Skip to main content

The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification

September 28, 2020

When hiring an HVAC service technician, there are many credentials you should look for to ensure quality work. A contractor that is committed to excellence will employ NATE-certified technicians. So, what is NATE certification anyway? 

What is NATE Certification?

The non-profit organization North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is an independent association serving the HVAC industry. NATE is primarily a certifying organization, so their primary purpose is to certify installation and service technicians. 

NATE is the only nationally accepted certification program for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. It is endorsed by the entire HVACR industry, the technicians themselves, manufacturers, contractors, and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, ACCA. It is the culmination of years of effort by the ACCA and other industry stakeholders to come up with a single, nationwide certification.

Although NATE is a voluntary certification, tens of thousands of technicians are certified to date, and the number continues to grow. However, not all candidates who attempt the test pass it the first time; in fact, close to 35% of all those who take it fail. This is a strong indication that those who pass are the very best in the trade in terms of skills, experience, and knowledge of heating and cooling installation and service.

What Are The Levels of NATE Certification?

There are many types of certificates awarded by NATE:

  1. Ready-to-Work Certificate – this is the first step of the certification and is for entry-level technicians just beginning their career in the industry.
  2. HVAC Support Technician Certificate – once a technician has worked in the field for 6-12 months, they will have gained enough knowledge and experience to earn the HVAC Support Technician certification.
  3. Specialty Certificates – technicians can earn certificates in specialty topics. These certificates can then be used to qualify for NATE certification or HVAC Efficiency Analyst certification.
  4. NATE Certification – this is the gold standard of the certifications that NATE offers. Technicians must pass a rigorous series of exams and demonstrate a deep level of knowledge on speciality topics.
  5. HVAC Efficiency Analyst – this is a senior certification and is intended for the most experienced of technicians. To qualify for this level, a technician must already hold two NATE specialty topic certificates.

Homeowners should ensure professionals they hire have earned NATE certification. Individual certificates are not the same as NATE certification. You can verify a technician’s certifications on NATE’s website.

Earning NATE Certification

Technicians earn NATE certificates by passing  several knowledge–based tests. To reach NATE certification, technicians must pass a core exam. The core exam is 50 questions and covers topics like construction safety, HVAC science, tools, and measurement taking.  In addition, candidates must take a specialty test with 100 multiple–choice questions focused on one or more of the following specialties:

Installation Specialties: 

  • Air Conditioning
  • Air Distribution
  • Air to Air Heat Pump
  • Gas Heating (Air)

Service Specialities:

  • Air Conditioning
  • Air Distribution
  • Commercial Refrigeration
  • Heat Pump (Air to Air)
  • Gas Heating (Air)
  • Hydronics Gas
  • Hydronics Oil
  • Light Commercial Refrigeration
  • Oil Heating (Air)
  • Efficiency Analyst

What Does NATE Certified Mean to Homeowners?

Homeowners who hire NATE certified technicians can enjoy greater peace of mind and home comfort. Other benefits to the homeowner include:

  • A job done right the first time
  • Lower power bills due to proper installation and service
  • Fast, reliable and efficient service
  • Fewer warranty returns and callbacks
  • The HVAC system will run at peak efficiency
  • Expert advice from an experienced and knowledgeable technician

NATE certification tests take the form of real working scenarios of HVACR systems, and they positively impact contractors, manufacturers, distributors, trainers, utilities, consumers, and the technicians themselves. An NATE certificate is an impressive addition to a technician’s resume, since up to 90% of homeowners prefer working with certified technicians.

If you want to get the most out of your cooling and heating system, call an NATE certified technician and schedule a maintenance inspection. Brody Pennell proudly employs NATE-certified technicians and supports their continuing education requirements. For HVAC service you can trust, call your friends at Brody Pennell! 


About The Author

Brody Pennell

Since 1945, Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning is the committed to helping homeowners in the greater Los Angeles area experience total home comfort. In 2021, the readers of the Los Angeles Times voted Brody Pennell the Best HVAC Company in the area.

Request Service

Please fill out the form below to request an estimate or schedule service.

"*" indicates required fields

By clicking “Send Message”, I am providing express written consent to receive autodialed and pre-recorded calls, texts, and SMS/MMS with marketing communications from Brody Pennell regarding home services at the phone number provided above, even if the number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition to purchase services or products.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Google logo with 4.9 star rating
Facebook logo with 4.9 star rating
Yelp Logo with 4.8 star rating
Anthony was a Pro!
Definitely recommend him!
Showed up on time and was very friendly!
Great costumer service!
10 stars!!!
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Kevin was fantastic! We have an old system and Kevin took the time to explain every piece of equipment in the HVAC. Appreciate the attention to detail and will be definitely using them in the future. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Both Justin’s that came to repair our unit were on time, very polite and explained what needed to be done in order for our unit to function. They took their time and were very thorough. Greatly appreciated. We are still deciding on the project .
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Hamachi’s Acosta and Allen Urquidez did a great job and now I have great air flow on “fan” function. I could not do it on my own.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Had a great experience with today with the team from Brody Pennel. Punctual, professional, and effective. Would definitely use them again!
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Ruben Medina was very professional and pleasant and did a great job analyzing the issue with my AC, and came back to finish the job although it was later in the day.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words about Juan! We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that he provided you with excellent service.
I was referred to Brody Pennell from a friend who has utilized them for decades. There is something so comforting about working with True experts that know how to install a machine and how to ensure that it runs properly for years to come. Had a great experience with installation and with Jason, who came to service our units.
Update:
We just had Justin and Allen service since inexplicably our power was out to the unit. They resolved it so quickly and are wonderful gentlemen! Grateful for a company with integrity and happy staff.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Very good service call. Very thorough!
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Leaving a quick perfect review because of the super kind man that talked to me on the phone at this place - he was leagues away more professional in his brief conversation with me than someone else from a different local AC company was that I spoke to yesterday. If that other place falls through this afternoon, I will immediately be contacting these guys back, because they clearly value mutual respect and human decency over that of at least one competitor out here in LA
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Daniel B. and David E. Both did such an amazing and mindful job diagnosing my AC unit. They took their time, and kept me informed each step of the way.I highly recommend both of these gentlemen.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We're thrilled to know you had a fantastic experience with us.
Fantastic service. Technicians Jose Castillo and Misael Ramirez were consummate professionals. Wouldn’t trust any other company to service my HVAC system.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Kevin was extremely polite and professional and explained everything he worked on and inspected and was very thorough in his work. We are very happy with his service and promptness.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Hands down the best HVAC service I’ve used. My home’s never felt more comfortable. Reason are very reasonable amazing service 😀
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
Giovanny came on the same-day to look at our HVAC system. Very professional and solid experience !
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Jonathan came and not was able to quickly fix my HVAC but spent the time to teach me what went wrong. Very friendly and helpful!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Excellent and knowledgeable service
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Ivan Diaz was fantastic! Professional courteous and knowledgeable. He advised me of everything he would check for both of our house systems. After reviewing, cleaning condensers and changing filters. He also tactfully suggested a few recommendations which would be useful for our home. Mr. Diaz is a credit asset to your organization.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Great inspection/maintenance service today from Alex and Alberto. They were very thorough in both thier inspection and wonderful in explaining what they found and had a picture for everything. Very personable too. I believe you can't go wrong with Brody Pernnell
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
He explained so politely we were satisfied his maintenance and we hope he will come back for next maintenance.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Great experience. I was notified of an estimated arrival time so I could plan. When the tech came,he listened to my concerns and didnt try to diminish my concerns or upsell because im a woman. He took his time and triple checked everything. He didnt rush or try and sell me anything I didnt need which is everything. So I would recommend and will use again if need be.
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Great service.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Matthew was great! Subscribed so I"ll be seeing him again:)
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Great work from Juan and David, both were very professional. They explained things thoroughly showed me pictures of a rooftop unit, and we’re very detailed oriented. Will definitely use this company again.
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Jonathan from Brody Pennel was very professional and skilled. He kept me informed throughout the servicing of my AC unit and discussed what was needed to keep it running in optimal condition.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Giovanny was extremely professional and thorough. I felt like I received exceptional service from him and am continuing to work with Brody Pennell to replace my AC unit.
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
Replacing my HVAC through Brody Pennel, I am very satisfied with my experience. From making an appointment to finishing the work, the process was systemized and thorough. Actual work was clean and timely. Thank you very much!
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
I've finally found an AC maintenance company I can trust! Octavio and Armando serviced my two ACs today, checked and rechecked everything, cleaned the system, identified problems and solutions, and were incredibly professional, thorough and clear in all their explanations! They also wore booties and were nice to my dog :)
I've tried three other companies and have never had the great level of inspection and service that I had today.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience with us, adrienne bell! We're grateful for your kind words and we're glad Octavio and Armando provided you with such exceptional service. We appreciate your trust in us!
Ivan was fantastic. He arrived on time, was very friendly and respectful of my home. He explained everything he was doing and answered all my questions. Everything was left in clean condition and my unit is running perfectly. I am 100% satisfied.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you're happy with our service.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Outstanding service! Juan R. Worked on 2 HVAC Units in our building. Professional, knowledgeable, thorough, respectful and explained everything. He is outstanding and provided exceptional service!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Jane! It was a pleasure assisting you and I'm glad I could help resolve the issue for you.
Jaime was very polite and informative. He did a thorough job. But I was not impressed with the heavy handed up sell. I just wanted my system tuned I didn’t want to buy new components. Also their marketing is gorilla style. 4 days after having service done they hit me up to service my system. I’m not a fan of Brody Pernell.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Super impressed with their fast service and honest pricing . Got my AC running in no time . Great company 😃
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Second time that I get them. Christian Flores was the technician. He did a maintenance check and fix some issues I had. I bought the maintenance plan from them. I highly recommend
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us with your HVAC needs, Alessandra! We appreciate your recommendation and are glad to hear that Shawn provided you with efficient service for both your A/C and heater.
Justin was very kind and helpful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you're happy with our service.
I was so impressed with the professionalism and workmanship done by Rosendo and his team from Brody Pennell. They got our entire HVAC replaced within 3 days. Ashton, the supervisor, was available by phone or in person every step of the way. I would whole-heartedly recommend Brody Pennell to anyone, and would use them again for any needs that might come up.
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Matthew was the best! 11/10 stars. Super helpful, knowledgeable and just a cool dude!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words, Conner! It was a pleasure assisting you.
Anthony (service tech) was timely and efficient. He clearly explained the service for both units (including pictures), checked the ductwork and made recommendations to keep the system at peak level.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience, DeAnna! We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that Daniel provided you with efficient service and clear explanations. We are here to help with any future needs you may have.
The service rep was very thorough and explained what he was going to do. We were very pleased with his thoroughness to clear out some clogged areas to help with our breathing problems.
Rene Morales was the best. He slipped covers on his shoes as he stepped into the house.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Brody Pennell serviced my AC unit today and Rene was great as always. Always in great spirits and professional.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Airika! We appreciate your continued support.
HVAC installation was done quickly and professionally!! They were on time and a pleasure to have around my home!
Response from the owner:We appreciate your 5-star rating! It's wonderful to know we met your expectations.
Pascual, Frank and Nico were very professional and hard working! They completed my HVAC on time and did a really nice job! I highly recommend them!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Brody Pennell serviced our AC unit in our condo today and they were excellent. Their technician was prompt, considerate and well qualified. I definitely recommend their service.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your 5-star rating! It's wonderful to know we met your expectations.
Jose Rivera was helpful, polite and clearly explained what he was doing.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience with Jose! We're glad to hear that he was able to assist you with fixing the issue promptly and ensuring everything was working well for you.
Juan was very detailed oriented and took the time to explain things to me in a technical way that was easy to understand.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Today, Alberto M. from Brody Pennell came to provide annual maintenance to our HVAC system. His service was outstanding, he provided a super thorough explanation of all the work he did, and any potential recommendations for additional maintenance.

He took extensive photos that helped show the details of what was done and what might be needed down the line. I will definitely be calling Brody Pennell again for any HVAC maintenance or repair needs in the future.

Thanks again Alberto!
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
Very thorough and honest
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.

Schedule Service

"*" indicates required fields

By clicking “Send Message”, I am providing express written consent to receive autodialed and pre-recorded calls, texts, and SMS/MMS with marketing communications from Brody Pennell regarding home services at the phone number provided above, even if the number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition to purchase services or products.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.