McLEAN, VA — According to North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the overall passing rate for its exam is up. The passing rate for the NATE test on Jan. 1, 2001, was 43%; by Dec. 30, it had climbed to 57%.

The testing organization also says that technicians who take review or training sessions for the test have a 23% better chance of passing the exam. Four pilot programs in the United States offer training for the exam; their technicians’ passing rate is between 73% and 92%.

Overall, in 2001, the number of technicians attaining NATE certification rose one-third over the preceding year. The organization credits companies that have aligned in-house training with NATE’s Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATE).

The testing will be offered at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Expo in Atlantic City, NJ, on Jan. 15, 2002. At 8:30 a.m., Randy Boston of the Eastern Heating and Cooling Council will conduct a free NATE-recognized review session prior to the test.

For more information, go to www.natex.org (website).

Publication date: 01/14/2002