The NATE Air Conditioning Excellence (ACE) series of tests covers both installation and service of HVACR residential and light commercial equipment. Currently, there are five specialties in which a technician can become certified: air conditioning, air distribution, gas heating, heat pumps, and oil heating.

Under the Montgomery G.I. Bill, current and transitioning active-duty personnel, as well as regular service retirees, can take tests for certification or licensing and be reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA’s licensing and certification benefit pays eligible retiring service personnel for licensing or certification tests they take after March 1, 2001. Veterans can also receive up to $2,000 per test, but not more than the actual cost of the test. They can receive benefits to retake a test they failed. The number of tests a veteran can take is unlimited, except that veterans can’t receive benefits to retake a test they have already passed.

Veterans generally have 10 years after their discharge from active duty to use their benefits. If veterans want to know about other programs under which they might be eligible, they can visit www.gibill.va.gov (website).

For more information on NATE, visit www.natex.org (website).

Publication date: 08/05/2002