Technician certification - Articles

Guest Column

Solving the HVAC Contractor Shortage: How to Increase Licensing Accessibility

Patrick Hayes

February 17, 2026

Thousands of techs are ready to advance. Licensing bottlenecks are what’s holding the industry back.

The Many Hats of a Boiler Tech

Inside the world of boiler technicians: skill, grit and humility behind the wrench

Ritchie Ware

September 24, 2025

Boiler technicians are more than just fixers – they’re problem-solvers, mentors, and trusted partners on the front lines of industry, writes Ritchie Ware, president and CEO of Ware.

83-Year-Old Texas Man Earns HVAC Degree

The newly credentialed HVAC technician pursues learning for its own sake

Matt Jachman

July 4, 2025

Octogenarian Rafael Aguirre didn’t let age get in the way of his pursuit of a degree in HVAC technology. Next, he plans to study automobile electrical systems.

Georgia Boiler Manufacturer Graduates First Class of Trade Program Students

New training initiative aims to address industry-wide technician shortage

ES Magazine staff

February 25, 2025

Miura America's first class of boiler technicians completes specialized training program in Rockmart, Georgia, marking a local industry response to national workforce challenges in steam system maintenance.

California Mom Earns HVACR Degree Online at Ferris State

Her aim was ‘to provide a better life for my kids’

May 29, 2024

Through determination and hard work, a single mother of two cemented her place in the HVAC industry through higher education.

NADCA Fall Technical Conference Offers Hands-On Training

June 28, 2023

NADCA’s annual Fall Technical Conference features hands-on training during which attendees can use real-world scenarios to develop practical skills.

NATE’s CHP-5 certification path diagram.

North American Technician Excellence Update: Flexibility for HVAC Techs

The certification company’s revamped option let techs feel more at home with the process

Robert Beverly

June 23, 2021

NATE’s biggest rollout last year was its CHP-5 certification pathway.

Jose De La Portilla Receives NATE Golden Toolbox Award

He earned his first NATE certification in 2004 and became a NATE proctor shortly thereafter

September 23, 2016

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) announced that Jose De La Portilla of Lennox HVAC Learning Solutions has been awarded the 2016 Golden Toolbox Award. The award recognizes an industry professional who demonstrates outstanding service, support, and advocacy for technician certification.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification ensures contractors, their employers, and prospective customers that the individual performing the work is qualified, educated, and knowledgeable.

NATE Certification Affirms Contracting Competency

NATE is developing new certifications to continue the progress of technicians nationwide

Nick Kostora

September 12, 2016

Whatever their reasons may be for seeking out certification, NATE offers a bevy of programs and aims to help technicians across the country constantly improve themselves while also providing value to other segments of the industry.

NATE Launches New Exams

Certificates provide pathway to professional development and certification

February 8, 2016

As with the NATE certification exams, these two new certificate exams were developed by the NATE technical committee, comprised of experts from various industry sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, education and training, and contractors.