The Industry Competency Exams, formerly the ARI/GAMA Competency Exams, are supported by AHRI, Air Conditioning Contractors of America
(ACCA),
Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI),
North American Technician Excellence (NATE),
Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA),
Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC),
and Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES).
The exams measure industry-agreed standards of basic competency for entry-level (one year or less) technicians. More than 300 schools nationwide require student participation in at least one of the Industry Competency Exams to graduate. Statement of Confidentiality: Instructors that teach HVAC are not permitted to proctor the exam; however, they may act as a volunteer examiner if there are more than 25 students in the classroom.