For better employment and career advancement opportunities, heating, ventilation and air conditioning workers take HVAC certification exams.

Obtaining certification upon completing the requirements of HVAC courses online or offline is not a requirement in most states. However, individuals who do hold certifications have an edge as they apply for jobs in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Certification From HVAC Courses Online or Offline

HVAC courses online and on-site are typically accredited by agencies such as the National Center for Education and Research in Construction and the Partnership for Accreditation of Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration. In addition, such programs require that students pass a series of tests throughout the learning process.

Within such courses, students and technicians with less than two years of experience are subject to “entry-level” certification examinations. Such exams test for general competency in residential and commercial heat and cooling systems. Some exams also cover refrigeration.

Certification for Experienced Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Workers

Graduates of HVAC courses online or offline with at least two years of experience performing maintenance and repair services and a minimum of one year of installations can opt to take certification examinations to enhance their credentials within their chosen specialities. In addition, such certifications will help gain career advancements and higher wages.

Among the certification exams that experienced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning workers can take are administered by:

• The American Institute of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning (AHRI)
• HVAC Excellence
• the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI)
• the North American Technician Excellence (NATE)

HVAC Certification from the North American Technician Excellence (NATE)

The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) offers a variety of tests that allow heating, ventilation, and air conditioning workers to gain certification in their chosen speciality. To become certified by the NATE, individuals must take and pass both a Core exam and a Specialty exam. The Core exam to be taken is either on installation or service, depending on the candidate’s preference. On the other hand, the Specialty exam covers the specific areas of expertise in units and systems.

Upon taking HVAC courses online or on-site, individuals may already take NATE certification exams as the agency doesn’t state any pre-requisites. However, the agency does recommend that those applying for service technician certification have work experience of at least two years and those applying for installation technician certification have worked in the field for at least one year. Although experience is not required, it may be beneficial to pass the tests.

Although getting certified by accrediting agencies is not required to work in the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, it will help individuals advance in their chosen career paths and get the best employment opportunities.