The HVAC field is not licensed. Unlike a plumber or an electrician, in HVAC you do not need a license to practice or to be in business. In fact, it wasn’t until last year that the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs required that HVAC contractors carried insurance. What does this mean? Anyone can stick a magnetic sign on their truck and be playing with gas in your home. Scary thought! This is why NATE is so important. North American Technician Excellence, Inc. (NATE) is the leading certification program for technicians and installers in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry and is the only test supported by the entire industry. At Gold Medal, all technicians and installers are NATE certified or will become NATE certified within their first year of employment with us.