Approval Brings Industry Certification Testing to Southern Maryland

LA PLATA, Md. -- The College of Southern Maryland’s Center for Trades and Energy Training (CTET) has been approved as a certification testing facility by North American Technician Excellence, Inc., (NATE) the leading non-profit certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry and the only test supported by the entire industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), for the period between 2010 and 2020 the growth rate for HVAC/R mechanics and installers will be 34 percent—significantly higher than other occupations. In 2010, according to BLS the median pay for HVAC/R mechanics and installers was $42,530 per year.

“This recognition by NATE will allow our HVAC students to do their certification training in Southern Maryland—giving them greater marketability when they pursue employment. Employers will be able to tout NATE-certified technicians to their customers,” said CTET Director Dr. Ricky C. Godbolt. “Being able to compete in the job market is critical. Becoming certified shows initiative and a desire to excel. These factors may be the difference between unemployment and employment.”

NATE certification tests represent working knowledge of HVAC and HVAC/R systems and are designed to allow workers to be certified in specific knowledge areas. Workers can earn installation, service or senior certification in one or more of the following specialty areas: air conditioning, air distribution, air-to-air heat pumps, gas furnaces, oil furnaces, hydronics gas, hydronics oil, light commercial refrigeration, commercial refrigeration, ground source heat pump, loop installer and HVAC efficiency analyst (senior level).

For information on programs, schedule of classes and scholarships, visit http://www.csmd.edu/CareerStarters/HVACHelper.html.