As an ever-increasing number of technicians and contractors recognize the value of certification through North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for HVACR practices, the number of certified technicians is reaching new heights. Since its inception in 1997, NATE has administered a total of 202,970 tests to HVACR technicians.

NATE certification applies only to HVACR technicians, and a total of nearly 50,000 technicians to date have taken advantage of the opportunity to showcase their real-world skills and working knowledge by becoming certified. Today, nearly 30,000 technicians hold an active NATE certification, with 20% of these technicians holding multiple certifications. The top three tests taken by technicians are Heat Pump, Gas Service and Air Conditioning.

“Our mission is to act as a partner for today’s experienced HVACR technicians, helping them to demonstrate their ongoing ability to perform at the industry’s highest standards,” says Peter Schwarz, NATE President/CEO.

Once a technician becomes NATE-certified, they are provided with materials that highlight their accomplishment – such as wallet cards, certificates and patches. NATE also offers an online locator that connects homeowners with contractors employing NATE-certified technicians. To make it easy for technicians to stay on top of their certification status, NATE created an online dashboard that allows the technician to login and view the expiration date for their certifications, their continuing education hours, as well as their local training and testing locations.

For more information about NATE certification, visit natex.org.