Top 10 HVAC Design Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a HVAC Design Engineer in the job market because they demonstrate that the engineer has expertise in the industry and is qualified to carry out design and installation of HVAC systems. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the engineer is knowledgeable about industry standards and safety regulations, and has the necessary skills to design and install efficient, cost-effective systems. Certification also provides employers with peace of mind knowing their projects will be completed correctly and on time. In addition, certifications can help an engineer stand out from other applicants by showing potential employers that they have taken the initiative to obtain specialized knowledge and training.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications available for HVAC Design Engineers and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are HVAC Design Engineer Certifications?

HVAC Design Engineer Certification is a professional credential that recognizes an engineer’s knowledge, experience and skill in the design of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It offers an objective measure of a designer’s qualifications and allows employers to easily identify those engineers who are most qualified for any given job. This certification provides assurance to employers that their HVAC design engineers have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform their job duties effectively.

The certification process involves completing a comprehensive exam which covers all aspects of HVAC system design including load calculations, duct sizing and layout, air flow balance, equipment selection and sizing, energy conservation measures, controls selection and programming, system commissioning, testing and troubleshooting. The exam also includes design project reviews as well as other topics related to HVAC engineering principles. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants receive their certification from the certifying organization.

Having this certification can provide many benefits to an individual engineer or company. It demonstrates the engineer's commitment to their profession and indicates that they are up-to-date with current industry standards. Certified engineers may be eligible for higher salaries or promotions due to their advanced knowledge in the field. Additionally, it may lead to increased confidence from clients when hiring designers or consulting firms as they know they will be working with experienced professionals who have passed a rigorous exam process. Finally, having this certification can give designers greater credibility within the industry among colleagues and peers.

Pro tip: When pursuing a certification as an HVAC Design Engineer, make sure to research the requirements of the certifying body and familiarize yourself with their standards. This will ensure that you have all the necessary qualifications and knowledge to successfully pass the certification process.

Related: What does an HVAC Design Engineer do?

Top 10 HVAC Design Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to HVAC Design Engineers today.

1. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Certified HVAC Design Professional

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Certified HVAC Design Professional is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of experienced HVAC design professionals. The certification is based on a comprehensive set of criteria that includes education, experience, and a passing score on an exam.

In order to qualify for the ASHRAE Certified HVAC Design Professional certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field and must have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education within the past three years. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ASHRAE. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as HVAC system design principles, energy conservation strategies, air distribution systems, building codes, and more.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of ASHRAE. For non-members, the cost is $400; for members it is $200. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining study materials or attending preparatory courses.

Once you have successfully passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, you will receive your official ASHRAE Certified HVAC Design Professional certificate. This certificate is valid for two years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education hours or re-taking the exam every two years.

2. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certified HVAC Design Technician

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certified HVAC Design Technician is a certification program designed to ensure that technicians have the knowledge and skill necessary to design, install, maintain, and repair residential and light commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This certification is recognized by the HVAC industry as a mark of excellence and professionalism.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the NATE Certified HVAC Design Technician program. During this time, technicians must complete a series of online courses covering topics such as system design principles, energy efficiency strategies, safety protocols, and more. After completing these courses, technicians must pass an exam in order to become certified.

To get NATE Certified HVAC Design Technician certification, applicants must first meet certain prerequisites such as having at least two years of experience working with HVAC systems or having completed an approved training program. Once these prerequisites are met, applicants can register for the exam through the NATE website. The cost of registration is $150 USD per exam attempt.

3. Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified HVAC Design Professional

Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified HVAC Design Professional is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, and maintain residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as HVAC system components and operation, energy efficiency principles, building science concepts, indoor air quality strategies, safety considerations, and other related topics.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the BPI Certified HVAC Design Professional exam. To get started on the path to becoming certified, you will need to complete a BPI approved training course. This can be done either online or in-person at a BPI accredited training center. Once you have completed the coursework, you will need to register for the exam with BPI. The cost of the exam is $400.

Once you have registered for the exam and paid the fee, you will receive instructions on how to access the exam material online. You will also be given instructions on how to schedule your proctored online or in-person examination session. After successfully completing the exam and meeting all other requirements set by BPI, you will receive your certification within two weeks of passing the exam.

The cost of becoming a BPI Certified HVAC Design Professional includes both the cost of taking the coursework as well as the cost of taking the exam itself. Depending on where you take your courses from and what type of courses they offer, costs can range from $500-$1,000 for course materials alone. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking an in-person examination session at a proctored testing center which could add up to several hundred dollars more depending on location and availability.

4. National Comfort Institute (NCI) Certified HVAC Designer

The National Comfort Institute (NCI) Certified HVAC Designer is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills to design, install, and maintain residential and light commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The certification is designed to provide assurance of an individual’s ability to properly design HVAC systems that meet customer needs while also meeting industry standards for energy efficiency, safety, and comfort.

To become an NCI Certified HVAC Designer, individuals must first complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved training courses in topics such as system design principles, load calculations, duct design, zoning systems, controls theory, and more. After completing the required training courses, applicants must then pass a comprehensive written examination.

The cost of becoming an NCI Certified HVAC Designer depends on the number of training courses taken; however most applicants can expect to pay between $2,000 - $3,000 for all course materials and fees associated with the certification process.

In total it typically takes between 6-12 months to become an NCI Certified HVAC Designer depending on how quickly you are able to complete the required training courses and pass the written examination.

5. Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) Certified HVAC Design Professional

The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) Certified HVAC Design Professional is a certification program designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of HVAC systems. This certification is intended for individuals who work in the field of HVAC design and are responsible for creating efficient and effective heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

It typically takes around four to six months to complete the IAQA Certified HVAC Design Professional certification process. During this time, applicants must complete an online training course that covers topics such as system design principles, energy efficiency, indoor air quality control systems, safety protocols, and more. After completing the training course, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge on these topics.

To get the IAQA Certified HVAC Design Professional certification, applicants must first register with IAQA by filling out an online application form. Once registered, applicants will be able to access the online training course materials. After completing the training course and passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, applicants can submit their application for review by IAQA's Certification Board. Upon approval from the board, applicants will receive their official certificate from IAQA.

The cost of getting certified as an IAQA Certified HVAC Design Professional varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $500-$1,000 USD including registration fees and exam fees.

6. International Code Council (ICC) Certified HVAC Designer

The International Code Council (ICC) Certified HVAC Designer is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This certification is designed for those who are employed in the HVAC industry or are looking to enter the field.

To become ICC Certified HVAC Designer, you must pass an exam administered by the ICC. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as system design principles, energy efficiency concepts, safety regulations, and installation techniques. The practical portion requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to identify components of an HVAC system and complete basic tasks such as wiring diagrams.

The cost of taking the ICC Certified HVAC Designer exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $250-$500 USD. It usually takes about four hours to complete the exam.

In order to prepare for the exam, it is recommended that applicants take an approved training course or review study materials available online or through books. Additionally, applicants should have at least two years of experience in the field before attempting to take the exam.

7. Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) LEED Accredited Professional – HVAC Design

Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) LEED Accredited Professional – HVAC Design is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the design and implementation of green building projects. This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of HVAC design for green buildings.

The GBCI LEED Accredited Professional – HVAC Design certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge in the areas of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, ventilation systems, mechanical systems, and other related topics. It also requires applicants to complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as system design, commissioning, operations and maintenance, and project management.

The process of getting certified typically takes between three and six months from the time an application is submitted until the time the applicant receives their certificate. The process includes submitting an application with supporting documentation; taking an online assessment; completing a comprehensive exam; and submitting proof of continuing education credits.

The cost for this certification varies depending on the type of program chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD.

8. American Institute of Architects (AIA) Accredited Architect – HVAC Design

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Accredited Architect – HVAC Design is a professional certification program for architects who specialize in the design and installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This certification is designed to demonstrate an architect’s expertise in HVAC system design, including knowledge of current codes and standards, energy efficiency strategies, and proper installation practices.

It typically takes between two and four years to complete the requirements for the AIA Accredited Architect – HVAC Design certification. During this time, an architect must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as thermodynamics, building science, energy efficiency strategies, indoor air quality, and other related topics. Additionally, they must have at least three years of documented experience in designing HVAC systems.

To become certified as an AIA Accredited Architect – HVAC Design, an architect must first apply to the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The application process requires submitting proof of education and experience along with a fee for processing. Once approved by the AIA board of directors, the applicant will be required to take a series of exams that are administered by Prometric Testing Services. After passing all exams successfully, applicants will receive their official AIA Accredited Architect – HVAC Design certificate from the AIA.

The cost to become certified as an AIA Accredited Architect – HVAC Design varies depending on the number of exams taken and other factors such as travel expenses or additional coursework needed to prepare for the exams. Generally speaking though, most applicants can expect to pay around $2-3K in total costs associated with becoming certified.

9. United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Accredited Professional – HVAC Design

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Accredited Professional – HVAC Design is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the principles, processes, and best practices related to the design and construction of high-performance buildings. The certification is granted by the USGBC after successful completion of a rigorous training program.

The training program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as energy efficiency, green building standards, HVAC systems, ventilation, air quality, and indoor environmental quality. It typically takes about 40 hours to complete the online course. After completing the online course, individuals must pass an in-person exam in order to earn their LEED Accredited Professional – HVAC Design certification.

To get started on becoming a LEED Accredited Professional – HVAC Design, you must first register for the online course through the USGBC website. The cost of registration varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of USGBC but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD. Once registered for the online course, you will have access to all materials needed to complete it within 3 months.

After completing the online course successfully and passing the in-person exam with a minimum score of 80%, you will be awarded your LEED Accredited Professional – HVAC Design certification. This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed by taking additional courses or exams offered by USGBC.

Overall, becoming a LEED Accredited Professional – HVAC Design can take anywhere from 4-6 months depending on how quickly you complete the required courses and exams. Additionally, it can cost anywhere from $200-$400 USD depending on whether you are a member or non-member of USGBC when registering for the online course.

10. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Fire Protection Specialist – HVAC Design

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Fire Protection Specialist – HVAC Design is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the design of fire protection systems related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). This certification is designed to ensure that certified professionals are qualified to design fire protection systems for HVAC systems.

To become an NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist – HVAC Design, individuals must first complete a minimum of five years of documented experience in the field of fire protection engineering or related disciplines. After completing the required experience, applicants must pass an exam administered by the NFPA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as HVAC system design, fire safety codes and standards, and other related topics.

The exam typically takes two hours to complete and requires a passing score of 70% or higher. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the jurisdiction where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs between $250-$400 USD.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will be issued a certificate from the NFPA recognizing them as an NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist – HVAC Design. This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a HVAC Design Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. If you are looking to become an HVAC design engineer, then a certificate could be beneficial. It can help demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job properly. A certificate can also show potential employers that you have taken the time to gain specific knowledge in the field of HVAC design engineering, which could give you an advantage when competing for jobs.

However, if you already have a degree in engineering or related fields, then a certificate may not be necessary. You will likely already have some basic understanding of HVAC systems and their components. In this case, it may be more beneficial to focus on gaining experience working with these systems in order to demonstrate your knowledge and skill level.

In summary, whether or not you need an HVAC Design Engineer Certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. If you are just starting out in the engineering field, then a certificate could be beneficial as it shows potential employers that you have taken the time to gain specific knowledge in the field of HVAC design engineering. However, if you already have a degree or experience working with HVAC systems, then it may not be necessary for you to pursue a certificate.

Related: HVAC Design Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About HVAC Design Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications do I need to become a HVAC Design Engineer?

Answer: To become an HVAC Design Engineer, you will need to obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license, as well as specialized certifications in Mechanical Engineering or HVAC Design from a recognized organization such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

2. How long does it take to get certified as a HVAC Design Engineer?

Answer: It typically takes at least two years of experience in the field and passing the necessary exams to become certified as a HVAC Design Engineer.

3. How much does it cost to get certified as a HVAC Design Engineer?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the type of certification you are pursuing. Costs may include registration fees, exam fees, and any additional study materials required for the exam.

4. What are the benefits of becoming a certified HVAC Design Engineer?

Answer: Becoming certified as an HVAC Design Engineer can open up many doors in terms of job opportunities and potential salary increases. In addition, being certified shows employers that you have mastered your craft and demonstrates your commitment to continuing education in the field.

5. Are there any online courses available for becoming a certified HVAC Design Engineer?

Answer: Yes, there are several online courses available that provide instruction on topics related to designing systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). These courses often include lectures, interactive exercises, quizzes, and projects designed to help you develop the skills necessary for successful certification.