Certified Technician Level I
The NAFA Certified Technician (NCT) Program is an industry-recognized credential held by over 500 air filter service technicians. The program elevates the industry and the technician professions by testing candidates on the basics of the Installation, Operation and Maintenance (IOM) of Air Filtration Systems. One can prepare for the exam by reading and studying the IOM Manual.
Who should earn the NCT Certification?
While primarily targeting HVAC/R Technicians, the NCT can also be earned by building engineers, building maintenance personnel, HVAC/R and air filtration sales and business development professionals, and those involved with air filtration systems.
What makes this program so unique?
This certification is available to both member and non-member technicians. This means that the NCT program allows you to reach out to facility managers and building owners to invite them to participate.
NCT exams can be administered by NAFA (see below) or a CAFS by helping customers certify their employees; air filtration professionals can increase knowledge and professionalism in the workplace. As a bonus, spreading knowledge outside of NAFA membership can help build relationships, improve one’s customer base, and support the air filtration industry as a whole.
Where can I take the exam next?
The next NCT Exam will be administered during the next Annual Convention, AHR Expo, FiltXpo and Technical Seminar, or you can take the exam online anytime.
How can I prepare for the exam?
This two-hour, open-book exam has 100 questions (40 multiple-choice, 60 true/false) based on the Installation, Operation and Maintenance (IOM) of Air Filtration Systems Manual. There are no other study guides or tutorials for the NCT exam. Upon passing, you will receive a frameable certificate from NAFA headquarters.
Step 1: Apply for the exam.
We recommend that you have at least one year of field experience in the air filter industry before taking the exam. NCT exams are administered during the Annual Convention, AHR Expo, Technical Seminar or at special events. The exam is also offered virtually.
Step 2: Study for the exam.
NAFA offers a variety of resources to help you build your subject-matter knowledge so you’re ready to take the exam. This includes:
- The Installation, Operation & Maintenance of Air Filtration Systems While sample test questions are not available, the 100 question (70 multiple choice, 30 true/false) NCT Exam is based on the IOM. In fact, every question comes straight out of the book. If you study the manual thoroughly you should have no problem passing the exam.
Step 3: Take the exam.
The examination takes approximately two hours and is strictly pass/fail based on the total number of correct answers.
Step 4: Celebrate and be celebrated!
When you earn your NAFA certification, plan to be celebrated! Your new designation will be announced at the next Annual Convention, and you’ll receive a shoutout on NAFA’s social media and other publications. In addition, here are a few ways you can show off your accomplishment:
- Mount your certification certificate to your wall.
- Add our digital badge to your social media
- Send a press release to your company
- Show off your new designation everywhere your name appears: business card, Linkedin profile, email signature, website, and more.
Step 6: Keep your certification current.
Wait, there’s more! Even if you don’t sell filters or design systems, there’s a huge benefit to understanding the knowledge of the IOM. Filtration professionals who have earned the CAFS, NCT and NCTII elevate their careers with an end-to-end understanding of air filtration systems.
Step 6: Keep your certification current.
Wait, there’s more! Even if you don’t sell filters or design systems, there’s a huge benefit to understanding the knowledge of the IOM. Filtration professionals who have earned the CAFS, NCT and NCTII elevate their careers with an end-to-end understanding of air filtration systems.
Cost of the Exam
If you are interested in becoming certified, or are a CAFS who is interested in administering the exam to service technicians in the workplace, contact us today!
Stay Current – Renew Your NCT, Level I Certification
To maintain your NCT, Level I certification, you must complete one continuing education credit per year from the categories listed below (each activity is one credit). Your chosen activity must have been completed between January 1 and December 31. Additionally, you must have been actively involved in the sale/service of air filters during the preceding year. For NAFA members, the cost to renew the certification each year is $30. For non-members, the cost is $50.
Did you know?
Any NAFA Certified Air Filter Specialist can administer the NCT exam. If you are interested, contact NAFA