1. I am interested in an elevator career. How do I certify? 

CAT - Completion of the 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.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 770-760-9660. Upon receiving Form H an exam can be scheduled within 2 business days. 

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 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.

8.  When do I receive my proof of certification?  

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: 

1. Copy of your valid driver's license 
2. Copy of both proctor's valid driver's license
3. Form J - Certification Proctoring Statement & Checklists 

9.  How can I verify an individual’s certification status? 

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.

10.  My certification has expired, how do I get it back? 

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.

11.  Can I transfer my QEI certification from another organization to NAEC? 

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

12.  What is the renewal process? 

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. 

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 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 newsfeeds, tools for embedding verifiable badges on websites or email signatures. Learn more.