North American Technician Excellence, commonly known as NATE, refers to the non-profit organization that certifies utility technicians who demonstrate excellence. It is the largest non-profit organization in the United States that deals with professionals in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industries. Their mission is simple: certify only the best of the best HVAC specialists and make NATE-certified technicians synonymous with the phrase best service available.
How a Technician Becomes Certified
In addition to having raw talent, a heating and cooling specialist must have practiced skills. To become NATE-certified, a technician must pass a series of multiple-choice tests created by NATE-certified specialists across the country. A specialist can expect to see many difficult questions on the test. The first, called the CORE test, determines a technician’s general knowledge related to construction and HVAC.
There’s also a SPECIALTY exam that tests a technicians individual knowledge related to their area of skill: installation, repair or maintenance.
The GOODS Principle
This is the principle that NATE was built on. The 5 different parts of the GOODS principle identifies NATE as an organization that takes full responsibility for its impact on the HVAC community and the practices instilled in all certified technicians.
Governed by the industry: This means that everyone part of NATE has a voice. From the fundraisers who keep it running to the technicians who prove their excellence with the certification program. All members help improve the certification test to ensure its timeliness and merit.
Owned by the industry: This gives NATE full control over what happens. When members of NATE are held responsible for the success of the organization, better decisions are made.
Operated by the industry: The founders and members of NATE are always aware of what’s going on within the organization. This is how they ensure the quality of certification tests year after year.
Developed by the industry: When a certification program is developed by NATE-certified HVAC specialists, the program has the largest potential for separating the skilled technicians from the unskilled. Only those with true talent and passion for the industry earn certification.
Supported by the industry: The bulk of financial and moral support comes from HVAC specialists across the country. They believe in what NATE stands for and want to see it flourish.
In addition to maintaining the organization, the GOODS Principle also acts as a constitution for NATE-certified techs.
The best HVAC companies in the country rely on NATE-certified technicians to build a prosperous business filled with satisfied clients. When someone is in need of heating or air conditioning service in Utah, certified technicians are the backbone of the strong HVAC companies that can help.