Introduction
The UA STAR exams play an important role in documenting a technician's qualifications and skill levels in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and plumbing. The exams are nationally recognized and were developed by a team of industry experts. The exams are administered by National Inspection Testing Certification (NITC), a third party provider of certification services to the piping industry. Currently there are three exams available for HVAC: STAR HVACR Mastery, STAR Commercial Refrigeration Mastery, and STAR Residential Light Commercial Mastery, and one available for plumbing: STAR Plumbing Mastery. In many locals, the exam is used as the apprentice turn-out exam. In some areas UA STAR certification is mandatory for wage increases or for employment.
To apply for the UA STAR exam, candidates must complete an application in advance and return it to the NITC office. In addition to information that verifies eligibility, the application contains a code of conduct that certified persons must abide by and the regulations for suspension or withdrawal of the certification. Applications can be obtained from the NITC office or from the NITC Web site at www.nationalitc.com. The cost for the exam is $135. Recertification is required every five years. Re-certification can be accomplished by successfully passing a 50-question, proctored, multiple choice "open book" exam at a PSI testing center within 30 days of the expiration date of certification. Recertification cost is $82.65. Upon successful completion of the certification examination, a certificate and a congratulations letter will be issued along with the decals and uniform patches to the technician's home local.
For additional details about the STAR exams, contact NITC at www.nationalitc.com or call 877-457-6482.
Mastery Exams
| Type of Mastery | Scope of Work | Examination Qualification Requirements | About the Examination |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAR HVACR Mastery | A STAR HVACR Mastery certification candidate is a qualified individual who can demonstrate mastery of the trade and will be skilled and experienced in operations, planning, blueprint reading, safety, and the practical installation, repair, and service of HVACR systems. Installation, repair, and service of HVACR systems includes the design, construction, installation, alteration (retrofit), repair, service and maintenance of all boilers, HVAC air handling systems, ductwork systems, refrigeration piping systems, process piping heating and cooling systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. | Candidates must have a minimum of five years' experience in installation and service of HVACR systems.
Completion of a recognized apprenticeship program or proof of five years' experience from employers is required. |
The STAR HVACR Mastery examination is a closed book exam consisting of 199 multiple-choice questions. Examinees must answer at least 158 questions (79.4%) correctly to pass this examination. The subject matter covered in the examination includes Mechanical Principles, Electrical Principles, Controls, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Heating, Steam Systems, Ventilation, Piping, Lifting Equipment, Safety and Environmental, Applied Mathematics and Blueprint Reading. |
| STAR Commercial Refrigeration Mastery | A STAR Commercial Refrigeration Mastery certification candidate is a qualified individual who can demonstrate mastery knowledge of the trade and is skilled and experienced in operations, planning, blueprint reading, safety, and the practical installation, repair, and service of commercial refrigeration systems. A qualified candidate should possess knowledge of installation, repair, and service of commercial refrigeration systems. This knowledge includes the design, construction, installation, alteration (retrofit), repair, service and maintenance of all auxiliary systems, control systems, rack systems, and self-contained units in commercial settings. | Candidates must have a minimum of three years' experience in installation and service of commercial refrigeration systems.
Completion of a recognized apprenticeship program or proof of three years' experience from employers is required. |
The STAR Commercial Refrigeration Mastery examination is a closed book exam consisting of 194 multiple-choice questions. Examinees must answer at least 161 questions (83%) correctly to pass this examination. |
| STAR Residential-Light Commercial HVAC Mastery | A STAR Residential-Light Commercial HVAC Mastery certification candidate is a qualified individual who can demonstrate mastery of the trade and is skilled and experienced in operations, planning, blueprint reading, safety, and the practical installation, repair, and service of HVAC systems. A qualified candidate should possess knowledge of Installation, alteration (retrofit), repair, and service of HVAC systems including the design, construction, and maintenance of all air handling systems, ductwork systems, control systems, and piping for heating and cooling systems in residential and light commercial settings. | Candidates must have a minimum of three years' experience in installation and service of HVAC systems.
Completion of a recognized apprenticeship program or proof of three years' experience from employers is necessary. |
The STAR Residential-Light Commercial HVAC Mastery examination is a closed book exam consisting of 213 multiple-choice questions. Examinees must answer at least 171 questions (80.3%) correctly to pass this examination. |
| STAR Plumbing Mastery | A STAR Plumbing Mastery certification candidate is a qualified individual who can demonstrate mastery of the trade and is skilled and experienced in the design, installation, maintaining, servicing, and repairing water systems; drainage, waste, and vent systems; storm water systems; fuel gas systems; water heating systems; and specialty systems, utilizing knowledge of national, state, and local plumbing codes to protect the health and welfare of the general public. | Candidates must have a minimum of five years' experience in installation and service of plumbing systems.
Completion of a recognized apprenticeship program or proof of five years' experience from employers is required. |
The STAR Plumbing Mastery examination is a closed book exam consisting of 199 multiple-choice questions. Examinees must answer at least 158 questions (79.4%) correctly to pass this examination. |
UA HVACR STAR Exam Review and Requirements Course
The UA International Training Fund offers an online course for UA Instructors to review and prepare for the UA HVACR STAR Mastery exam so they will then be able to conduct review classes at the local level.
Course Description: The course familiarizes instructors with the UA STAR HVACR Technician Certification exam and prepares them to take the exam through their local union. All of the categories covered by the exam are reviewed on-line. Using the Blackboard Online Training Platform, participants will complete reading assignments, posts questions to other participants and their instructors and take practice quizzes. Participants will have access to on-line material to help prepare their own review classes at their local union. The NITC-proctored UA STAR HVACR Certification exam will be conducted by the local union. The cost of the exam is $128. UA members passing the exam may qualify to receive 32 college credits from Washtenaw Community College.
To register for the HVACR STAR Exam: Online Review & Preparation (382) - (UAT296), log on to UANET and navigate to "UA Course Registration."
Requirements/Prerequisites: Participant must have a minimum of five years' experience in HVACR. Participants must have high-speed Internet access and be familiar with navigating the Internet and using e-mail. Interested individuals with no or little Internet experience should enroll and complete the course "Introduction to Online Learning." This course is offered free of charge to UA members by Washtenaw Community College. To register, go to http://www.wccnet.edu/uauniversity/reginfo.php.
Recommendations for Conducting a Local Level UA HVACR STAR Review Course
- Download and review the NITC HVACR Mastery Exam Candidate Information Bulletin
- Instructor enrolls and completes online course, HVACR Star Exam: On-line Review & Preparation (382) - (UAT296)
- Instructor requests HVACR STAR Review Course for Local's use (For UA Blackboard Support, call 734-477-8908 or e-mail Lkeller@wccnet.edu)
- Local members enroll
- Local sets up two or three face-to-face classes as needed
- Introduction face-to-face class is recommended for members who do not have access to the Internet or need detailed instructions for using a computer for online work
- Blackboard introduction, usernames and password are covered on first day (face-to-face)
- Study and review is conducted online for a pre-determined period
- Exam is taken when member feels ready to pass the exam
- Exam can be paper or on-line and must be ordered by local's training coordinator
- Exam can be either face-to-face classroom or taken on-line with proctor