NASTeC Appliance Exams

What is NASTeC? The U.S. has a critical shortage of technicians who can service major home appliances. Manufacturers, retailers, and service businesses are DESPERATELY seeking skilled technicians.

According to research conducted by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, over 52,000 new technicians could be needed in the next 5 years to service America’s major home appliances. That’s a lot of new jobs!

NASTeC is a voluntary national certification program for technicians who service major home appliances. The NASTeC exams measure the knowledge, ability and skills that technicians need daily to “do the job right.”

NASTeC exams measure the knowledge, ability and skills technicians need daily to do a professional job.

Discover the tremendous career opportunities available … and why the NASTeC certification process is your path to those opportunities.

ISCET, the NASTeC Testing Agency

The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) is an internationally-recognized, professional testing agency that provides administration, scoring and analysis of NASTeC exams. It is also a nonprofit society established to develop and administer true certification exams for electronics technicians in all forms. Exams are arranged by ISCET through its national network of Certification Administrators covering most metropolitan and many rural areas. Numerous applications of electronics are covered including the appliance repair and service community. ISCET also provides processing of exam applications and reporting of scores to candidates who take an exam.

Through their wide choice of examinations covering such things as consumer electronics, industrial electronics, audio, video, biomedical, etc. they offer recognized certifications. Coupled with the educational and learning material published and sold by ISCET on the various electronic elements, including FCC examinations, ISCET offers to the electronics community educational opportunities utilized by many schools and colleges.

The NASTeC certifications serve a critical need in today’s service industry. They are easily taken through the ISCET Online Testing System, which allows registration for examinations most anywhere in the world through the large system of Certification Administrators (CA). Take the exam(s) in the presence of the CA or proctor appointed to oversee your examination(s), or using ISCET’s Online Testing System (OLT) which allows registration and scheduling for tests over the internet.

NASTeC Certification Helps You Meet Your Goals

Whether you are a technician or a business owner or both, you sell knowledge and performance. NASTeC certification recognizes that repairing modern, sophisticated appliances requires professional skills and constant learning.

If you are striving to be as good as you can be … then let NASTeC help you to achieve this goal. Wearing the NASTeC emblem and service bars tells everyone you are a step ahead … and serious about it! Make every effort to equip yourself to be “The Best.”

Plan to move your career forward to meet the goals set for yourself and your family. The key is knowledge. Appliance techs must keep up with the advances in technology and design of the equipment they service. When you are in this mode, the difference between you and those who are not so dedicated will be striking. Show all those around you, those whom you serve, and those who employ you that you are “the best.” NASTeC certification exhibits your capabilities. Include yourself in the top ranks of your profession — Get NASTeC certified!

NASTeC certification lets you show your customers and manufacturers that you offer superior knowledge and performance. It is the highest level of professional recognition in the appliance service industry.

NASTeC Certification Qualifies Technicians

Get the respect and career growth you deserve. Prove that you are the skilled professional you know you are. NASTeC certification is the highest level of professional recognition in the appliance service industry.

Gain respect for your skills and accomplishments from your customers.
Become more valuable to your employer.
Increase opportunities for career advancement.
Earn better job security.
Differentiate yourself from non-certified workers

NASTeC Certification Helps Business Owners

Increase your service income. Increase your profits. Solve employee problems. When you employ NASTeC certified technicians:

You have a new advertising tool that differentiates you from your competition.
You boost your image with customers and manufacturers.
You have a new tool for evaluating technicians and applicants.
You can attract more competent techs.
You can reward and retain skilled techs.
You get logos to use in your ads and your technicians can get uniform patches to show consumers that you are a first-class, professional organization.

NASTeC Exam FAQs

Exams are arranged by ISCET through its national network of Certification Administrators, covering most metropolitan and many rural areas. If there is no established Certification Administrator in a particular geographic area, ISCET will make every effort either to obtain an administrator or make arrangements for a test proctor. Tests can be administered in either paper and pencil or using ISCET’s Online Testing System, which allows registration and scheduling for tests over the Internet. All test sessions are in the presence of an ISCET Certification Administrator or Proctor.

More than 6,500 appliance technicians from across the U.S. were surveyed to define and rate the many skills required. An appliance industry task force of technical specialists used this data to write exam questions. The group included representatives from 6 manufacturers, 1 national retailer, 14 independent businesses and 7 vocational schools.

There are four levels of NASTeC Certification:

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning*
Cooking
Laundry and Dishwashing
Universal Technician (All three specialties plus basic skills)

*Requires proof of EPA Refrigerant Recovery Certification

To be NASTeC certified, candidates must pass a Basic Skills Exam and at least one of the three specialty exams.

Technicians who pass all 4 exams (the basic skills exam and specialties) are certified as NASTeC Universal Technicians, the highest available level of recognition for technical expertise given by the major home appliance service industry.

Technicians who pass only the Basic Skills Exam receive a “recognition of achievement” from NASTeC.

Exam Policies

The NASTeC program consists of the following exams:

Basic Skills Examination: 75 multiple-choice questions
Specialty Examinations: Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, Disposer and Trash
Compactor Certification Examination: 40 multiple-choice questions
Range/Oven and Microwave Oven Certification Examination: 40 multiple-choice questions
Refrigerator/Freezer, Room Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier Certification Examination: 40 multiple-choice questions

Candidates applying for NASTeC Certification must pass the Basic Skills Examination plus at least 1 of the 3 specialty examinations. Candidates passing the Basic Skills Examination and all 3 specialty examinations are certified as Universal Technicians.

Note: If a candidate fails the Basic Skills Exam, yet passes 1 or more of the specialty examinations during the same test administration, the passing score(s) on the specialty exam(s) is considered null unless the candidate retakes and successfully passes the basic exam within 1 year from the original date of testing. If not, the candidate must reapply for the Basic Skills and the specialty examination(s) to qualify for certification. NASTeC certification will not be issued unless the candidate passes both the Basic Skills Examination and one specialty within the one-year period

Statement of Non-Discrimination Policy

NASTeC does not discriminate among applicants on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.

Certification

The National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC) program was developed by an Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) task force consisting of manufacturer, retailer, independent service and vocational educator representatives to achieve the following objectives:

To promote and recognize competency in the diagnosis, repair and maintenance of major home appliances (refrigerators, room air conditioners, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, food waste disposers, compactors, ranges, ovens, cooktops and microwave ovens).
To provide employers with a reliable measure of an individual technician’s knowledge and abilities. To provide individuals seeking employment as appliance service technicians with a nationally recognized and valid measure of their competency in appliance service and repair.
To enhance the public image of the profession … To encourage entrance into the profession.
To provide vocational and technical schools with a means to evaluate their appliance training curricula and programs.

Certification Recognitions

Candidates passing the Basic Skills Exam will receive a recognition of achievement in the form of a certificate. Candidates passing the Basic Skills Exam plus one or more of the specialty examinations will receive a NASTeC certificate and wallet card. Candidates successfully passing the exams are permitted to wear the official certification patch on their uniforms. The patch design varies with the level of certification earned. A blue bar is available to those passing the Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, Disposer and Trash Compactor Exam; a white bar to those passing the Refrigerator/ Freezer, Room Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier Exam; a red bar to those passing the Range/ Oven and Microwave Oven Exam; and a gold bar to those passing all four exams and achieving Universal Technician status. Patches and bars are awarded upon passing the appropriate exam(s), and additional can be purchased from NASTeC.

Additionally, NASTeC will promote certification with the consumer media and assist NASTeC-certified technicians in promoting their certification status locally.

Scheduling Exams

To schedule an exam, complete the online application or go to the ISCET website, click on the “Online Store”…or click on “Register for an Exam” and follow the instructions. If you do not already have a testing account with ISCET, you should go to New User Registration to create an account first. You will be contacted as soon as possible after registration to confirm a time and place for your exam.

Eligibility Requirements

All NASTeC exams (excluding Refrigerator/ Freezer, Room Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier Certification) are open to any individual who submits a completed application and the appropriate fee and documentation.

Applicants for the Refrigerator/Freezer, Room Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier Certification Exam must be certified for refrigerant recovery by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved program to attempt the exam. Individuals applying for this exam must furnish a copy of their certification card prior to testing to verify eligibility.

Payment and Purchase Orders

Fees must be paid in U.S. dollars by check or money order or via VISA or MasterCard. The fee must be for the total amount due, payable to NASTeC. Corporations or schools may submit a purchase order if desired. The purchase order must include a list of applicants and be accompanied by a completed. To schedule an exam, fill out the online application or go to the ISCET website, click on the “Online Store”… or click on “Register for an Exam” and follow the instructions. If you do not already have a testing account with ISCET, you should go to New User Registration to create an account first. You will be contacted as soon as possible after registration to confirm a time and place for your examination. All candidates names must be listed on the purchase order. The corporation or school will be invoiced within two weeks of receipt of the purchase order. Payment is due within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. Individual test results will not be released until payment is received.

Refunds

The exam fee, minus a $25 processing fee, will be refunded to any candidate who has paid in advance but does not take the exam.

Admission to the Test

Two forms of identification are required to gain admission to the test center. One form must be a current, permanent identification card issued by a governmental agency, which includes both the candidate’s signature, and photograph. Only a driver’s license (not temporary), state or federally issued I.D., military I.D. or U.S. passport will be accepted. The second form of identification must include the candidate’s name and
signature.

If the candidate’s name is different than it appears on either form of identification, the candidate must bring proof of his or her name change (e.g., marriage license, divorce decree or court order).

On the Day of the Exam

Candidates should arrive at the testing location at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled test time to execute any forms necessary and become acquainted with the Certification Administrator, testing instructions, and distribution of test materials. Candidates will be allowed two (2) hours for the Basic Skills Exam and 1 additional hour for each specialty exam being taken. There will be no breaks during a testing period and candidates must have the permission of the Certification Administrator to leave the testing area for any reason. No paper or pencils may be taken into the testing area. These will be available for your use. All paper and pencils must be turned in to the Certification Administrator or Proctor prior to leaving the test area.
Bring appropriate identification.
Candidates may use handheld, battery or solar-powered, calculators without paper tape printing or alphabetic memory capabilities during testing.
Other than calculators (see #3), electronic devices are not permitted in the testing area, including telephones or signaling devices such as pagers and alarms.
No books or other reference materials may be taken into the testing area.
No test materials, documents or memoranda of any sort may be taken from the testing area.
The exam appointment is only for the date, time, and place scheduled. No-shows will not be eligible for a refund.
No questions concerning the content of the examination may be asked during the testing period. The candidate should listen carefully to the instructions given by the Certification Administrator and should read the directions in the test booklet.
The Certification Administrator may dismiss a candidate From the test for any of the following reasons: if a candidate’s admission to the test is unauthorized; if a candidate creates a disturbance, is abusive or otherwise uncooperative; if a candidate gives or receives exam help; if a candidate attempts to remove test materials or notes From the testing room; if a candidate attempts to take the test for someone else.

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, other acts of God or unforeseen emergencies on the day of an exam, the applicant must contact the Certification Administrator who will determine whether circumstances warrant canceling the examination and rescheduling it for another day and time.

Report of Results

When the exams are taken “online” the examinee will know if he/she passes immediately upon completion of the exam(s). Candidates will be notified within 10 days from receipt of payment by NASTeC whether they have passed or failed the examination … and appropriate certificate(s) and shoulder patches with service bars where applicable will be sent. No results will be provided by telephone under any circumstances.

Passing scores are as follows:

Basic Skills Exam: 60 correct out of 80 questions.
Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers, Food Waste Disposers and Trash Compactors: 27 correct out of 40 questions.
Ranges, Ovens, Cook Tops and Microwave Ovens: 30 correct out of 40 questions.
Refrigerators, Freezers, Window Air Conditioners and Heat/Cool Units: 28 correct out of 40 questions.

Confidentiality

Individual test scores are released ONLY to the individual candidate. Questions concerning test results should be referred to NASTeC in writing.

By taking the exam candidates acknowledge that NASTeC will verify certification of an individual only upon request and with the individual’s certification identification number provided.

New ISO Standards

In 2012 ANSI/ISO announced final revisions to its best practices concerning certification for individuals. The ANSI/ISO body is the standards organization to which most organizations worldwide follow for the operation of their business. These changes revolve around renewal of certification versus lifetime. The standard adopted is to require that certifications have a renewal path and they should not be lifetime. This path is to apply to all past and future certifications. This new standard has been adopted by all the major certification organizations worldwide. The standard allows the organization the freedom to choose how they will treat current certifications and how renewals will be handled. ISCET, being a recognized leader in the electronics certification, has studied and adopted a new certification model to address these new standards.

Effective September 1, 2013, all certifications passed after this date will require renewal every 2 years. Recognizing our duty to our current lifetime certificate holders we will not require them to renew their certificate but those who chose not to by August 31, 2015 will have their certification listed as “Legacy”, which will indicate they have not chosen to renew their certification under the current standards. Holders of Associate CET and Associate CET+ certifications taken before September 1, 2013 will expire at the 4-year anniversary of their certificate unless renewed using continuing education. ISCET will use the “Continuing Education” model for renewal of certificates. This requires all certified persons to accumulate 20 clock hours of training (i.e. attending classes at schools, manufacturer events, or conventions), passing additional certifications in their field, self-study or teaching over a two year period. Individuals who meet the renewal standard will have their certification listed as “Registered” to indicate their commitment to keep their knowledge and skills current for a changing industry.

In order to assure that all holders of ISCET certification are still valued by industry these changes are necessary. In keeping with our commitment to our certificate holders we offer the renewal of their certificates at no charge, while they are current members of ISCET. Certificate holders who are not members will be charged a $50 fee for the first certification and $10 for each additional. If the certificate holder renewal totals $70 or more, the fee will be capped at $70 and they will automatically be enrolled as a member of ISCET with all eligible renewals processed. (Example: A CET who holds a Journeyman in Computers, a CSR, a CSM and a MST who is not a member of ISCET would be charged a maximum of $70 which would automatically enroll them as members and the listed certifications would be registered if all education requirements have been met.)

Recertification

Certifications awarded by NASTeC should be renewed every 2 years. Registration is accomplished by taking courses designed to keep abreast of technology advances, reading published books and/or articles having to do with advancing technology, etc.

NASTeC Basic Certified Appliance Technician (CAT) certification holders will be required to renew their certification every 2 years. Individuals certified prior to 9/1/2013 must renew their certification by 8/31/2015 or the certification will be moved to “Legacy” status. NASTeC Basic Certified Appliance Technicians can renew their certification by 1) passing a NASTeC Journeyman level Certified Appliance Technician examination within the next 24 months or 2) completing 20 clock hours of appliance continuing education within the 24 months prior to the expiration of their certification.

CEU credits must be earned during the two years prior to the expiration of your certification to be valid.

Questions About the Exam

Candidates will not have access to the examinations or to specific questions or answers. Candidates may comment on any test question, the administration of the examination or the test center facilities in writing addressed to NASTeC, P. O. Box 378, Hillsboro, TX 76645.

Duplicate Score Reports and Certification Identification

Requests for duplicate score reports must be made in writing to NASTeC. Depending on the method used for testing (Paper & Pencil Or Online) some information can not be duplicated. The request must include the candidate’s name, Social Security number, complete address, daytime phone number, test date, the name of the certification administrator and signature. To order a duplicate score report, send a check for $15 payable to NASTeC at P. O. Box 378, Hillsboro, TX 76645. To pay by credit card, call NASTeC at 800-946-0201 giving the above Information and a VISA or MasterCard number for payment. Include the expiration date on the card and your signature.

Lost certification cards and certificates may be replaced for a $20 fee. The request must include the candidate’s name, Social Security number, complete address, daytime phone number, test date, the name of the certification administrator, signature and payment. To order a duplicate card and certificate, send a check for $20 payable to NASTeC at P. O. Box 378, Hillsboro, TX 76645. To pay by credit card, call NASTeC at 800-946-0201 giving the above Information and a VISA or MasterCard number for payment. Include the expiration date on the card and your signature.

Requests for Hand Scoring

Test scoring is performed electronically by the use of ScanTron equipment. Candidates who do not pass the exam may request manual verification of the ScanTron scoring. Requests for manual scoring must be submitted to NASTeC in writing within 30 days of the test date with a $20 hand-scoring fee. The request must include the candidate’s name, Social Security number, complete address, day time phone number, test date, the name of the Certification Administrator, signature, and a copy of the score report. Candidates will be notified of the hand scoring results within 30 days. To order manual scoring of an examination, send a check for $20 payable to NASTeC at P. O. Box 378, Hillsboro, TX 76645. To pay by credit card, call NASTeC at 800-946-0201, giving the above Information and a VISA or MasterCard number for payment. Include the expiration date on the card and your signature. You must then mail the copy of the score report to the above address.

Re-Exams

There is no limit to the number of times unsuccessful candidates fee and meet all eligibility requirements in effect at the time of applying for re-examination. To apply for reexamination, candidates must request, re-register for the examination in the same manner as previously.

Revocation of Certification

An individual’s Certification will be revoked for falsifying an application or misrepresenting their Certification status.

Self-Assessment Exam

If you plan to take the Basic Skills Examination, you can assess how well you will perform by taking the Self-Assessment Examination (SAE). This practice test is identical to the actual Basic Skills Examination in terms of content area, number of questions (80), and range of difficulty. You can choose to score your examination from the answer key provided. To order the SAE, send a check for $26 payable to NASTeC at P. O. Box 378, Hillsboro, TX 76645. To pay by credit card, call NASTeC at 800-946-0201, giving the above Information and a VISA or MasterCard number for payment. Include the expiration date on the card and your signature.

You may also order the SAE online here.

NASTeC Exam Fees

All NASTeC exams are multiple choice tests, offered in pencil and paper or online. The Basic Skills Exam has 80 questions. The three Specialty Exams have 40 questions each. Exams are given by Certification Administrators (CA’s) in schools or businesses.

Technicians can arrange test times at their convenience and, in most cases, at a convenient location. There is no set schedule of test times or locations. Tests are given on demand. There are more than 400 test administrators across the U.S.

Any individual who submits a completed application for and pays the appropriate fee is eligible to take the exams.

Basic Skills	$50
Each Specialty	$65
Basic plus one Specialty*	$115
Basic plus two Specialties*	$160
Basic plus all three Specialties (Universal)*	$185

*Taken at one sitting

No discounts are offered for NASTeC retakes.

Study Material

Visit the ISCET Store to view study material for sale to help you in your pursuit of career advancement.

Preparing for the Exam

Test Content
To begin your preparation in an informed and organized manner, you should know what to expecting from the actual exam in terms of the content. Information regarding the content of the exam is presented here. The content for the exam is based on a job analysis and is described below.

NASTeC Exam Content Outline

Interpersonal Relationships
1) Provide excellent customer service and be responsive to customer’s needs and concerns
2) Treat co-workers and customers with respect and sensitivity

Personal Behavior and Work Habits
1) Personal Standards
a) demonstrate appropriate dress and grooming standards
b) demonstrate ability to work independently and be accountable for all own actions
c) Keep current on new product development and work related procedures
2) Display professionalism at all times, adhere to honest and legal business practices, and work for the common good of the industry

General
1) Maintain parts inventory in service vehicle or in work area (if applicable)
2) Follow all federal, state, and local codes applicable to appliances and their institutionalization
3) Access and process information sources such as microfiche, CD-ROM, computer, etc. as required

Safety
1) Inspect work area for safe working environment and report all safety irregularities
2) Operate and maintain service vehicle safely (if applicable)
3) Keep work area and tools well maintained
4) Understand and recognize all safety markings, warning signs, and follow Material Safety Data Sheets
5) Use available safety equipment as required (i.e., ventilators, guards, fire extinguishers, and personal protection attire)

Communication Skills
1) Articulate and provide understandable responses
2) Prepare invoices, service reports, and other paperwork accurately and legibly

Basic Mechanical Skills
1) Explain how levers, wheels, axles, gears, pulleys, and inclined planes are used in appliances
2) Explain how couplings, bearings, packing, and seals are used in appliances
3) Identify and use common hand tools such as various types of wrenches, hammers, saws, files, hand and power drills, taps, and dies
4) Troubleshoot operation of door-latch assemblies, door handles, latch cables, springs and gaskets

Training

Build the Foundation for a Successful Career in Appliance Repair

Fred’s Appliance Academy offers a diverse technical training program that covers all aspects of appliance repair. Our hands-on program provides students with the skills and experience to service all major appliances, from washing machines and dryers, to ranges and refrigerators. If it’s in the home, you’ll know how to fix it by the time you leave Fred’s Appliance Academy.

We offer a 3-week program consisting of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, troubleshooting and repair. Imagine, in less than a month’s time, Fred’s will prepare you for real-world employment in a field where there’s never a shortage of business. By the end of the course, each student will take the nationally recognized NASTeC (National Appliance Service Technician Certification) exam. Students will also be offered the opportunity to apply for Class one CFC certification.

More Than Just An Appliance Repair School
Besides technical training, Fred’s Academy focuses on the many other aspects of life on the job. We want our students to be fully prepared not just for fixing appliances, but also for dealing with the needs of customers. We also provide computer training so that our students can learn how to quickly find technical information on the internet, and lookup parts on manufacturer websites.

At Fred’s Appliance Academy, we essentially put you in our shoes for 3 weeks. Appliance repair is what we do for a living. Once you graduate, it’s our hope and expectation that you’ll be able to launch your own career, and enjoy the same fulfillment we do.

Fred’s Appliance Academy, LLC
1949 Hubbard Rd.
Madison, OH 44057
800-781-1814
Fax 440-428-8770
school@fredsappliance.com

More information about Fred’s Appliance Academy.

Register for an Exam

Register for a NASTeC exam

If no CA or Proctor is found, call 800/946-0201 for additional help.

Contact Us

Please contact the NASTeC office if you have questions or want to register for an exam. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (except weekends and recognized holidays).

NASTeC, P. O. Box 378, Hillsboro, TX 76645, 800/946-0201