Pursuing and Maintaining ASCS Certification

Posted on 02/12/2019

The Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) certification, NADCA’s landmark certification, not only sets technicians apart from the competition, it also shows customers that the technician is skilled, consistent and committed to his or her professionalism. As building codes become more stringent and forward-thinking homeowners become more aware of how to save energy, there’s never been a better time to become ASCS certified or take the required steps to maintain certification.

How to Become Certified
NADCA issues an exam for ASCS certification, which tests the knowledge and skills needed to become successful in the HVAC inspection, cleaning and restoration industry. The exam covers a range of topics, including indoor air quality, safety, mechanical, field experience and the ability to correctly apply practical knowledge. Prepare for the ASCS exam by:

  • Reviewing the ASCS Candidate’s Guide. The ASCS Candidate’s Guide reviews the exam content outline and includes a recommended reading list. Visit nadca.com/testing to access the guide.
  • Studying. There are a variety of optional, recommended study materials and training opportunities available to help prepare for the ASCS exam, including online training and classroom training.
  • Taking the practice test. NADCA developed a short list of practice test questions to give candidates a general idea of the common format of typical questions included in the ASCS certification exam.
  • Registering for the Exam. The ASCS certification exam is available at testing centers throughout the world and at NADCA meetings.

Maintain or Renew Certification
NADCA requires certified individuals to have six Continuing Education Credits (CECs) each year to be eligible to renew their certification. CECs can be awarded after attending NADCA seminars and conventions, by achieving a passing score on online renewal quizzes or attending industry-related training programs.

Certification renewal must be completed each year by June 30. Individuals who do not renew will have to retake the ASCS certification exam to become recertified. In addition, there is an annual maintenance fee ($95 for members, $920 for nonmembers) associated with ASCS certification renewal.

ASCS Certification at NADCA’s Annual Meeting
NADCA’s 30th Annual Meeting & Exposition will host three continuing education sessions, worth two CECs each, allowing you to complete the continued education requirements for your renewal while at the Annual Meeting.

CEC TRAINING SESSIONS
Monday, April 1, 2019

3:15–4:15 pm | New Ventilation Equipment Trends

Tuesday, April 2, 2019
8:30–9:30 am | Modern Building Performance – The Impact on IAQ and Approach to Air Duct Cleaning
3:30–4:30 pm | Panel Discussion: Indoor Air Quality Trends and Traps

The pre-conference training sessions on Sunday, March 31, are optional courses that can help technicians prepare for the ASCS and CVI exams.

For more information about all things certification, visit nadca.com/certification.