1. I am interested in an elevator career. How do I certify?
If you have 6,000 documented hours (3 years) before 12/31/2014 of working experience in the elevator industry you may be eligible to take the CAT certification exam. If you have 10,000 documented hours (5 years) before 12/31/2007 of working experience in the elevator industry you may be eligible to take the CET certification exam. Graduating from an approved apprenticeship program is the common path to entering the elevator profession. For additional information on the NAEC CAT and CET training and educational programs contact
To begin your certification process refer to the eligibility criteria in the CAT, CET and QEI applicant handbook. CAT, CET and QEI. When ready to apply access the CAT, CET and QEI online applications. Note: Before you begin the online application make sure you are prepared to provide the application requirements as stated in the “Exam application” section in the applicant handbook. The online application cannot be saved and must be submitted at once.
2. What is the cost of certification?
Certification fees are based on application by education vs experience. Refer to the “Application Process” section of the CAT, CET, QEI applicant handbook for current certification fees.
3. How long does the application approval process take?
The application approval process ideally takes 3 weeks. Refer to the certification process timeline for approximate times. Note: If you are planning to attend QEI prep courses at Regional Workshops, submit your QEI certification application in advance to be ready to schedule your examination immediately after.
4. How long is the exam?
Both CAT and CET certification exams are 3.5 hours and comprise of 160 questions each. Both exams use scaled scoring. QEI certification exam is 8 hours which includes a mandatory 30-minute break. The QEI exam comprises 160 questions and uses raw scoring.
5. How do I schedule an exam?
The certification staff guides the certification process to include the requirements of filing out a Proctor Name Form (form H) identifying the 2 individuals you select per process guidelines to proctor your exam. Refer to the certification process timeline for approximation dates. Email inquiries to
6. We use different books in Canada. Do I need to use the American versions of the test documents?
As the industry changes, we update our material to match these changes. Exam questions are based on the approved and additional study guides listed in the “Preparing for the Examination” section of the applicant handbook. If your resources do not match this list, you should consider getting the correct study guides before your exam.
7. What happens if I fail the exam?
There is a 30-day waiting period between the 1st., 2nd., and 3rd., attempt. On the 3rd. attempt there is a $100 retesting. If the 3rd. attempt is unsuccessful you may reapply after a 180-day waiting period. You have 365 days to successfully complete the exam, including all (3) retakes.
8. When do I receive my proof of certification?
- After passing the certification exam the final requirements before receiving your certification ID card are to email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the following: Your photograph (can be taken with camera, saved in jpeg format, and sent back as attachment with other required documents)- Showing current appearance
- Color or black & white
- Full face, front view. Do not wear a hat, headgear, or sunglasses.
- Copy of your valid driver's license
- Copy of both proctor's valid driver's license
9. How can I verify an individual’s certification status?
Email all certification verification requests to
10. My certification has expired, how do I get it back?
Contact
11. Can I transfer my QEI certification from another organization to NAEC?
Most QEI certified inspectors who are in good standing with their current organizations may be eligible to transfer their QEI certifications without needing to retake the 8-hour certification examination.
12. What is the renewal process?
All NAEC certifications are renewed annually for a January 1 to December 31 calendar cycle. Renewal for CAT and CET certifications begin October 1 and expires December 31. Renewal for QEI certification begins July 1 and expires September 30.
13. Continuing Education
CAT and CET recertification each requires 10 CEs that includes 1 CE in Safety. Dual CAT/CET certifications require 15 CEs which includes 1 CE in Safety. QEI recertification requires 1.0 CEUs as specified in the current version of the ASME QEI-1 standard. NAEC accepts CEs from other approved providers. For additional information on NAEC’s eLearning and other educational opportunities contact
14. Who accredits NAEC’s certification programs?
The CET and QEI certification programs are accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), a wholly owned subsidiary of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Accreditation under ANAB meets the OSHA requirements. For more information about ANAB, see https://anab.ansi.org/
15. Digital Badges
NAEC Certification will soon provide digital badges as a benefit of showcasing your earned certifications and other skills. NAEC digital badges via Credly’s Acclaim platform will offer flexible options for recognition and verification. With the ease of a one-click you can take advantage of sharing on social media newsfeeds, tools for embedding verifiable badges on websites or email signatures. Learn more.