North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is partnering exclusively with Interplay Learning to launch a new online training platform for HVACR technicians, NATE Training Academy.

NATE Training Academy is designed to provide technicians a way to train for NATE certification exams online at their own pace. The comprehensive online courses are all available on-demand and can be taken at any time. The interactive and immersive online courses powered by Interplay Learning’s leading skilled trades training platform include “field-like” 3D and VR simulations, videos, and knowledge checks.

NATE Training Academy currently includes courses to prepare technicians for NATE’s Certified HVAC Professional (CHP-5) certification exams. The CHP-5 is a NATE certification pathway where technicians can earn their NATE certification through a series of five 30-question exams, each on a different subject domain. NATE Training Academy’s CHP-5 courses cover each exam subject area: HVAC Fundamentals, Electrical and Controls, Comfort and Airflow, Installation, and Service.

Courses on the first two CHP-5 exam subject areas, HVAC Fundamentals and Service, are currently available. Courses on the remaining CHP-5 exams will be released in the coming months, and all CHP-5 courses will be available by early June 2022.

NATE and Interplay Learning plan to continue adding courses to help technicians prepare for other certification exams. In the future, NATE Training Academy will introduce courses to prepare users for NATE’s Low-GWP refrigerant certification.

NATE COO John Lanier explained the launch of the new online training platform is a part of an overall strategy change in the way NATE supports HVACR technicians. “In addition to certifying technicians and recognizing their excellence within the industry, we also want to help them get there, so we have shifted our model to create this training package for technicians," he said. 

John Lanier said NATE is very excited about its partnership with Interplay Learning. “Interplay is a recognized training provider that has registered its courses with NATE in the past," he said. "Many of our industry partners enjoy having their technicians and trainers use the training that Interplay creates, and we have received great feedback from technicians, contractors, and manufacturers that have used Interplay Learning’s courses.”

“The development of the new NATE Training Academy is a critical initiative that will actively address the shortage of skilled labor and help close the skills gap in the HVAC industry,” added Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning. “Interplay’s job-relevant virtual technical training directly aligns with NATE’s goals and we’re pleased to contribute to that effort. At Interplay, we work everyday to make better careers and better lives for our customers, and this partnership is directly in line with our mission.”