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| ASCS FAQs |
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What are the benefits of ASCS certification?
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the individual or the business ASCS certified?
- Who
should become NADCA certified?
- How can I prepare for
the ASCS certification examination?
- How was the ASCS
certification examination developed?
- When is the ASCS
certification examination offered?
- How much does the
ASCS certification examination cost?
- Am I required to
renew my ASCS certification?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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There are three options for taking the ASCS certification examination:
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Prep. class and examination are offered at all of NADCAs Seminars and the
Annual Meeting.
Click here for
more information. |
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Prep. class and examination are offered regularly in regional areas across the
country.
Click here for
more information. |
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Certification examinations are offered at standardized testing centers
around the world.
Click here for more
information. |
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The cost of the examination is as follows:
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Member |
Non-Member |
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$275.00 |
$1,500.00 |
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$150.00 |
$775.00
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$385.00 |
$1,610.00 |
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$260.00 |
$885.00 |
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$490.00 |
$690.00 |
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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.
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Date Initially Certified |
CECs Needed for Renewal |
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Certified on or before August 31prior to the July 1
renewal date |
6 CECs Needed |
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Certified between September 1 - October 31 before July 1
renewal date |
4 CECs Needed
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Certified between November 1 - December 31 before July 1
renewal date |
2 CECs Needed |
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