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Renewal/Recertification Requirements

Renewal Requirements for ASHRAE Certification Programs
Each Certificant is required to renew his/her certification every three years. The renewal process includes submittal of a renewal fee ($125 for members, $195 for non‐members) and evidence of earning 45 ASHRAE Continuing Education (ACE) units during each three‐year renewal period.*

The three‐year renewal period starts on December 31 of the year in which the Certificant earns the certification. For example, a Certificant who earns the certification anytime in 2008 will have a renewal deadline of December 31, 2011.

Individuals who fail to submit renewal fees and evidence of the required ACEs by the December 31 deadline will be considered as "non‐renewing," notified accordingly, and advised to cease using the specific certification designation after their names. The names of non‐renewing Certificants will be removed from the list of Certificants on ASHRAE’s website.

To be reinstated, non-renewing Certificants must submit the renewal fee, a reinstatement fee ($60), and evidence of the required ACEs by December 31 of the year following their active status. After that date, non‐renewing Certificants must follow the same process as that for the initial application. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Committee.

Acceptable Methods of Obtaining ACE credits

Type	Credits
Successful completion of a course in a related field from an accredited institution of higher learning *Note:* To qualify for this credit, a course must be offered regularly and must conclude with a test that sets a passing grade.	15 ACEs per credit hour (semester system) OR 10 ACEs (quarter system)
Patent *Note:* Credit can be claimed after a patent is issued and the inventor submits details to the board. The invention must be related to engineering.	10 ACEs
Publication of article/paper/book in recognized peer reviewed journal in relevant field (max. 3 per year). *Note:* A “news” article in a technical or professional bulletin is not considered a published paper.	10 ACEs per published item
Active participation in a professional or technical society relevant to the field *Note:* The certificant must serve as an officer and/or must actively participate in a committee of the organization. PDH credits are earned at the end of each year of service.	2 ACEs per year per organization
Writing ASHRAE certification exam items in relevant field	5 ACEs per exam
Accreditation Visit Evaluator (or ASHRAE approved equivalent)	3 ACEs per year
Professional awards	2 ACEs per award
Teaching of approved courses and workshops in relevant field *Note:* Teaching credit is valid for teaching a course or seminar for the first time only. It does not apply to faculty performing regular duties.	ACEs are determined by multiplying by two (2) the total number of course hours (for preparation time).
Attendance at meetings and conferences (e.g. National, Annual, Regional) or special conferences relevant to the field	Qualifying seminars and workshops will be based on one ACE unit for each hour of attendance.
Attendance and completion of approved short courses and other continued education activities in relevant field	Qualifying seminars and workshops will be based on one ACE unit for each hour of attendance.

*Certificants are not required to submit a report of Professional Development activities as part of certification renewal. A percentage of Certificants are randomly chosen for audit each year. If audited, a report of continuing professional development with documentation must be submitted to the Certification Coordinator for review.

Activities that qualify for ASHRAE’s Continuing Education units might also qualify for continuing education credits (e.g., PDHs, CEUs, or LUs) from other credentialing bodies or organizations. The individual is responsible for contacting the relevant governing body to determine whether an activity qualifies for that body’s continuing education credit.

For questions about any of the information about ASHRAE’s certification renewal requirements, including clarification of acceptable and reportable qualifying activities, please contact ASHRAE’s Certification Coordinator at certification@ASHRAE.org.

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Renewal/Recertification Requirements