There are a variety of testing options available from RSES. Whether you need EPA Section 608, NATE, or R-410A certification, or are seeking RSES SM, CM or CMS status, being certified proves your competency to your employers and your customers. Certification highlights your area of expertise and shows that you have the training needed to provide quality, professional service.

Through certification you will become a more valuable asset to your employer and your customer. Although most certification is voluntary, it will give you a competitive edge. By obtaining certification and achieving a higher standard of job performance, you will position yourself to move ahead in the industry.

If you are seeking to take a proctored exam, contact a proctor listed on the RSES Proctor Database.

RSES End of Course Exams

RSES offers comprehensive training courses in key HVACR disciplines, including refrigeration, heating, electricity, and controls. After completing the related training, participants can take exams to validate their knowledge and skills in each area, ensuring proficiency for real-world applications.  Learn more »

EPA Certifications

One of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s many duties is to oversee programs that protect the stratospheric ozone layer. Section 608 and 609 of the Clean Air Act enforces activities that protect the ozone layer as they apply to refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Under this program, certification is required to ensure that technicians measure up to a variety of EPA requirements on service practices and refrigerant reclamation. The RSES Educational Foundation is approved by the EPA to administer Section 608 certification testing, and RSES offers Section 609 certification through ESCO Group. Learn more »

Active Specialized Member (SM)

Active Specialized Member (SM) is a classification of RSES membership.  Exclusive to RSES Members, this designation is earned after successfully passing one (or more) rigorous written examinations.  There are currently eight exams, each focusing on a specialized area of expertise.  Learn more »

Certificate Member (CM)

Certificate Membership is a classification of RSES membership, which originated in 1935.  Exclusive to RSES members, this designation is earned after successfully passing a rigorous examination.
 
The CM examination tests 18 categories of knowledge required in the installation and servicing of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.  It requires a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of mechanical refrigeration theory, as well as working knowledge of installation, service and troubleshooting procedures.  Learn more »

Certificate Member Specialist (CMS)

Certificate Member Specialist (CMS) is a classification of RSES membership.  Exclusive to RSES Members, this designation is earned after successfully passing one (or more) rigorous written examinations.  There are currently eight exams, each focusing on a specialized area of expertise.  Learn more »

R-410A Certification

Because many HFC refrigerants, such as R-410A, operate at considerably higher pressures than many other refrigerants, safety training is imperative. R-410A systems will require service professionals to use different tools and equipment when installing, retrofitting, or repairing these systems.  Learn more »

Hydrocarbon Exam

RSES highly recommends that only experienced refrigeration professionals handle hydrocarbons (HCs). The RSES online Hydrocarbon Course and Exam provides an accessible and convenient way to learn safe practices and gain the necessary knowledge for handling these refrigerants effectively. Learn more »

Low GWP/A2L

As the HVACR industry continues to move forward and innovate, the refrigerants that were once so commonplace are now being phased out. Replacing them are more energy efficient, environmentally friendlier refrigerants, known as Low GWP refrigerants. Many of these new refrigerants are classified by ASHRAE as A2L, or slightly flammable. The industry is also seeing expanded use of some hydrocarbon (A3) refrigerants, such as propane and isobutane. Students and technicians can and should acquire additional training for the safe handling and transportation of these refrigerants. RSES is pleased to offer the ESCO Institute Low GWP Refrigerant Safety options that follow.  Learn more »

NATE Testing

RSES offers both specific training programs and NATE’s complete family of tests for service technicians and installers, and the specialties under the HVACR umbrella. RSES offers NATE testing out of its Schaumburg, IL headquarters. Learn more »

Proctor Information

RSES prides itself on the fact that majority of examinations offered are required to be proctored and an extensive network of proctors is available for exam administration.

The primary responsibility of proctors is to preside over exams, confirm the identity of the exam taker, monitor the testing conditions and ensure the security and integrity of the exam itself.  Learn more »

CM/SM/CMS Continuing Education Requirements

Since introduced in 1935, the primary requirements for maintaining these credentials were to pass a rigorous examination (click the following links for more details on each category of exams - CM - CMS - SM) and to remain current with annual membership dues. However, in order to elevate the industry acceptance of these credentials and pursue third-party accreditation of them, it is no longer sufficient to assume individuals with such credentials are continually expanding their technical knowledge. Establishing proof of ongoing education in a manner common to the personnel certification community overall is necessary.  Learn more »