TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - A decision by the city council of Terre Haute requiring North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification as a license requirement to do HVACR work within the city limits is the first of its kind for any U.S. city.
The council recently met and approved amendments to Chapter 4 of the Terre Haute City Code, Article 10, "Contractors and Skilled Trades." The code now states, "In order to obtain licensure as a heating and cooling contractor, the contractor must employ at least one full-time employee who is certified for heating and cooling work by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), or equivalent." The new requirement will take effect on April 1, 2005.