etech is one of only a few training companies with updated courses (2021 and 2022) to prepare for the five NATE Certified HVAC Professional exams(CHP-5).
First, let’s clear up the differences between NATE CHP-5 certification and the traditional NATE specialty certifications. The specialty certification requires a combined 150 questions over two exams. The NATE CHP-5 certification is a series of five 30-question exams divided into five distinct subjects. Five small exams are (usually) far easier to take on compared to the 150 question certification exam. There are far too many training companies that provide the same lengthy theory-laden training for any of the exams. Research and locate updated content with the single purpose of training you for the CHP-5 Certified Professional HVAC Technician certification.
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is a popular means of certifying your technical expertise. There are other certification bodies, but NATE is an industry leader since equipment manufacturers back it. Why do manufacturers care about technician certification? Let’s explore some significant reasons and explore why the reasons matter.
Certified technicians make fewer incorrect diagnoses and return fewer parts under warranty claims. Incorrect warranty claims are a big issue since when an incorrect diagnosis occurs, the manufacturer’s reputation tarnishes in the eye of the consumer or business. Everyone involved suffers from economic and confidence loss from the technician, contractor, equipment distributor, and manufacturer when the equipment remains “not fixed”. Worse yet, the statement from customers “that (the manufacturer of the customer’s equipment) manufacturer stinks” hurts everyone. Contractors are asked frequently, “why does my A/C system keep breaking down?”. The employer carries the inquiries to the technician, asking, “why didn’t you get that fixed?” If this often happens, the technician’s job is on the line.
NATE CHP-5 certified technicians tend to stay with a single company much longer, since their job satisfaction is far higher than others. Certified technicians also tend to become the go-to person in their company when more challenging technical questions arise.
Energy utilities prefer certified technicians for a variety of reasons that go far beyond only the technical. Certified technicians instill confidence in consumers with clean uniforms and clear badging on the shirts that differentiate them from the sloppily dressed mechanics that prevail in many areas. Since the utilities frequently offer rebates for specific equipment and upgrades, they must serve their purpose. There are few things worse than paying for upgrades that do not work, since the ultimate goal is less power consumption from the grid.
The equipment usually included in the utility rebates is sophisticated load modulating (variable capacity) equipment that requires updated skill sets. Although certified technicians might not have the specific skills relating to this equipment, certified technicians are of the lifetime learning mindset. To that end, every piece of equipment ships with installation and essential troubleshooting guides taped to the equipment. Managers that have spent time in the industry understand the anxiety produced when a consumer calls up with more knowledge than the technician had when the equipment was handed over after installation. After dealing with a poorly trained technician, when the customer or manager finds the installation guide in the bed of the installation or service truck, the level of anxiety produced could become intolerable.
Today, more utilities forbid non-certified technicians from working on their projects for the same reasons outlined above.
We have found that the Certified HVAC Professional has a significant impact with consumers of all types over the legacy NATE Certified AC Technician. ETech provides specific skills training that allows candidates to sit for the five levels of exams in the NATE CHP-5 credential. Besides, the technicians can acquire this certification through 5-thirty questions exams instead of the legacy 150 exam questions broken into CORE (50 questions) and Specialty (100 questions). The CHP-5 exams are broken down as follows:
HVAC Fundamentals (NATE CHP-1)
Tools, Safety, Codes and regulations, basic construction and basic science, and heat transfer.
Electrical and Controls (NATE CHP-2)
Controls, wiring layouts, basic electricity, electrical science fundamentals, and overview of electrical troubleshooting.
Comfort and Airflow (NATE CHP-3)
Airflow, Comfort, Air Balancing, and taking temperatures and measurements.
Installation (NATE CHP-4)
Duct fabrication and installation, Installing outdoor and indoor equipment, evacuation and charging, fabricating copper tubing, and start-up and checkout.
Service (NATE CHP-5)
Planned maintenance, repair, and replacement, fundamental HVAC system analysis, cooling and heating diagnostics.
Summary
The CHP-5 series of exams are directly suited for an employer interested in a combination of on-the-job training experience and formal direct-to-the-point academic instruction. Preparing for the CHP-5 NATE exam involves learning (or relearning) some challenging concepts. Mastering the topics covered in the five NATE exams proves the investment invested the time to rise to the top of the technical trades.
