ATLANTA - A program to certify health care facility design professionals is being launched by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The first examination to earn the credential will be held on June 28 in Long Beach, Calif., immediately following ASHRAE’s annual meeting. The test consists of a two-hour, multiple choice and 100-question written exam. Subsequent examinations will be Web-based at testing facilities nationwide.

ASHRAE’s Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP) certification will designate understanding of a body of knowledge identified by ASHRAE as being critical to successful facility design.

“An ASHRAE certification will let employers know that the certification earner has mastered a significant body of knowledge in a specific aspect of HVACR design, as determined by industry professionals in that field, and has met specified eligibility requirements,” said Terry Townsend, ASHRAE president. “Firms who employ ASHRAE-certified engineers will be better able to promote their services. This is an invaluable benefit to ASHRAE members to help them stand out from the competition.”

The technical content for the health care facility design certification exam was developed in conjunction with the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association (AHA). ASHRAE will work with other industry organizations to develop additional certification programs, including sustainability, commissioning, and building operations and management.

For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/certification.

Publication date: 04/09/2007