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NATE / North American Technician Excellence, Inc. is the leading non-profit certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation,  air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry and the only test supported by the entire industry. NATE sets the training objectives wanted by the industry, develops exams, and tracks results to continually improve the certification process and indirectly develop better technicians.

If you are a residential or commercial consumer who needs heating or air-conditioning service, repair or installation you should ask your contractor for a NATE-Certified Technician. NATE certified technicians and contractors are an elite group and the NETE certification translates into cost savings for every customer. A NATE certified technician will find the problem with your equipment faster, or will complete a new installation faster and better. As a result, you will save money, not only now but also in the future, through fewer repairs. The power of NATE certification stems from the strong support it enjoys from the top HVAC equipment manufacturers in the industry.

Lennox, for instance, offers two NATE review and testing programs. Their onsite program uses Lennox Field Technical Consultants (FTCs) to teach classes at Lennox dealers' facilities.

"We chose NATE because it is independent. NATE exemplifies the meaning of certification — a voluntary process of peer review by which a practitioner is recognized as having attained the professional qualifications necessary to practice in one or more disciplines."

"NATE certification is more of a culture for Carrier," said Karie Johnson, manager of programs for Carrier Corp. "We try to fully integrate NATE on a daily basis and we encourage all dealers to become NATE certified." Carrier's Factory Authorized Dealers are dealers with the Carrier endorsement. It is mandatory for all Factory Authorized Dealers to be NATE certified, along with other rigorous criteria. Carrier also works to ensure that everyone involved in installation is up to speed on all Carrier equipment. Carrier has an entire training facility that offers multiple NATE prep courses. "We work to stay in sync with NATE," said Johnson. "Carrier has been NATE's partner since its inception and we plan to continue moving forward in step with NATE. People know NATE, and people trust NATE; they are a partner to the industry."

Trane has a deep history with NATE, according to Loran Dailey, manager of field operations excellence-strategic programs. Field Service Representatives (FSRs) for Trane and American Standard distribution are required to be certified.

Along with the FSR program, Trane continues to participate in the development of NATE. Dailey is currently co -chairing the technical committee, serving along with numerous other Trane representatives on the technical committee. Trane promotes the many benefits of NATE certification throughout its organization. "We just recently piloted the brand new HVAC Efficiency Analyst exam. " said Dailey. "We encourage everybody to employ NATE certified technicians, NATE certified contractors, and specifically NATE certified air conditioning contractors.