognized by the HVAC industry. This is the organization that creates HVAC certification tests for both installation and service areas.
There are two exams. One is the CORE exam and the other is the the exam known as the KATEs exam. That stands for the Knowledge Areas of Technicians Expertise. It’s not required for any HVAC technician to take the KATEs exam. Nor are there any required education perquisites.
If Certification Isn’t Required Why Bother?
Well consider the following points:
- There are many employers who will not hire you unless you have HVAC certification
- An employer will use certification to determine your value to their company.
It instills confidence in a potential employer that you are not only well trained, but also have the ability to apply what you’ve learned safely and securely.
- HVAC certification will be a major factor in the amount of money you will make.
- Getting certified gives you an extra layer of confidence. It’s not an easy exam to pass. So once you do so, you can pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
Which NATE Exam Is The Right One For You?
That really depends on what your personal goals are in the HVAC industry. To help you decide, here is a general overview of each exam.
CORE Exam
Passing the CORE exam will get you your NATE certification. This exam tests your knowledge of general concepts and HVAC/R specific skills and application.
KATEs Exam
The Knowledge Areas of Technicians Expertise exam is for those that wish to become certified in a specific area. There are two areas for certification. Installation and service.
If you wish to become certified in the areas of installation and service. You will be tested on your knowledge of service, maintenance and repair of HVAC/R systems.
How To Prepare For Your NATE Exams
Even though you are not required to take any specialized training to take the exams, let’s be realistic. You’ll have to get some kind of training. There are a few ways you can get the proper training you will need in order to pass either the CORE exam and or the KATEs exam.
- Enroll in a HVAC technician training program. You will find several programs at community colleges, technical training schools as well as online programs.
- If you are working in the HVAC industry in some capacity already, you can gain valuable on the job training.
Each of the suggestions will give you the knowledge and ability you need to pass the exam. If you wish to take the KATEs exam, The NATE organization also suggests that you have a certain amount of experience in your area of specialty.
For example if you want to specialize in the area of service, NATE suggests having at least two years of service technician experience.
If you want to specialize in installation they recommend at least a year of actual real world experience.
Finally,if you’ve been in the HVAC industry for a number of years, you should take the exam for senior level technicians after 5 years of work experience.
EPA HVAC Certification
While NATE certification is not required, the Environmental Protection Agency Certification is. The reason EPA certification is mandatory is due to the contact of potentially hazardous material. Specifically refrigerants that are known to damage the ozone layer. Without this certification you cannot legally purchase or work with refrigerants.
There Are 4 Types of EPA Certification each based on pressure levels and refrigerant classification.
- Type I – This certification level covers all appliances with 5 pounds or less of refrigerant.
- Type 2 – Appliances described as high pressure and very high pressure would include refrigerants classified as 12, 22, 114, 500, and 502 and boiling points between -50 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 degrees Fahrenheit for high pressure. Very high pressure boiling are those below -50 degrees F. Refrigerant classification for very high pressure refrigerants would be 13 and 503.
- Type 3 – HVAC certification under this EPA type would cover all low pressure appliances with refrigerant boiling points below 50 degrees F. The refrigerant classification levels for Type 3 EPA certification include 11, 113 and 123.
- Universal Certification – This an EPA certification that qualifies you to work in all of the above types. This means you will have to take and pass all three of the above certification types in order to get your Universal Certification.
If you’re ready to get into the HVAC industry, it’s an exciting career. The HVAC industry continues to grow thanks to technological advances. With more and more modern HVAC systems being controlled by computers, the need for individuals with HVAC certification will continue to be in big demand.