In response to the need for quality assurance, increased education and recognition of professional achievement within the industry, NAFA developed the NAFA Certified Air Filter Specialist (CAFS) program — the first education and certification program designed specifically for air filtration professionals.
The CAFS program distinguishes those professionals who have demonstrated a thorough, up-to-date understanding of air filtration technology and high level of professionalism. In order to become certified, air filtration professionals must pass an extensive examination on the principles, methods and applications of air filtration. Candidates for certification are also subject to compliance with the NAFA Code of Ethics. Certification is renewable on an annual basis pending successful completion of continued education requirements in order to demonstrate current and continued expertise.
When purchasing products or services from a Certified Air Filter Specialist, customers are assured that their particular requirements and needs will be addressed by a knowledgeable professional.
The CAFS Exam is strictly pass/fail based on the total number of correct answers. No other details will be released; correct or incorrect answers will not be shared. Samples test questions are not available.
FAQ About The CAFS Exam
What do I need to study in order to pass the Certified Air Filter Specialist exam?
The 100 question (70 multiple choice, 30 true/false) CAFS Exam is based on the NAFA Guide to Air Filtration. In fact, every question comes straight out of the book! If you study the manual thoroughly you should have no problem passing the exam. We also recommend that you have at least one year of field experience in the air filter industry. NAFA does offer a series of recordings to help you study, however, if you have not read and understood the NAFA Guide to Air Filtration, you will probably not pass the exam.
What is the Cost to take the exam?
| Member | Non Member | |
| In Person – NAFA Conference or Industry Trade Show | $225 | $500 |
| Virtual – See Calendar of Events | $425 | N/A |
| Private Event – Contact the Office (additional fees apply) | $325 | N/A |
| Retake Fee | $50 | $50 |
| Renewal Fee | $50 | $300 |
The cost of the exam includes a 1-2 hour tutorial. Additional fees apply for private events including a $500 proctor fee plus travel fees. Please contact the NAFA office for additional information.
What are the renewal requirements?
To maintain CAFS Certification, you must complete eight (8) continuing education credits annually from the categories listed below. These activities must have been completed between October 1 and September 30. Nonmembers of NAFA must have attended an event sponsored by NAFA or ASHRAE, EPA, BOMA, AMIAQC, AFE, NAPE, AFS, AABC, RSES, ACCA, CETA, NSPE, IAQA, AIA, NEBB, ASHE or SMACNA and submit a certificate of attendance from such event
4 Credits:
- Attend NAFA Technical Seminar
- Attend NAFA Annual Convention
- Attend an industry recognized multi day technical seminar (ASHRAE, INDA or similar event)
- Serve as Chair or Vice Chair of NAFA committee
- Become a certified NAFA Certified Technician (NCT)
2 Credits:
- Serve on a NAFA committee and attend at least 6 committee meetings
- Attend a 2+ hour training seminar related to HVAC/IAQ/Filtration given by a supplier/manufacturer of HVAC/IAQ/Filtration related products
- Attend 2+ hour seminar on HVAC, IAQ or filtration given by a related association or organization such as AABD, ACCA, AIA, AFE, AFS, AMIAQC, ASHE, ASHRAE, BOMA, CETA, EPA, IAQA, ICB, NAPE, NEBB, NEI, NSPE, RESE, SMACNA or TABB
- Write a technical article for publication in Air Media or other recognized industry publication related to HVAC and air filtration
- Give a technical presentation at the NAFA Tech Seminar, Annual Convention, webinar, or other event related to HVAC/IAQ/Air filtration or otherwise present technical information related to the industry for educational purposes
- Present an in-house seminar presented by a CAFS or other industry expert on a topic related to HVAC/IAQ/Air Filtration
- Volunteer at the NAFA Booth during an industry related expo
- Nominate a facility for Clean Air Awards – must be awarded
- Renew 1 or more Clean Air Award facilities
- Administer the NCT exam and tutorial
- Receive an industry related award
- Hold an industry related certification
- Renew your NCT
1 Credit:
- Attend a webinar presented by a CAFS or other industry expert on a topic related to HVAC/IAQ/Air Filtration
- Attend an in-house seminar presented by a CAFS or other industry expert on a topic related to HVAC/IAQ/Air Filtration
When / Where can I take the exam next?
The next CAFS Exam will be administered during the next Annual Convention, AHR Expo, Technical Seminar or special event. The exam is also offered virtually 1-2 times per year.
What about the tutorial?
In order to help you prepare for the exam, NAFA has developed a series of webinar recordings that covers the 16 chapters in the NAFA Guide to Air Filtration. We strongly encourage you to view them prior to taking the exam (you must first register for the exam to receive links to the recordings). This series of webinars replaces the “Track One” previously offered at Technical Seminars.