Certification FAQs

Certification Management Hub

Explore everything you need to know about applying for, verifying, renewing, and managing your NAEC certifications. Find details about appeals, complaints, and incident reporting in one place.

Certification Process & Timeline

Apply, Test, and Renew: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Certification

Step 1: Read the applicant handbook

Familiarize yourself with the certification process, requirements, fees, and special accommodations for the CAT, CET, and QEI programs.

Key topics include: Exam application, fees, ADA accommodations, complaints & appeals.

For questions or concerns, email certification@naec.org or submit an Incident Report.

Step 2: Submit your application
  1. Apply online via the NAEC website.
  2. Submit required documentation:
    Form A: Confidentiality Agreement
    Form B: Certification Statement
    Form C: Verification of Experience (for QEI & CET only)
    Form D: Code of Ethics

Initial Review: 10 business days
Board Approval: 15 business days

Step 3: Exam scheduling & authorization
  • Receive exam approval and Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter.
  • Submit Form G with proctor names to NAEC.
  • NAEC provides login and testing details to Proctor 1.
Step 4: Take the certification exam

If Passed:

  • Proctors sign Form K and notarize Form J
  • Candidates and proctors submit ID copies to NAEC
  • NAEC sends badges, patches, or certificates within 10 business days

If Failed:

  • First Attempt: Retake allowed after a 30-day waiting period.
  • Second Attempt: Another retake allowed after 30 days.
  • Third Attempt: A $100 retest fee is required, with another 30-day waiting period.
  • After Three Failures: A 180-day waiting period is required before reapplying.
Step 5: Certification renewals

CAT/CET:
Issued before Oct 1: Renew by Dec 31 of the same year.
Issued after Oct 1: Renew by Dec 31 of the following year.
Continuing Education: 10 contact hours annually (1-3 hours must focus on safety).

QEI:
Issued before July 1: Renew by Sept 30 of the same year.
Issued after July 1: Renew by Sept 30 of the following year.
Continuing Education: Ten .1 CEUs annually

Reminder: Always keep NAEC Office informed at certification@naec.org or call 770-760-9660 of new contact information such as employment changes, address changes, email changes, and telephone number changes. 

Certification FAQs

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

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.

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.

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.

How long is the exam?

Both CAT and CET certification exams are 3.5 hours and comprise 160 questions each. Both exams use scaled scoring. The QEI certification exam is 8 hours which includes a mandatory 30-minute break. The QEI exam comprises 160 questions and uses raw scoring.

How do I schedule an exam?

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 certification@naec.org or call 770-760-9660. Upon receiving Form G an exam can be scheduled within 2 business days.

Can I certify with Canadian materials?

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.

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.

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 certification@naec.org the following:

  • Copy of your valid driver's license
  • Copy of both proctor's valid driver's license
  • Form J - Certification Proctoring Statement & Checklists
How can I verify an individual’s certification status?

Email all certification verification requests to certification@naec.org and include the full name of the individual.

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

Contact certification@naec.org 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.

Can I transfer my QEI certification to NAEC?

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

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.

How do I earn CE credits for recertification?

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.

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/.

How can I showcase my NAEC certification?

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.

What if I wish to make an appeal?

NAEC Certification Board provides a fair and impartial process for appeals and complaints related to CET, CAT, and QEI certification programs. Applicants, certified persons, and their employers have the right to appeal decisions or submit complaints.

How to Submit an Appeal or Complaint:

It is the policy of the NAEC Certification Board that the CET™, CAT™, and QEI™ Certification programs are of quality and that all applicants, certified persons and their employers, and other parties within the certification process and criteria, as well as the performance of certified persons, have a fair and impartial forum to appeal decisions adversely affecting their certification status and/or a fair and impartial forum for complaints associated with the CET™ or CAT™ or QEI™ Certification programs to be heard. Therefore, through this policy, individuals wishing to appeal a decision affecting one’s CET™, or CAT™, or QEI™ status or having a complaint as to the performance of certified/candidate persons may file an appeal/ complaint within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence which the appeal/complaint is about, or of the date on which the Appellant first knew or reasonably should have known of the occurrence. Appeals/complaints are to be submitted to the Certification Board in writing including the full name, postal mailing address, and telephone number of the appellant/complainant and specifying the conditions and circumstances of the appeal/complaint. The written and signed appeal/complaint shall be sent to the Certification Board.

ATTN: Certification Board

National Association of Elevator Contractors

1500 Klondike Road SW, Suite A211 Conyers, GA 30094

Phone: (770) 760-9660

Fax: (770) 760-9714

Email: NAEC Certification at certification@naec.org

All complaints will be reviewed by the Certification Board for merit

Certification & Renewal Resources

Stay Compliant and Informed

Access NAEC-approved courses, online learning, certification tools, and incident reporting resources to meet continuing education requirements for CAT, CET, and QEI renewal, maintain compliance, and licensing.

CAT & CET Approved Courses

Explore NAEC’s approved courses designed to maintain and enhance the skills of Certified Accessibility and Elevator Technicians.

Explore CAT/CET Courses

QEI Approved Courses

Stay up-to-date with industry standards by completing QEI-approved courses for elevator inspectors.

Explore QEI Courses

Web-based eLearning

Access convenient online learning resources to meet your continuing education requirements anytime, anywhere.

Start Learning Online
Stay Compliant and Informed

Become a Continuing Education Provider

Does your organization provide technical or safety training for elevator professionals? Apply to become an NAEC-approved Continuing Education (CE) provider and help Certified Elevator Technicians (CET), Certified Accessibility Technicians (CAT), and Qualified Elevator Inspectors (QEI) maintain their credentials while meeting state licensing requirements.

Why Become an NAEC-Approved CE Provider?

  • Nationwide Reach – Your courses will be available to elevator technicians and inspectors across the U.S
  • Certification Compliance – Helps professionals fulfill NAEC’s continuing education requirements
  • Industry Recognition – Approved programs enhance industry knowledge, safety, and compliance

Ready to become a CE provider? Contact Kathryn Duke at kathryn@naec.org or review the Continuing Education Provider Application.