Accreditation, Certifications, Credentialing and Articulation

HVAC Excellence was founded as a not for profit organization in 1994 to improve the technical workforce of the HVAC/R industry through quality education.

HVAC Excellence verifies that HVAC/R educational programs meet high standards through: Programmatic Accreditation

In 1999 HVAC Excellence was the first organization to create standards and grant programmatic accreditation for HVAC/R programs in the United States.

Accreditation

Programmatic Accreditation HVAC Excellence has established an independent, third party, non- governmental peer review of an HVAC/R educational program validating that standards of excellence are met.

Types of Accreditation Programmatic: Applies to HVAC/R discipline/program. Recognizes an educational (HVAC/R) program as maintaining standards that qualify the graduates for professional practice or admission to higher institutions of learning.

Programmatic Accreditation These standards are designed to assure that our future workforce receives the quality of training required to provide the skills necessary for success in the HVAC/R industry.

Gives students confidence in the HVAC program. Employers benefit by assurance that graduates are properly trained. Has the potential to increase enrollment. Helps to create goals for self improvement. Why Programmatic Accreditation?

Accreditation: The Process Here are the Steps 1.Call for an application 2.Complete and submit application

Accreditation: The Process 3.Upon receipt a packet will be mailed to you containing: Accreditation manual Welcome letter 4.An accreditation team member is assigned to aid you through the process. He/she will assist you in your self-study: Phone calls

Accreditation: The Process 5.Conduct the Self Study: Standard 1: Mission of Program Standard 2: Administrational Responsibilities Standard 3: Finances and Funds Standard 4: Student Services Standard 5: Instructional Design & Program Elements

Accreditation: The Process 5.Conduct the Self Study (continued): Standard 6: Program Elements Standard 7: Physical Facilities Standard 8: Equipment and Tools Standard 9: Cooperative Training Standard 10: Instructor Qualifications

Accreditation: The Process 6.Submit the Self Study to the review committee. 7.Self Study is reviewed by the committee. 8.Upon approval of the self study a Visiting Team is assigned. 9.An on-site visit is scheduled. 10.The one day on-site validation is executed and completed. 11.Final Determination is made to grant accreditation & program is listed in official directory.

Accreditation Fees Application - $ Self Study Review - $ 1, Team Honorarium - $ /team member Travel Expenses - Transportation Accommodations Meals

Student Outcome Assessment Program Assessment Program

Student Assessments Through student outcome assessments, HVAC Excellence determines that HVAC/R graduates are prepared to enter the HVAC/R industry. Two programs offered: secondary (H.E.A.T.) post secondary (Employment Ready)

Student Assessments – H.E.A.T. 2. Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology (H.E.A.T.) 100 question combined assessment of competencies: basic electricity vapor compression cycle gas or oil heat

Student Assessments – H.E.A.T. 2. H.E.A.T. Plus H.E.A.T. competencies plus: Computer literacy Safety Related math Employability skills Work ethics Hands-On performance

Student Assessments – Employment Ready Based in part on the National Skills Standards Works in conjunction with “NCLB” & Perkins IV Federal Legislation

Student Assessments – Employment Ready Provides post secondary students and new technicians with tangible evidence of accomplishment Provides instructors with tools to improve learning. Helps identify individuals who have attained the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the HVACR workforce.

Student Assessments – Employment Ready Employment Ready certification exams include: Electrical Light Commercial Air Conditioning Air Conditioning Light Commercial Refrigeration Heat Pump Gas Heat Oil Heat Electric Heat

Student Assessments – Employment Ready Carbon Monoxide Combustion Analysis Gas Oil Residential Low Pressure Hydronic Heat Basic Refrigeration & Charging Procedures System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Technician Certification (Professional Level)

HVAC Excellence certifies technician knowledge and competence through Professional level written exams.

Progressive Levels of Technician Certification Professional Level Earned by passing a series of comprehensive written exams administered by approved test proctors Prerequisite: 2 years field experience

Technician Certification Professional Level Certification exams include: Core Exam: Electrical principles & refrigeration theory Residential Air Conditioning Light Commercial Air Conditioning Light Commercial Refrigeration Heat Pump Service

Technician Certification Professional Level Certification exams include: (continued) Heat Pump Installer Gas Heat Electric Heat Combustion Analysis Residential & Light Commercial Hydronic Heat

Master Specialist Certification Master Specialist The highest credential conferred upon a field technician. Hands-on certification of experience coupled with performance verification. Prerequisite: 3 years field experience and passing scores on related HVAC Excellence exams. Technicians HVAC Excellence Certified Demonstrate competency through Hands-On Master Specialist Technician Certifications

Master Specialist Certification Areas of Master Specialist certification include: Residential Air Conditioning Gas Heat Oil Heat Heat Pumps Light Commercial Air Conditioning Light Commercial Refrigeration Low Pressure Hydronic Heat Combustion Analysis

Educator Credentialing

HVAC Excellence: Validates teacher knowledge, competencies and curriculum through Educator Credentialing.

HVAC/R Educator Credentialing Validates mastery of the subject matter needed to prepare students for success as technicians in an ever-changing industry.

HVAC/R Educator Credentialing Certified Subject Matter Educator (CSME) Conferred upon instructors who have met their State’s requirements and the standards of competency in a specific subject as established by HVAC Excellence (e.g. “Certified Heat Pump Educator”).

HVAC/R Educator Credentialing Certified Master HVACR Educator (CMHE) Conferred upon educators who have successfully passed the CMHE Capstone exam, Electrical, Air Conditioning, Light Commercial Air Conditioning, Light Commercial Refrigeration, Electric Heat and either Gas Heat, Oil Heat or Heat Pumps.

HVAC/R Educator Credentialing Certified Master HVACR Educator (CMHE) Identifies an educator’s professional competency and attests to his commitment to continued professional development and is the highest credential that HVAC Excellence can confer upon an HVAC/R educator.

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IndustryArticulation

HVAC Excellence credentials may result in advanced placement in the United Association apprenticeship program.

Programmatic Accreditation The Mechanical Service Contactors Association of America has made recruitment of HVAC Excellence technicians a top priority. MSCA is a trade association representing Carrier, Johnson Controls and over 1,200 top employers.

Programmatic Accreditation For details, visit

HVAC Excellence and the United Association are Founding member of the Green Mechanical Council.

HVAC Excellence Committed to providing you with: Professional development Online and phone support Industry news Industry affiliations

Professional Development HVAC Educators & Trainers Conferences Update skills in new & changing technologies Both teaching technique classes and technical sessions Educator exams (CSME & CMHE) Continuing Education Units (CEU's)

Professional Development HVAC Educators & Trainers Conferences Round table sessions to network & exchange ideas Industry exhibits Convenient and affordable locations Industry sponsored

Find out more! Contact HVAC Excellence at Or visit our web site:

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