What Are You Waiting For? If You Want to Rise Above the Competition, It’s Time to Get that ASCS Certification!
NADCA’s landmark certification, the Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) certification, is a world-wide credential that recognizes specialized knowledge and skills related to HVAC system hygiene. For a technician to jump-start their career in the industry, the ASCS is one of the best ways to start! Certified technicians are highly skilled, consistent, and committed to getting the job done right; and techs with professional certifications help any air duct cleaning business rise above a sea of competitors, since certifications can be a significant benefit when it comes to winning new customers or projects.
These days, specifications for many commercial cleaning projects require that a certified ASCS has oversight of a project. It seems that every day, more and more public and private organizations – especially large commercial and/or government projects – require certifications to bid on large jobs.
For an air duct cleaning and/or restoration company, having an ASCS certified technician on staff can benefit the company in many ways, including:
- Meeting bid specifications
- Attracting more customers
- Meeting the ASCS requirement for NADCA membership
Ready to Take the Next Steps Toward ASCS Certification?
To earn NADCA’s distinguished ASCS certification, candidates engage in a rigorous course of study and complete a standardized certification exam that reflects the most current practices in the industry, and focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for cleaning and restoring HVAC systems.
The ASCS exam covers a range of topics like indoor air quality, safety, mechanical, field experience, and applying practical knowledge. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and candidates are given 3-1/2 hours to complete the test.
To prepare for the ASCS exam, NADCA suggests:
- Review the ASCS Candidate’s Guide in its entirety. It’s available for FREE, and includes an outline of the exam content, as well as a recommended reading list. CLICK HERE to download the FREE Candidate’s Guide.
- Study. There are a variety of recommended study materials and training opportunities available to help you prepare for the ASCS exam, including online training, self-study materials, and in-person training at NADCA's Annual Meeting or Fall Technical Conference. While the online and in-person training course does not teach directly to the test, it offers technical training on HVAC systems and components, industry standards and guidelines, indoor air quality, and much more. Plus, technicians who participate in a training course are more likely to pass the exam on their first attempt.
- Register for the exam. Once you’ve prepared for your ASCS certification, you’ll need to register to take the exam. The ASCS certification exam is available at testing centers across the globe, as well as NADCA meetings and events, such as our Annual Meeting and Fall Technical Conference. In fact, most technicians seeking NADCA certifications prefer to get certified at our events, since it’s a great chance to take an in-person course AND take the exam in one place, in addition to participating in other NADCA educational sessions. CLICK HERE to Register for the Exam.
Worth noting: For groups of at least 10 participants, companies can host a custom training event. NADCA will send a certified instructor to your location to deliver in-person training with an optional certification exam the following day!
What to Expect After the Exam
Candidates are often curious about how long it will take to get exam results. The paper exam, which is administered at events, takes up to four weeks to process, and a pass/fail letter will be emailed to candidates. If a candidate fails, they will be given instructions on how to register for a retake. When taken at a testing center, score reports are available immediately following completion. If a candidate fails, NADCA staff will assist with scheduling a retake at a reduced rate.
About Keeping ASCS Certifications Up-to-Date
Maintaining your ASCS certification is just as important as earning it! NADCA’s Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) certification must be renewed each year by June 30.
NADCA requires certified individuals to have six Continuing Education Credits (CECs) each year to be eligible to renew their ASCS certification. CECs can be awarded after attending NADCA seminars and events, by achieving a passing score on online renewal quizzes, or attending industry-related training programs.
It is the responsibility of the certification holder to maintain certification and apply for certification renewal in advance of the deadline. Unfortunately, any individual who doesn’t renew in time will have to retake the ASCS certification exam to become re-certified.