ASCS FAQs

1. What are the benefits of ASCS certification?
2. Is the individual or the business ASCS certified?
3. Who should become NADCA certified?
4. How can I prepare for the ASCS certification examination?
5. How was the ASCS certification examination developed?
6. When is the ASCS certification examination offered?
7. How much does the ASCS certification examination cost?
8. Am I required to renew my ASCS certification?

What are the benefits of ASCS certification?
ASCS certification not only enhances one’s professional development, but is also a world-wide credential recognizing a person’s knowledge and skills relating to HVAC system hygiene.

Is the individual or the business ASCS certified?
NADCA's certification program certifies individuals, not companies. Certified individuals may use the credential in marketing their own expertise. Certification is not transferable to other individuals.

Please note: Beginning July 1, 2006 any certified individual who changes companies, will be required to pay a fee in order to transfer ASCS certification. The ASCS certification transfer fee will be $385 if the individual joins a NADCA member company, and $1,610 if the individual joins a non-NADCA member company. Individuals will have 30 days from their last day of employment to apply for transfer, after which time the certification becomes non-transferable. NADCA staff will have 30 days to process the application for transfer, during which time the certification is null and void.

Who should become NADCA certified?
NADCA recommends at a minimum that an owner, principal, or key employee of a company become a certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS). This individual must be a full-time employee, be directly responsible for project management, and should oversee all air duct cleaning projects.

Some companies may wish to have several individuals on staff take the NADCA certification exam. There is no limit to the number of company representatives who can become certified.

How can I prepare for the ASCS certification examination?
The ASCS examination tests the knowledge and skills that a professional air duct cleaner should have. The subjects of the exam include areas such as indoor air quality, safety, mechanical, field experience, and the ability to correctly apply practical knowledge. There are several ways to prepare for the examination:

•	The NADCA ASCS Candidate's Guide includes an outline of subject areas from which the test is based, a list of recommended reading materials, and a few sample questions similar to those given on the exam. Click here for a free download of the ASCS Candidates Guide.
•	NADCA has published the Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) Certification Examination Study Materials: These documents help prepare candidates to take the ASCS Examination. Included in the study materials are the Introduction to HVAC System Cleaning Services; the ACR Standard, 2005 edition; Standard 05: Requirements for the Installation of Service Openings in HVAC Systems; and the NADCA Safety Manual. Please do not order the study materials if you have registered for the ASCS Exam Training Class (they are included as part of the registration fees). List price: $270. Member price: $135.
•	NADCA has developed the ASCS Exam Prep Class, a comprehensive training course that serves as both a thorough introduction to the industry, as well as strong preparation for individuals taking the ASCS certification examination. This training is offered on a regular basis, followed by the administration of the examination. Click here for more information about NADCA training courses.

How was the ASCS certification examination developed?
The NADCA Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) certification examination was developed in accordance with testing procedures created by the National Organization for Competency Assurance, under the close supervision of independent test development experts. These procedures included an industry-wide survey that gauged the frequency and proficiency of various techniques, subject matter areas, and general knowledge that contractors in the industry agreed are important for competent workmanship.

The NADCA Certification Committee used the information gained through its survey to define the content of examination questions. Questions were written by members of the committee who are highly experienced Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system cleaning contractors. Test questions were carefully scrutinized for difficulty and fairness, and the best questions were hand-picked for inclusion in the exam.

When is the ASCS certification examination offered?
There are three options for taking the ASCS certification examination:

How much does the ASCS certification examination cost?
The cost of the examination is as follows:

		Member	Non-Member
	ASCS Exam	$275.00	$1,500.00
	ASCS Exam Retake	$150.00	$775.00
	ASCS Online (at standardized testing center)	$385.00	$1,610.00
	ASCS Online Retake (at standardized testing center)	$260.00	$885.00
	ASCS Prep Class	$490.00	$690.00

Am I required to renew my ASCS certification?
Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) certification must be renewed each year by July 1. To qualify for renewal, certified individuals are required to earn a six (6) continuing education credits (CECs) during their certification renewal cycle unless a candidate falls under the pro-rated CEC schedule (see below). CECs can be obtained through attendance at NADCA seminars and conventions, online renewal quizzes, publication of technical papers in industry journals, attending related industry training programs, and a variety of other means. A member company representative can also provide CECs for other company employees by attending the Train-the-Trainer program during NADCA's Annual meeting.  There is an annual maintenance fee ($75.00 for members, $800 for non-members) associated with certification renewal.

Click here for a list of NADCA-approved CECs.

Click here for a Renewal Application Form.

Individuals who do not accrue sufficient continuing education credits prior to their renewal date are required to re-take the examination at the regular fees.

CEC Renewal Schedule

	Date Initially Certified	CECs Needed for Renewal
	Certified on or before August 31prior to the July 1 renewal date	6 CECs Needed
	Certified between September 1 - October 31 before July 1 renewal date	4 CECs Needed
	Certified between November 1 - December 31 before July 1 renewal date	2 CECs Needed