Specialty Certifications

Specialty Certifications

Progressive levels of certification (student, technician, instructor) aid in identifying the scope and level of one’s competency. While most assessments and certifications address basic air conditioning and refrigeration knowledge, HVAC Excellence Specialty Certifications go beyond.

The Specialty exams address system design, system performance, and maximizing the energy efficiency of HVACR equipment. Possessing the knowledge required to pass these exams verifies that one has exceeded the average industry job requirements to improve their value to their employer or potential employer.

Prerequisite

None

Specialty Certifications are available to students, technicians, and instructors.

A3 Refrigerants: Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Safety

The safe use of refrigerants is one of the most critical responsibilities of todays HVACR technicians. The A3 Refrigerants: Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Safety (highly Flammable) Certification exam addresses the safe handling of A3 (highly flammable) refrigerants.

The 50-question, closed-book exam covers the following competencies:

  • General Flammable Refrigerant Safety Knowledge
  • Core ACR Knowledge
  • Flammable System Service Safety
  • Flammable System Installation Safety
  • Flammable Refrigerant Transportation and Handling Safety

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Low GWP Refrigerant Safety: A2Ls (Mildly Flammable)

The Low GWP Refrigerant Safety: A2Ls (Mildly Flammable) Certification exam addresses the safe handling of A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerants.

The 50-question, closed-book exam covers the following competencies:

  • General Flammable Refrigerant Safety Knowledge
  • Core ACR Knowledge
  • Flammable System Service Safety
  • Flammable System Installation Safety
  • Flammable Refrigerant Transportation and Handling Safety

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System Performance

HVAC equipment is only as good as the installation. Studies show that the majority of residential HVACR equipment is not installed to manufacturer specifications, costing the consumer and the installation company money.

The System Performance Certification is designed to validate one has the knowledge required to properly set up an air conditioning or heating system to achieve the equipment's desired efficiency ratings.

System Performance Certification is a four-part exam, covering:

  • Refrigerant charging
  • Psychrometrics
  • Combustion efficiency
  • Airflow

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Residential Heat Load Analyst

Residential energy studies show that 72% of systems are improperly sized.

Determining the proper heating and cooling load for a structure is one of the most important processes before installing a new HVAC system.

A system that is too large or small can greatly impact not only the building occupant’s comfort and health but also the energy consumption of the structure and equipment life.

The Residential Heat Load Analyst Certification is a 100-question exam that measures one's ability to properly understand and determine what is required to perform a heating and cooling load for a structure. This ensures optimal system performance, less energy consumption, longer equipment life, and greater customer satisfaction.

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Green Awareness

When it comes to mechanicals (HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical) “Green” means fuel and energy efficiency, renewable and sustainable fuel sources, and water conservation.

The four-part exam covers concepts, terminology, systems, and the latest in green mechanical technology including: energy efficiency, energy management, comfort heating and cooling combination systems, HVACR, electrical, and plumbing.

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Duct and Envelope Testing

To comply with the International Energy Code, most states now require duct and building envelope testing for both new construction and retrofits.

Duct and Envelope Testing Certification consists of a written and hands-on certification exam.

Persons who pass these exams prove their ability to set up equipment and perform duct and envelope leakage testing—skills that set them apart.

The exams cover:

  • Understanding of the envelope
  • Duct leakage testing procedures
  • Envelope (structure) testing procedures
  • Methods expressing results
  • Terminology

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R-410A

The R-410A Certification exam addresses the issues of safe handling with the use of R-410A refrigerant.

This AC&R Safety Coalition Certification Exam validates that a person possesses the knowledge to safely work with this high-pressure refrigerant, helping to reduce liability.

The 50-question exam covers:

  • Proper safety
  • Handling
  • Application of R-410A

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Residential Energy Auditor

Persons with energy auditing skills are among the most sought-after technicians in the HVACR industry.

The Residential Energy Auditor Certification is a series of written and performance exams that add skill sets to HVACR students and technicians, making them more valuable to future employers.

Topics include heat transfer, building envelope analysis, windows and doors, heat gain/loss calculations, airflow properties and measurements, blower door and duct blaster lab, infrared imaging, health and safety (CO, mold, lead, asbestos), principles of AC&R, basics of heating systems, combustion analysis, basic electricity, baseload measurements, water heating systems, and water auditing.

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Become a Proctor

HVACR wholesalers, educators, and trainers interested in proctoring exams should complete the online proctor application.

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Comparative Analysis Reports

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Comparative Analysis Reports