Certifications are official documents given by professional organizations that confirm a staff member has the necessary knowledge and skills needed to do a specific job. In the HVAC industry, certifications provide multiple benefits for various stakeholders.
For technicians, certifications can demonstrate enhanced skills and knowledge, increase earning potential, improve job security, and promote greater credibility and professionalism.
Certified technicians
In the long run, using certified technicians boosts customer satisfaction, enhances brand image
For installing companies, using certified technicians is more likely to ensure correct and efficient installations with fewer errors, callbacks, and/or warranty claims. In the long run, using certified technicians boosts customer satisfaction, enhances brand image, and provides a competitive advantage.
For manufacturers, certified technicians ensure proper installation for better product performance and longevity. For customers, employing certified technicians provides peace of mind. Proper installation ensures optimal product performance and longevity, maximizing the return on investment for customers. Certified technicians are less likely to make a mistake. Customers can have greater confidence in an installation's quality and reliability.
Certification programs in the HVAC market
Let’s take a look at several of the certification programs in the HVAC market.
- EPA 608 Certification is required by law for technicians to ensure the safe handling of refrigerants. Technicians are required to pass an EPA-approved test to earn Section 608 Technician Certification. Tests must be administered by an EPA-approved certifying organization. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of approved organizations on its website. Certification levels are Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure appliances), Type III (low-pressure appliances), and universal (all levels)
- NATE Certification (North American Technician Excellence) ensures expertise in specific areas of HVACR systems, such as air conditioning, heat pumps, gas furnaces, etc. NATE is the largest non-profit certification organization for HVACR technicians in the United States and is considered the industry's gold standard. NATE certification proves that a technician has the knowledge and skills to properly install, maintain, and service HVACR systems. Technicians must pass a series of challenging exams, covering a range of topics, to become NATE-certified.
- HVAC Excellence Certification (provided by the ESCO Group) covers various aspects of HVAC systems, from installation to troubleshooting, validating technicians' proficiency and commitment to industry standards. ESCO Group is an organization focused on improving technical competency within the HVACR industry; they use the 'HVAC Excellence' label to denote their certification programs. HVAC Excellence’s series of certifications build upon each other, allowing technicians to progress through various levels of expertise. The organization validates educational programs, tracks content mastery at each stage of an individual’s career and provides educators with valuable resources to help them become more effective in their roles.
- Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) certification emphasizes fundamental principles, troubleshooting, and safety. The society offers a variety of certifications and training programs designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of HVACR professionals, including comprehensive training courses in essential HVACR disciplines, such as refrigeration, heating, electricity, and controls. After completing the relevant training, participants take exams to validate their knowledge. RSES is approved to administer EPA Section 608 Certification Testing, and Section 609 certification through the ESCO Group (focusing on motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems.)
ASHRAE range of certification programs
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) offers a range of certification programs designed to recognize and validate the expertise of professionals in the built environment. Certifications include:
- Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP), focusing on the knowledge and skills needed to conduct comprehensive building energy assessments, analyze energy use, and recommend improvements.
- Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP), which certifies individuals who can effectively use building energy modeling software to analyze building performance and design energy-efficient systems.
- Building Commissioning Professional (BCxP), for professionals who lead, plan, and execute the commissioning process to ensure that building systems operate as intended and meet the owner's project requirements.
- Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP), which focuses on the design of HVAC systems for healthcare facilities.
- High-Performance Building Design Professional (HBDP), a certification focusing on professionals who can design and integrate high-performance building systems to achieve energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant well-being.
- Operations and Performance Management Professional (OPMP), which certifies individuals who can effectively manage and optimize the operation and maintenance of building systems to ensure energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and system reliability.
Latest technologies and best practices
Certifications make the HVAC market more professional by standardizing knowledge and skills and increasing credibility and trust. Certifications ensure that HVAC professionals have a baseline understanding that ensures more consistent and reliable service.
Certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and a desire to stay updated with the latest technologies and best practices. Many employers prefer or require certification, giving certified technicians a competitive edge in the job market and potentially leading to higher pay.
