NATE Certification Included in Criteria for BPI Accreditation of HVAC Contractors

April 2, 2012
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) announces that BPI (Building Performance Institute) is now accepting NATE certification as one of its eligibility options for accreditation of HVAC contractors.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) announces that BPI (Building Performance Institute) is now accepting NATE certification as one of its eligibility options for accreditation of HVAC contractors. NATE, which is an ANSI-accredited certification organization, is one of two independent certifications included in the eligibility criteria for HVAC contractors pursuing BPI Accredited Contractor status. In addition to NATE certification in either Oil or Gas specialties, BPI also recognizes independent certification through the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA).

As the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for HVACR practices, NATE certification was further elevated in 2011 upon being recognized with the prestigious ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation. Also setting it apart from other industry organizations, NATE certification applies only to HVACR technicians, with nearly 30,000 technicians nationwide holding an active NATE certification today. BPI’s accreditation of HVAC contractors requires that they employ at least one technician with either NATE or NORA certification, as well as BPI Building Analyst certification.

“NATE is the industry leader in certifying technician excellence, so it makes perfect sense that BPI would recognize contractors who employ NATE-certified technicians as part of its accreditation requirements,” stated Don Frendberg, Chairman of the NATE Board of Trustees. “NATE certification validates the skills and knowledge of HVACR technicians, making them a valuable asset to any contractor’s staff.”

According to Ray Isaac, president of Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning in Rochester, New York, “This update to BPI’s accreditation program ensures that all accredited contractors have technicians on staff who are trained to get the job done right. NATE certification is one clear way to demonstrate a technician’s ability to perform at the industry’s highest standards.”

www.natex.org