ASHRAE moving towards specialist certification

The American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the organization that includes large numbers of Canadian mechanical and electrical building engineers, is exploring a new program to certify individuals who are educated in special areas.
The program might give certification, for example, to those who have undergone courses in commissioning, health care facility engineering, building operation or sustainability. Ashrae is seeking to partner with other HVAC and refrigeration organizations in developing the program.
A market research survey last year showed that Ashrae members were strongly interested in a certification program. More than 80 per cent indicated that the association should offer certification to those who complete a series of courses or seminars in a specific area of study.
Terry Townsend, P.E., Ashrae president, says “Certification from Ashrae will add professional credibility to [an individual’s] work, as well as providing educational resources to better enable them in designing and operating buildings that are more efficient.”
Ashrae would expand its existing educational program, known as the Ashrae Learning Institute, to provide courses for those who want to take the specialist certification.
The certification program is expected to launch next summer.
Ashrae is also looking at tracking individuals’ attendance at educational courses in order to qualify them for professional development hours.