It is unlikely that technicians can become senior efficiency analysts right after completing the requirements of HVAC tech school. However, it is a good idea to pave a path towards this goal early on in an individual's career.
Certified senior efficiency analysts are generally given relatively high compensation packages within the industry. That is the reason why many heating, ventilation, and air conditioning workers do all that is necessary to become one after HVAC tech school. To become certified, the North American Technician Excellence offers a certification exam.
Coverage of NATE's Certification Exam for Senior HVAC Efficiency Analysts
NATE's certification test for Efficiency Analysts covers topics that experienced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning workers should know. It is expected that candidates have knowledge and experience in both installation and service specialties before taking the certification exam.
This is an open-book exam that is graded only with either a "Pass" or "Fail" mark. No numerical grades are given. However, formal training and review classes offered by any HVAC tech school should help candidates easily pass this comprehensive certification exam.
Prerequisites of the Senior Efficiency Analyst Certification Exam
Although the NATE does not set educational background requirements, it strong suggests that candidates already have some formal training from an employer, an HVAC tech school, or another educational institution. Furthermore, the NATE does not require but recommends that candidates possess at least five years of work experience prior to taking this exam.
Before applying for the Senior Efficiency Analyst certification exam, candidates must already posses two service-sector specialty certifications from the NATE. The allowable combinations are as follows:
Air Conditioning or Heat Pump plus:
- Air Distribution
- Gas Heating
- Oil Heating
- Hydronics Gas
- Hydronics Oil
Air Distribution plus:
- Air Conditioning
- Gas Heating
- Heat Pump
- Oil Heating
- Hydronics Gas
- Hydronics Oil
Oil Heating plus:
- Air Conditioning
- Air Distribution
- Heat Pump
- Hydronics Gas
- Hydronics Oil
Gas Heating, Hydronics Gas, or Hydronics Oil plus:
- Air Conditioning
- Air Distribution
- Heat Pump
Senior efficiency analysts are required to have informational and applied knowledge on both installation and service specialties especially when it comes to maintaining optimum levels of equipment energy efficiency. That is the reason why the certification exam is stringent and comprehensive. Through education gained from any HVAC tech school and work experience, though, aspiring senior efficiency analysts should have no trouble becoming certified by the NATE.
References:
North American Technician Excellence. " NATE Certification 101." Accessed May 2010.
North American Technician Excellence. " Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise." Accessed May 2010.
Related Readings:
Top US Industries for HVAC Tech School Graduates to Enter
Top States to be in After Attending Any HVAC Tech School
Best US Cities to be in After Taking HVAC Courses Online
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