CAT - Completion of the NAEC CAT Training Program, NEIEP Education Program, L.I.T.S Education Program, EDM-A, or equivalent or Meet the experience qualification (a minimum of 6,000 documented hours (3 years) of on-the-job training prior to December 31, 2014). Pass a certification exam.

CET - Completion of the NAEC CET Training Program, NEIEP, CEIEP, L.I.T.S. Education Program or equivalent to apply with education or Meet the experience qualification (a minimum of 10,000 documented hours (5 years) of on-the-job training within the elevator industry as of December 31, 2007). Pass a certification exam.

QEI - Meet the A17.1 Code definition of elevator personnel described as: “Persons who have been trained in the construction, maintenance, repair, inspection, or testing of equipment.”

Meet the experience requirements as outlined in the ASME QEI-1 Standard and have documented training and at least one year’s verifiable experience performing inspections and performing or witnessing tests as specified in A17.1 and A18.1. Pass a certification exam.

When ready to certify, 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.

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.

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.

The CAT certification exam is a closed book exam, 3.5 hours in length, and includes 160 questions.

The CET certification exam is an open book exam, 6 hours in length, and includes 140 questions.

The QEI certification exam is 8 hours in length and consists of 130 questions.

The certification staff guides the certification process to include the requirements of filling out a Proctor Name Form (Form G) 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 770-760-9660. Upon receiving Form G an exam can be scheduled within 2 business days.

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.

There is a 30-day waiting period between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, attempt. On the 3rd attempt there is a $100 retesting fee. 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.

After passing the certification exam the final requirements before receiving your digital Credly badge are to email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the following:

• Copy of your valid driver's license
• Copy of both proctor's valid driver's license
• Form J - Certification Proctoring Statement & Checklists

Email all certification verification requests to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include the full name of the individual.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for specific instructions regarding your situation. Note: Once your certification lapses for more than one calendar year after the expiration date shown on your badge, you must reapply and retake the certification exam.

At this time, NAEC is not allowing transfers from other organizations. All individuals must complete the application process and the 8 hour exam.

CAT/CET Recertification
The NAEC Certified Elevator Technician certification term is 1 year and expires annually on December 31. The cutoff date for certification is the 4th quarter of the year. Individuals who become certified between January 1 and September 30 must recertify in the same calendar year they achieved certification. For example, if you become certified on September 30, 2021, you must recertify by December 31, 2021. Individuals who become certified between October 1 and December 31 will be required to recertify the following calendar year. For example, if you become certified October 1, 2021, you must recertify by December 31, 2022.

QEI Recertification
The NAEC Qualified Elevator Inspector certification term is 1 year, begins annually on October 1 and expires on September 30. The individual may be required to complete a recertification exam. The cutoff date for certification is the 2nd. quarter of the year, June 30. Individuals who become certified between January 1 and June 30 must recertify in the same calendar year they achieved certification. For example, if you become certified on or before June 30, 2023, you must recertify by September 30, 2023. Individuals who become certified between July 1 and September 30 will be required to recertify the following calendar year. For example, if you become certified on or after July 1, 2023, you must recertify by September 30, 2024.

Certified individuals will receive an open renewal email notification from Certification staff that will include all renewal instructions and resources.

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.

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/.

NAEC Certification provides digital badges as a benefit of showcasing your earned certifications and other skills. NAEC digital badges via Credly 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 news feeds, tools for embedding verifiable badges on websites or email signatures.

Submitting an Appeal or Complaint

The Forms can be found here: 

Appeals Form  

Complaints Form

You must submit your appeal within 30 calendar days of:

The decision or occurrence, or
The date you first became aware of it

Your appeal must include:

Full name
Mailing address
Telephone number
A clear description of the decision being appealed
Detailed explanation of the circumstances
Any supporting documentation
All appeals must be submitted in writing and signed.

You may submit your appeal by:

Mail:
National Association of Elevator Contractors
1500 Klondike Rd SW, Suite A211
Conyers, GA 30094
Fax: (770) 760-9714
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Certification Board Chair reviews your appeal upon receipt
Within 10 calendar days, your appeal is assigned to the Grievances Committee
The Committee conducts a full investigation

Once assigned to the Committee, a final determination will be issued within 30 days.

The Committee may:

Exonerate the individual
Suspend certification
Revoke certification

All decisions are final.