Top 10 HVAC Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for HVAC engineers in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that an engineer has the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the field. Certified HVAC engineers are seen as more reliable and trustworthy than those without certifications, which can give them an edge over other applicants. Additionally, certifications can open the door to higher-level positions and provide access to specialized training opportunities that can help engineers advance their careers. Finally, certified HVAC engineers may be eligible for higher pay than their uncertified peers due to their proven expertise.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how certifications can help HVAC Engineers advance their careers.

What are HVAC Engineer Certifications?

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) engineer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge of the principles and practices of HVAC systems. It is issued by organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The certification helps to demonstrate an individual's expertise in designing, installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing HVAC systems. It also serves as a benchmark for employers when seeking qualified personnel to work on these types of projects.

The certification process typically involves completing an accredited program or courses in HVAC engineering or a related field. After completing the program or courses, individuals must pass a written exam administered by ASHRAE or another certifying organization. Passing the exam allows individuals to become certified HVAC engineers.

Having an HVAC engineer certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants and provide them with greater employment opportunities. It shows potential employers that they have taken the initiative to gain formal education and training in their chosen field, which can be extremely beneficial in today’s competitive job market. Furthermore, having a certification can lead to better job security as well as higher salaries since it demonstrates that an individual has a certain level of expertise in their field.

Pro Tip: Get certified in HVAC engineering to increase your value as a technician. Certification shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform complex tasks. It can also give you access to higher-paying jobs, allowing you to take on more challenging projects and increase your earning potential.

Related: What does an HVAC Engineer do?

Top 10 HVAC Engineer Certifications

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

1. HVAC Excellence Certified Master HVACR Technician

HVAC Excellence Certified Master HVACR Technician is a certification program that recognizes the highest level of competency in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills required to be a successful HVACR technician.

To become certified as an HVAC Excellence Certified Master HVACR Technician, you must have at least five years of experience in the field and pass two exams: one on general HVACR principles and one on specific areas such as electrical systems or air conditioning systems. You must also complete continuing education courses every three years to maintain your certification.

The cost of becoming an HVAC Excellence Certified Master HVACR Technician varies depending on the type of exam you take and the number of courses you need to complete. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for all fees associated with becoming certified.

Overall, becoming an HVAC Excellence Certified Master HVACR Technician is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in the field and set yourself apart from other technicians. It takes time and dedication but can help you stand out when looking for jobs or promotions.

2. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification is a voluntary certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry. It is the leading certification program for HVAC/R technicians in North America, and is recognized by most major HVAC/R manufacturers.

The NATE certification process involves passing both a core and specialty exam. The core exam covers basic knowledge of HVAC/R systems, while the specialty exams cover specific areas of expertise such as air distribution, heat pumps, gas furnaces, oil furnaces, etc. Once both exams are passed successfully, the technician earns their NATE certification.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on how much prior experience the technician has with HVAC/R systems. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one to three months to complete the necessary training and pass both exams.

To get certified through NATE, technicians must first register for an account on their website at www.natex.org. After registering for an account they will need to purchase access to their online study materials which cost $100 per exam ($200 total). They will then need to schedule a time to take both exams at an approved testing center which costs $90 per exam ($180 total).

In total, it costs $380 to become NATE certified - $100 for access to study materials and $180 for taking both exams at a testing center.

3. Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certification

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is a nationally recognized certification program that provides credentials to professionals in the building performance industry. The BPI certification program is designed to ensure that individuals have the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose, design, and install energy-efficient home improvements.

The BPI certification process involves taking an exam and completing a field assessment. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as building science, safety, combustion safety, ventilation systems, air sealing, insulation installation, and more. The field assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply the concepts from the exam in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the BPI certification process. During this time, applicants must complete both the written exam and field assessment. Applicants can choose to take either or both exams at any authorized testing center or online through BPI's website.

The cost of getting a BPI certification varies depending on which exams you choose to take and whether you are taking them online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 for both exams combined (including registration fees).

4. Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) Certification

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of refrigeration service engineers who work in the HVAC/R industry. This certification is designed to provide employers with assurance that their employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to properly install, maintain, and troubleshoot residential and commercial HVAC/R systems.

To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive written exam. The exam covers topics such as heat transfer, electricity, controls, system components, installation practices, maintenance procedures, safety regulations, and service techniques. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to properly diagnose and repair HVAC/R systems through a hands-on practical test.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the entire RSES certification process. To get started on the certification process, applicants must first register for an RSES membership. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen but typically range from $50-$100 annually. After becoming an RSES member, applicants can then register for the written exam by completing an online application form or by calling RSES headquarters directly.

Once registered for the exam, applicants will receive study materials which they should use to prepare for the written test. The cost of taking the written exam is $125 per attempt. After passing the written exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants can then register for the hands-on practical test which costs $200 per attempt. Once both tests are passed successfully with scores of 70% or higher, applicants will be awarded their RSES Certification credentials which are valid for three years from date of issue.

5. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Certification

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and experience of individuals in the HVAC&R industry. The certification is designed to help employers identify qualified personnel and to provide individuals with a way to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

To receive ASHRAE Certification, an individual must have at least four years of experience in the HVAC&R industry and must pass either a written or online exam. The exam covers topics such as air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, energy efficiency, ventilation systems, indoor air quality, and more. The exam typically takes two to three hours to complete.

In order to get ASHRAE Certification, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of education and experience in the field. Once approved by ASHRAE, applicants can then register for either the written or online exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certification from ASHRAE.

The cost of obtaining ASHRAE Certification depends on whether you are taking the written or online exam. For the written exam, there is a $200 fee for members and $250 fee for non-members. For the online exam, there is a $100 fee for members and $150 fee for non-members.

6. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 Certification

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 Certification is a certification program that tests technicians on their knowledge of the safe handling and disposal of refrigerants. It is required by law for anyone who works with air conditioning or refrigeration systems.

It takes approximately two to three hours to complete the certification exam, depending on the individual’s experience level. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive certification.

To obtain EPA Section 608 Certification, individuals must first register with an accredited training provider and pay any applicable fees associated with the course. After completing the course, they will be given access to the online exam which can be taken at any time within one year of registration.

The cost for EPA Section 608 Certification varies depending on the training provider, but typically ranges from $100 to $200 per person.

7. Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) Certification

The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) is a non-profit organization that provides training and certification in the field of indoor air quality. IAQA certification is designed to demonstrate a professional’s ability to assess, diagnose, and manage indoor air quality issues.

It typically takes between two and four weeks to complete the IAQA certification process. The first step is to register for the IAQA Certification Exam. This exam covers topics such as ventilation systems, HVAC systems, microbial contamination, mold remediation, chemical contaminants, and indoor air quality assessment techniques. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your IAQA Certification Certificate.

In order to get certified by IAQA, you must meet certain requirements including being at least 18 years old and having either two years of experience in the field of indoor air quality or completing an approved training program from an accredited institution. You must also pass the IAQA Certification Exam with a score of 75% or higher.

The cost for taking the IAQA Certification Exam varies depending on your region but can range from $200-$500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with any required training courses or materials needed prior to taking the exam.

8. National Comfort Institute (NCI) Certification

National Comfort Institute (NCI) Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide HVAC technicians and other professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly diagnose, service, maintain, and install residential and light commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and indoor air quality systems. The NCI Certification Program is recognized by the HVAC industry as the premier certification for HVAC technicians.

The NCI Certification Program consists of three levels: Technician Level 1 (T1), Technician Level 2 (T2), and Master Technician (MT). Each level requires a different set of exams that must be completed in order to obtain certification. The T1 exam covers basic HVAC principles, while the T2 exam covers advanced topics such as system design, installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and safety. The MT exam covers all aspects of HVAC system design and installation.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three levels of NCI Certification depending on how quickly you are able to study for and pass the required exams.

To get started with the NCI Certification Program you will need to register online at www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com/certification/. Once you have registered you will be given access to study materials which will help prepare you for each of the exams associated with each level of certification. After you have completed your studies it is time to take each of the exams associated with each level of certification. You can take these exams at any approved testing center or online through ProctorU or Examity.

The cost for taking each exam varies depending on which level of certification you are pursuing but generally ranges from $150-$300 per exam.

9. Green Mechanical Council (GMC) Certifications

The Green Mechanical Council (GMC) is an organization that provides certifications for professionals in the mechanical engineering field. It is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in their knowledge and skills related to green technologies and practices. The GMC certifications are designed to help employers identify qualified candidates for positions involving green technologies, sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, and other related topics.

To obtain a GMC certification, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with required documentation such as transcripts and work experience letters. Once the application is approved, applicants can begin the certification process which includes taking one or more exams depending on the level of certification desired. The exams are administered by third-party testing centers across the United States.

The cost of obtaining a GMC certification varies depending on the level of certification desired and the number of exams taken. Generally speaking, costs range from $150-$400 per exam plus any applicable fees or taxes associated with registration and test administration. The entire process typically takes several weeks to complete depending on how quickly you can prepare for each exam.

Overall, obtaining a GMC certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills related to green technologies and sustainable building practices while also helping you stand out from other job applicants in the industry.

10. International Code Council (ICC) Certifications

The International Code Council (ICC) is a non-profit organization that develops and administers comprehensive building safety and fire prevention codes. ICC certifications are a way for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of the codes, standards, and best practices related to building safety and fire prevention.

ICC offers a variety of certifications in areas such as building inspector, plans examiner, accessibility inspector/plans examiner, building official, energy inspector/plans examiner, residential energy inspector/plans examiner, mechanical inspector/plans examiner, plumbing inspector/plans examiner, fire inspector I & II, property maintenance and housing inspector, residential combination inspector/plans examiner, and swimming pool/spa specialist.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the certification process depending on the type of certification. To get certified you must first register with the ICC website and pay the appropriate fee. After registration is complete you will have access to practice exams which can help prepare you for the actual exam. Once you feel ready to take the exam you must schedule it at an approved testing center near you. The cost of each certification varies but generally ranges from $150-$300 USD.

Do You Really Need a HVAC Engineer Certificate?

When it comes to choosing a career, having the right credentials can be essential. An HVAC engineer certificate is one example of a credential that can open up opportunities in an ever-evolving field. But do you really need one? Let’s take a look at the benefits of having an HVAC engineer certificate and why it might be worth considering if you are looking to pursue this type of career.

Having an HVAC engineer certificate shows employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to work in this field. This certification proves that you have gained the necessary education and training to perform the job correctly and safely. It also provides assurance that your knowledge is up-to-date with current industry standards, as well as any new technologies or regulations related to HVAC systems.

The certification also allows employers to distinguish between experienced engineers who have taken their education seriously and those who may not have had access to proper training or resources. Having an HVAC engineer certificate can make it easier for employers to find qualified employees who are capable of meeting their needs without investing time and money into training them from scratch.

In addition, having an HVAC engineer certificate can increase your earning potential since certified engineers tend to command higher salaries than those without certification. The additional income could help cover the costs associated with obtaining the certification, such as tuition fees or exam preparation materials.

Finally, having an HVAC engineer certificate can provide peace of mind knowing that you are able to perform all aspects of your job safely and accurately, while also giving you more confidence in your ability as a professional engineer.

Overall, there are several benefits to obtaining an HVAC engineer certificate, so it may be worth considering if you are interested in pursuing this type of career path. Not only does it give employers assurance that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills for the job, but it also has potential long-term financial advantages as well as providing personal satisfaction from being certified in your chosen profession.

Related: HVAC Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About HVAC Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is an HVAC Engineer Certification?

A1. An HVAC Engineer Certification is a professional designation that demonstrates expertise in the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). It validates the knowledge and skills of HVAC engineers and serves as recognition of their commitment to excellence.

Q2. How do I become certified as an HVAC Engineer?

A2. To become certified as an HVAC Engineer, you must complete a program at an accredited institution that provides the necessary training and education in the field. Upon successful completion of this program, you will receive your certification which is typically valid for three years.

Q3. Is there a specific exam I need to take for my HVAC Engineer Certification?

A3. Yes, depending on the certifying body, you may be required to pass a written or practical exam in order to obtain your certification. The exact requirements vary by certifying body so it’s important to check with them directly for more information on what exams are required.

Q4. How much does it cost to get certified as an HVAC Engineer?

A4. The cost of getting certified as an HVAC Engineer varies based on the certifying body and the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, fees range from $100-$500 depending on the certifying body and type of certification sought after.

Q5. What are some benefits of being an HVAC Certified Engineer?

A5. Being an HVAC Certified Engineer provides several benefits including increased job security and marketability, greater credibility among peers, access to better paying jobs, opportunities for advancement within the industry, and recognition from employers for your dedication to excellence in the field of HVAC engineering