NAEC CAT key terms

A NAEC credential for field technicians who install, maintain, and repair elevators, validated by documented work experience plus a written examination covering safety, codes, and trade practice.

A NAEC credential focused on accessibility equipment such as platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, and wheelchair lifts, requiring verified field experience and a written examination on accessibility standards and safe practice.

A credential issued through the Qualified Elevator Inspector program for individuals who perform elevator inspections, requiring documented inspection experience and passing an accredited examination that tests code knowledge and inspection judgment.

A designation held by an individual who has met QEI program requirements and is recognized as qualified to conduct code-mandated inspections of elevators and related conveying equipment.

A standardized measure of completed professional training, typically one unit per ten hours of instruction, used to document learning activities submitted toward renewal of a NAEC certification.

The fixed interval, commonly a multi-year period, during which a certified individual must accumulate required continuing education and submit renewal documentation to keep the credential active.

Instruction covering changes in the current edition of elevator and accessibility codes, often mandated for renewal because inspectors and technicians must apply the latest adopted requirements.

An organization whose training courses have been reviewed and accepted as meeting quality and relevance criteria, so that credits earned count toward certification renewal.

A verification process in which a certifying body randomly requests documentation for submitted continuing education credits to confirm accuracy and discourage misrepresentation of training completed.

The minimum qualifications a candidate must document before sitting for an examination, such as verified employment hours, employer attestation, and completion of required safety training.

The process of confirming an applicant's hands-on field hours through employer statements, supervisor attestations, or employment records before certification eligibility is granted.

A published outline that states the content domains tested and the percentage of questions drawn from each, guiding candidates on where to concentrate study effort.

The minimum score, established through psychometric review of question difficulty, that a candidate must achieve to demonstrate the competence required for certification.

A converted score that places results on a common reporting scale so that candidates taking different exam forms can be compared fairly despite variation in question difficulty.

Statistical review of individual exam questions, examining difficulty and discrimination, used to retire flawed items and maintain the validity of future examination forms.

A group of experienced industry practitioners convened to write, review, and validate exam questions and to confirm that content reflects current field practice and adopted codes.

The professional conduct standards certified individuals agree to follow, covering honesty in inspection reporting, avoidance of conflicts of interest, and protection of public safety.

A mandated portion of continuing education devoted to professional conduct topics, ensuring certified personnel periodically review obligations such as impartial reporting and public safety responsibility.

A written statement in which an inspector or technician reveals relationships, such as ownership in a repair company, that could compromise the objectivity of an inspection or safety determination.

The rules governing a credential that has expired because renewal requirements were missed, including any late fees, additional education, or retesting needed to restore certification.

A route to certification in which structured on-the-job training under a qualified mechanic, combined with related instruction, is documented as qualifying experience.

The model safety code for elevators, escalators, and moving walks, covering design, construction, installation, and maintenance requirements that examinations test heavily.

The model code establishing minimum safety requirements for existing elevators and escalators, commonly applied when older equipment is upgraded rather than replaced.

The model safety code for platform lifts and stairway chairlifts, setting requirements for accessibility equipment design, installation, and maintenance tested on the accessibility technician examination.

An inspection performed on newly installed or significantly altered equipment before it is placed in service, verifying that installation conforms to the adopted code and approved plans.

A recurring inspection required by regulation at defined intervals to confirm that equipment remains safe and compliant after it has entered service.

A code-required performance test, such as safety or governor operation, observed by an inspector to confirm that protective devices function as designed under specified conditions.

An inspection performed by an independent entity that has no financial interest in the equipment owner or servicing contractor, preserving objectivity in safety determinations.

The combination of code knowledge, field judgment, and testing skill an inspector must demonstrate to identify hazards and determine whether equipment complies with adopted requirements.

The governmental or delegated body responsible for enforcing elevator regulations, issuing permits, accepting inspections, and determining which code edition applies locally.

An accessibility device that raises and lowers a platform to move a person using a wheelchair between levels, subject to specific code requirements for guarding, capacity, and operation.

A short-rise lifting device, often installed for accessibility in existing buildings, whose design and installation requirements differ from those for passenger elevators.

A documented system of scheduled examinations, cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment performed on elevator equipment to keep it safe and reliable between code inspections.

The legislative or regulatory act by which a jurisdiction formally adopts a specific edition of a model elevator code, making its requirements legally enforceable within that area.

The official record maintained by the certifying body listing individuals whose credentials are active, used by employers and regulators to confirm current status.

A formal application for testing modifications, such as extended time or a separate room, submitted with supporting documentation by a candidate with a documented disability.

A signed commitment by which candidates promise not to disclose, copy, or distribute exam content, protecting the integrity of the examination and its item pool.