In an effort to increase the number of technicians that get certified and more importantly recertified, North American Technician Excellence (NATE) has made changes to its certification program.
The certification period has been changed from five years to two. In addition, certification can be maintained with proof of 16 hours of specialty-related continuing education within a two-year period. Previously, it was required to be 60 hours over a five year period so it is dropped by an average of four hours a year.