NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence and is an independent organization that certifies installation or service technicians with a knowledge-based test. Organizations that are part of the NATE coalition include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

The NATE test is not easy, and not all technicians pass it the first time. The NATE certification verifies that the technicians who pass are the best in the trade when it comes to knowledge and experience installing or servicing your home heating or cooling system.  NATE Certification is achieved through taking a series of tests that certify a professional in one or more specialty areas.

The tests, are divided into installation, service, and senior technician paths and offer specialties in Air Conditioning and Air Distribution to Oil Furnaces and Commercial Refrigeration. The knowledge-based exams are developed by industry experts and are the only tests supported by the HVAC/R industry.  Specialties include heat pump, air conditioning, air distribution, oil heat and gas heat. 

NATE-certified professionals are recognized by the industry—and more importantly consumers—as experts in the field. NATE Certification also ensures that consumers will receive proper installation and service of all HVAC/R equipment the first time—saving time, energy and money, and resulting in better bottom line results.

According to NATE, nearly 90% of consumers prefer a certified technician to service their HVAC/R needs.