NAEC CAT cheat sheet

NAEC administers three elevator-industry credentials: CET (Certified Elevator Technician), CAT (Certified Accessibility Technician), and QEI (Qualified Elevator Inspector); each is a separate certification with its own eligibility and exam.

CET is the technician-level credential covering elevator/escalator installation, maintenance, and repair knowledge; it is the entry professional certification in the NAEC ladder.

CAT targets accessibility equipment - platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, wheelchair lifts, and residential/dumbwaiter-adjacent devices - rather than traction elevator systems.

QEI certifies inspectors; the code-defined QEI role appears in ASME A17.1/A17.2 and A17.3 as the qualified inspector who performs periodic and acceptance inspections.

QEI eligibility typically requires documented inspection experience plus a passing score on the QEI examination; ASME administers the QEI exam and issues the credential, while NAEC provides related training.

Certifications are time-limited and renewed through continuing education units (CEUs) earned in the recertification cycle; lapse requires reinstatement per program rules.

Code editions matter: exam content aligns with the current ASME A17.1 (elevators/escalators), A17.2 (inspection guide), and A17.3 (existing installations) editions adopted in the candidate's jurisdiction.

A candidate may hold more than one credential; CAT and CET knowledge overlap on accessibility devices but QEI adds inspection procedure, code compliance determination, and report writing.

CET exam domains typically include safety, electrical/mechanical theory, traction and hydraulic equipment, controllers, door operators, and maintenance procedures.

CAT content emphasizes ASME A18.1 (platform lifts and stairway chairlifts) and A17.1 accessibility requirements: clearances, running clearance, gate/guard configuration, and operating devices.

QEI inspection content follows A17.2 checklists by equipment type: electric elevators, hydraulic elevators, escalators/moving walks, dumbwaiters, and accessibility lifts.

Acceptance inspection vs. periodic (routine) inspection: acceptance verifies a new or altered installation against the code edition in force at installation; periodic verifies continued safe operation.

Category 1 and Category 5 tests are periodic tests: Category 1 annually (e.g., safety device, governor, buffers as applicable), Category 5 every five years (e.g., rated-load safety test, governor tripping speeds).

A17.1 defines the QEI as an inspector qualified by experience and examination; the certified inspector must be able to identify code violations and specify corrective action.

Continuing education for renewal must be documented with provider, date, hours, and topic; unrecorded CEUs cannot be applied.

Jurisdictional authority governs: state/local elevator codes may amend or adopt specific ASME editions, and exam questions often hinge on the adopted edition rather than the latest published one.

Exam-day logistics: computer-based or paper testing with a scaled passing score; candidates receive a score report identifying pass/fail and, where offered, domain-level performance.

Eligibility documentation for all three credentials centers on verifiable work experience hours, employer attestation, and completion of approved training courses.

Recertification cycles are multi-year; the candidate must accumulate the required CEU total within the cycle and submit before expiration to avoid reinstatement fees or re-examination.

Ethics and professional conduct provisions apply: falsifying inspection reports or maintenance records is grounds for revocation of QEI or technician certification.

Code references to memorize for exam use: A17.1 (safety code for elevators and escalators), A17.2 (inspectors' manual), A17.3 (existing elevators and escalators), A18.1 (platform lifts and stairway chairlifts), A17.5 (electrical/electronic equipment).

Inspector authority is limited: a QEI inspects and reports; the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) issues permits, certificates of operation, and enforcement actions.

Technician safety content includes lockout/tagout, pit and overhead clearance entry procedure, fall protection, and machine-room electrical hazard awareness.

Renewal requires current code knowledge; candidates should confirm which ASME edition their jurisdiction enforces, because exam questions track the adopted edition, not necessarily the newest.