Getting Your HVAC Excellence Certification
There’s huge job growth forecasted in the HVACR industry over the next several years. But you need to set yourself apart from other HVACR technicians as you compete for jobs, and HVACR certification is the way to do it. However, the big question many HVAC professionals face is getting a NATE certification or becoming an HVAC Excellence-certified technician.
Both the HVAC Excellence certification and NATE certification are great options for anyone looking to get ahead in the field. So if you’re wondering which certification is right for you, we’ve got all the information you need.
In this article, we’re looking specifically at HVAC Excellence certification. Although, if you are looking for NATE, be sure to check out our breakdown of the NATE certification.
HVAC Excellence certification has been around a long time.
Developed in 1994 as a way to help improve the competency in the HVACR industry, technicians have been pursuing HVAC Excellence certification for 15 years.
HVAC Excellence is a part of ESCO Group, which offers credentialing and certification for professional technicians and educators as well as professional development opportunities. Further, HVAC Excellence certification validates your skills and knowledge by testing your current knowledge of real-world scenarios.
HVAC Excellence certification demonstrates growth in knowledge.
According to the ESCO Group, HVAC Excellence certification is a series of “stackable progressing levels of certification.” This means there are certification exams that can prove your current knowledge and help you identify your next step. All exams measure your knowledge and practical field experience in specific HVACR areas.
Similar to the NATE certification path, this first test is also known as the “Core Exam.” You’ll also need at least two years of field experience before you can sit for the Core exam. However, you can gain this experience as you complete an HVACR certification training course.
HVAC Excellence certification helps you progress and learn specializations.
After you pass the Core exam (Principles of Electrical and Refrigeration Theory) the next step is the Professional Technician Certifications exam.
Other specialties offered as stackable certifications include:
- Combustion Analysis
- Electrical Heat
- Gas Heat
- Heat Pump Installer
- Heat Pump Service
- Light Commercial Air Conditioning
- Light Commercial Refrigeration
- Residential Air Conditioning
- Residential and Light Commercial Hydronic Heat
You can continue growing as an HVAC Excellence-certified technician.
You can earn Senior Level Certification after passing the Core and Speciality exams and having three or more years of field experience. Moreover, Master Certification is the highest credential for technicians in the HVACR industry. You can even go on to earn Educator Credentialing to teach your knowledge to others.
Technicians who have earned HVAC Excellence certification must re-certify every five years. Moreover, this ensures continued growth and development while staying up-to-date on emerging HVACR technologies. To re-certify, you will need to take one exam covering new technologies in the areas that you have become certified.
Getting HVAC Excellence-certified is a long path, but a necessary one to help your career growth. You prove your knowledge and skills gained in the field to employers and clients. And there are reputable online training programs that focus on the HVAC Excellence certification exams.
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