The NAFA Certified Technician (NCT) Program was first introduced to NAFA members in January 1999 as an effort to add more credibility and professionalism to the air filtration industry. Since its introduction, nearly 300 air filter service technicians have taken the 100 question, open-book exam based on the NAFA Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Air Filtration Systems manual (purchased separately). Almost immediately after the program became available, interest started growing to make this program available to a much wider audience than just the NAFA membership. NAFA members, in particular those who are Certified Air Filter Specialists (CAFS), saw the NCT program as an opportunity to spread knowledge and professionalism to technicians they encountered in the workplace who might not otherwise be involved in NAFA. The chance to reach facility managers and building owners by certifying their employees also means promoting NAFA as an organization on a much broader scale than in the past. As stated in the Certification Policies and Procedures, a CAFS must administer the NCT examination to exam candidates. Now that the program is available to non-members who will not have CAFS on staff, current NAFA CAFS will have the opportunity to more thoroughly train current customers, and perhaps even to reach new customers and further their own business, by serving as the link between NAFA certification and the service technician. Candidates who score at least a 70% on the exam are presented with a certificate from NAFA Headquarters as well as two NCT patches. Certification requires only one continuing education credit each year for annual renewal, as well as completion of the renewal application and payment of the renewal fee. Contact NAFA Headquarters at (608) 310-7542 or by email at nafa@nafahq.org if you are interested in becoming certified, or if you are a CAFS who is interested in administering the exam to service technicians you encounter in the workplace. NAFA continues to strive to educate and add professionalism to the industry, and we hope you will join with us in this mission.
FAQ about the NCT Exam
What do I need to study in order to pass the NAFA Certified Technician exam? The 100 question (40 multiple choice, 60 true/false) NCT Exam is based on the Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Air Filtration Systems, – order in the NAFA Store. It is an 2-hour, open book exam.
What is the Cost to take the exam?
Virtual:/online:
- Members: $125; retake fee is $30
- Nonmembers: $175; retake fee is $40
In-person:
- Members $100.00; retake fee is $30
- Nonmembers: $150.00; retake fee is $40
For members, the cost to renew the certification each year is $30.00. For nonmembers of NAFA, the cost is $50.00.
The purchase of the Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Air Filtration Systems is not required, however, the exam is based on the manual (separate purchase required).
What are the renewal requirements? To maintain NCT Certification, you must complete one continuing education credit per year from the categories listed below. This activity must have been completed between January 1 and December 31:
1 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)
- 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
- 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 NCT Exam will be administered during the next Annual Convention, AHR Expo and Technical Seminar, or you can take the exam online.
What about the tutorial? At this time, there is no tutorial for the NCT exam offered at the conferences.
Are there any other options? Any NAFA CAFS can administer the exam. If you are interested, contact your NAFA Representative, or NAFA Staff at 608.310.7542.