ASHRAE Certified HVAC Designer (CHD)

Certification Candidate Guidebook

Effective date: February, 2019

 Table of Contents

I. About ASHRAE 1

II. Eligibility & Application 2-4

III. About the Examination 4-6

IV. Scheduling an Examination 6-9

V. On the Day of Your Examination 9-11

VI. CHD Recertification: Eligibility & Application 11-13

Appendix A: CHD Exam Blueprint 14-16

Appendix B: Acceptable Professional Development Activities and 17

PDHs Earned
I. About ASHRAE
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international
membership society committed to the advancement of the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning
and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. The Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) certification
program supports this Mission by validating job competency as understood in internationally recognized technical
information, reflecting the best practices that lead our industry.

ASHRAE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national or ethnic origin in its
policies, procedures, or eligibility requirements for its programs.

Purpose of the CHD Certification

The CHD certification program validates competency of the HVAC Designer, working under the responsible charge of
an engineer, to do the following:

Design HVAC systems to meet building/project requirements, including load calculations, equipment selection and
sizing, mechanical equipment room design, duct and piping design and layout for the development of HVAC plans for
permit and construction.

Value
Why is earning the ASHRAE Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) credential the best way to gain a
competitive edge?

In an “Industry Need” survey, ASHRAE Member respondents who influence the HVAC Designer hiring decision had this
to say:

• HVAC Designer certification is a tool to identify competent new hire prospects (74%)
• It is a worthwhile professional development goal (82%)

HVAC Designers themselves agree that earning an HVAC Designer certification would be a “worthwhile professional
development goal” (75%) and “help differentiate practitioners from their peers” (70%).

Earning the Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) certification lets your employer, peers and customers know that you
have the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to get the job done, and positions you for continued recognition and
success.

CHD Exam Development

The blueprint (Appendix A) for the Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) certification exam was developed by the ASHRAE
CHD Exam Subcommittee following an industry-wide, 2018 job task analysis study conducted to determine the
frequency and importance of HVAC designer job tasks. Data was gathered from more than 1,200 respondents from
over 60 countries. The CHD Exam Blueprint was approved by the ASHRAE Certification Committee on December 5,
2018.

About the Candidate Guidebook

The purpose of this guidebook is to provide information about the ASHRAE CHD certification program. No
information or material in this guide creates a contract between ASHRAE and an individual customer or organization.
ASHRAE will do its best to apply the principles and provisions contained within this guidebook as written, but reserves
the right to change those principles and provisions without actual notice. Nevertheless, ASHRAE will make reasonable
efforts to notify customers of any changes.
1
Disclaimer of Warranty
ASHRAE does not warrant that this program or its examination certifies a candidate’s technical competence or
technical ability to design any part of the HVAC&R system. Furthermore, nothing about this program or its examination
is intended to replace, override, or conflict with licensing requirements for design engineers, architects, or other
building professionals.

End-user License
Download of the Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) certification scheme requirements in the CHD Candidate
Guidebook is pursuant to an end-user license expressly prohibiting the end-user from: i) creating derivative works
based upon, or modifying, the CHD Certification Scheme; ii) selling, reselling, renting or otherwise using the CHD
Certification Scheme for user’s own commercial purposes; and iii) further licensing or sub-licensing the CHD
Certification Scheme to other persons or organizations. ASHRAE is the developer, publisher of and holder of copyright
in the CHD Certification Scheme. All rights reserved.

II. Eligibility & Application

Who Can Participate
Participation in the ASHRAE CHD program requires that an applicant meet education and work experience eligibility
requirements and successfully complete the program’s examination. Membership in ASHRAE is not a prerequisite to
participate in the program.

Completing and Submitting the Application

To participate in the ASHRAE Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) program, a candidate must complete and submit
an application. Within a week after receiving an application, ASHRAE will notify the applicant by email either of
acceptance and approval of the application or of denial of approval and the reason thereof.

Note: candidates must schedule and take the examination within 90 days of approval.

Overview of CHD Eligibility Requirements

1. Education and Work Experience
2. Code of Ethics
3. Pass CHD Certification Exam

Detailed Eligibility Requirements: CHD Certification

1. Education and Word Experience

Any individual who submits a completed application and meets one of the following sets of education and work
experience requirements will be eligible to take the examination for the CHD certification.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field and two (2) years of HVAC Design work experience
OR
• Associate’s degree or Technical degree or certificate in design, construction, or a related field and three (3) years
of HVAC Design work experience
OR
• High School diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of HVAC Design work experience

2
2. Code of Ethics
As a condition of earning and maintaining certification, applicants for the Certified HVAC Designer certification must
agree to uphold and abide by a Code of Ethics, the tenets of which are set forth as follows:

1. Exercise a reasonable industry standard of care in the performance of professional duties.

2. Perform professional duties with trust, integrity, and honesty.
3. Hold paramount the health and safety of the public in the performance of professional duties.
4. Work in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations; demonstrate integrity, honesty, and fairness
in all activities; and strive for excellence in all matters of ethical conduct.
5. Act with integrity in any relationship that involves an employer or client and disclose fully to an affected employer
or client any conflicts-of-interest resulting from business affiliations or personal interests.
6. Represent qualifications accurately and honestly.
7. Offer products and services only in areas where competence and expertise will satisfy the client and public need.
8. Agree to comply with and uphold all policies, procedures, guidelines, and requirements of the certification
program; use the designation as authorized and only in the approved manner; acknowledge that the certificate
and marks are the property of their respective owners; and return the certificate and discontinue use of the
designation and marks when required to do so.
9. Accept responsibility for maintaining the credential through recertification and continuously uphold the Code of
Ethics.
10. Voluntarily and immediately report any felony convictions or other legal dispositions that would constitute
violations of this Code of Ethics that have not already been disclosed, regardless of when they occurred, and
report any conditions that prohibit fulfillment of duties as set forth in the competency requirements.

3. Pass CHD Certification Exam

The CHD certification examination is a proctored, closed book/closed notes, two and one-half hour (2.5), 115-item
multiple-choice exam. Applicants who self-attest that they are a non-native English speaker will receive an additional
30 minutes of testing time. These applicants will be asked to declare their native language and provide the name and
email of a professional reference who can confirm the applicant is a non-native English speaker.

A candidate’s score is based on 100 of the items; the other 15 items, which are interspersed throughout the
examination, are included for trial purposes and are not scored.

The blueprint for the CHD examination is provided in Appendix A.

The three cognitive levels tested on the CHD examination are as follows:

1. Recall: The ability to remember or recognize specific information

2. Application: The ability to comprehend, relate, or apply knowledge to new or changing situations
3. Analysis: The ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources, determine solutions, and/or evaluate the
usefulness of a solution

Please review sections III. “Examination” and IV. “Scheduling an Examination” of the CHD Candidate Guidebook for
additional related information.

3
Application Fees
ASHRAE Member: $395.00; Nonmember: $545.00
ASHRAE Member Exam Retake: $175.00; Nonmember: $225.00
ASHRAE Member Second Exam Retake $395.00; Nonmember $545.00

If an application is declined by ASHRAE or cancelled by the applicant, the amount of the fee, less $50 to cover
administrative costs, will be refunded to the applicant.

ASHRAE retains the right to audit any and all applications at any time. If, at any time, the application information
submitted is found to be incomplete or inaccurate, it may be rejected, examination results may be delayed or voided,
and a certification may be rescinded.

Candidate Responsibilities
Each candidate for ASHRAE Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) certification is responsible for the following:

• Submit a completed, signed application form and the application fee,

• Schedule an examination appointment within the 90-day eligibility period,
• Pay a reschedule or cancellation fee if the candidate chooses to cancel or reschedule an exam appointment,
• Comply with the rules for examination,
• Immediately notify ASHRAE of any suspected violations of the rules for examination,
• In the event of certification, successful candidates are required to inform the Certification Committee body,
without delay, of matters that can affect their capability to continue to fulfill the certification requirements, or risk
suspension or withdrawal of the certification,
• In the event a certificant’s certification is suspended or revoked, she/he must return the certificate to ASHRAE.
The certificant also must refrain from any further promotion of themselves as an ASHRAE Certified Professional
and from future use of all references to an ASHRAE Certified status
Personal Data
ASHRAE collects and maintains personal data in order to identify certification applicants, validate that the
requirements for certification have been fulfilled and to maintain the security of the intellectual property in its exam
item banks. Personal data will be maintained until which time it is no longer necessary in order to establish, exercise or
defend legal claims.

ASHRAE aggregates exam candidate item responses for exam development and exam security purposes. Examinee
responses to ASHRAE exam items are considered to be ASHRAE intellectual property with test security implications;
therefore, such derived data are not subject to access, rectification, erasure or portability.

The exam development and delivery employees of ASHRAE vendor PSI Services Inc. (PSI) will have access to
ASHRAE certification exam candidate personal data. In the event Certification applicant personal data must be
transferred to and from a testing location inside the European Union, PSI Services Inc. (PSI) is self-certified under the
Privacy Shield Framework to ensure consistency with General Data Protection Regulation requirements.

III. About the Examination

Examination Preparation
Neither participating in a preparatory activity nor purchasing a publication is a requirement for participating in the CHD
program or for enrolling to take the CHD examination. However, candidates who choose to participate in preparatory
activities or to purchase publications are responsible for ensuring that the timing of the activity or purchase aligns with
the timing of the examination session for which the candidate has enrolled.

4
Resources available to help prepare for the CHD examination include, but are not limited to, the following:

• CHD Practice Exam (Available May 1, 2019)

Publications

• ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals

• ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications
• ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment

• ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55 - Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

• ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1 - Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
• ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 & User’s Manual
• ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 202 - Commissioning Process for Buildings and Systems
• ASHRAE Standard 209 - Energy Simulation Aided Design for Building Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

• International Mechanical Code

• ASHRAE Principles of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning

ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) & eLearning Center Courses

• The ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) and ASHRAE eLearning Center offer a wide range of professional
development seminars and short courses. ASHRAE also offers training for companies or chapters. View the
Scheduled Courses calendar to see all offerings.

ASHRAE does not warrant that participation in or use of any of the above resources will guarantee successful
completion of the examination. Nor does ASHRAE warrant that all information presented in all of the above resources
is non-contradictory. However, ASHRAE will do its best to avoid testing contradictory, out-of-date, or inaccurate
information.

Copyrighted Examination Questions

All examination questions are the copyrighted property of ASHRAE. It is forbidden under federal copyright law to copy,
reproduce, record, distribute or display these examination questions by any means, in whole or in part. Doing so may
subject you to severe civil and criminal penalties.

Score Report
All examinees receive a Score Report, which indicates a “Pass” or “Did Not Pass” result and a numerical score. U.S.
examinees receive a paper Score Report immediately following the examination. Within five business days of taking
their exam, international computer-based examinees will receive email notification from PSI Services, ASHRAE’s exam
delivery partner, that a hard copy Score Report has been mailed via U.S. mail and that an unofficial Score Report is
available for download. Pencil-and-paper examinees will receive such email notification within 4-6 weeks of taking
their exam.

Note: CHD candidates who take their exam June - July, 2019 will receive a score report at the beginning of August,
2019. Beginning August 1, 2019, the CHD exam will be in immediate score report mode per the above paragraph.

Successful Examinees
Successful examinees will receive a “Certification Recognition Kit,” which includes a certificate, within six weeks of
their exam, and will be recognized on the ASHRAE website. Scores are not reported over the telephone, by electronic
mail, or by facsimile.
5
The certificate of certification issued to successful examinees is the sole property of ASHRAE Certification; therefore,
should a certification be suspended or revoked, the certificate shall be returned to ASHRAE Certification.

Successful examinees agree to the following conditions:

• Inform the Certification Committee, without delay, of matters that can affect their capability to continue to fulfill
the certification requirements, or risk suspension or withdrawal of the certification.
• Make claims regarding “CHD” certification only within the scope of the “CHD” certification,
• Not to use the certification in such a manner as to bring ASHRAE certification into disrepute,
• Not to use the certificate in a misleading manner.

Examination Passing Score

When the CHD Exam Subcommittee conducts a passing point study, the expert judgments of subject matter experts
are used to produce and interpret results, and set the exam passing score.

Score Needed to Pass CHD Certification Exam: TBD by July 31, 2019
Pass Rate Life-to-Date through July 15, 2019: TBD%

Results Cancelled by ASHRAE

ASHRAE is responsible for the validity and integrity of the results it reports. On occasion, occurrences such as
computer malfunction or misconduct by a candidate may cause a result to be suspect. ASHRAE reserves the right to
void or withhold examination results if, upon investigation, violation of its regulations is discovered.

Exam Retakes
Examinees who do not pass their exam may retake their exam after a three-month wait period. The fee to apply
to retake an ASHRAE certification examination is discounted at $175 for ASHRAE members and $225 for non-
members. The fee for successive ASHRAE member and nonmember examination retakes will be at the full application
fee amount.

Confidentiality
Information about candidates for testing and their examination results are considered confidential. Studies and reports
concerning candidates will contain no information identifying any candidate, unless authorized by the candidate.
By participating in the CHD program, each person who earns and maintains this certification agrees to be listed on the
ASHRAE public website. Only those individuals who are active CHD certificants will be listed on the site.

Duplicate Score Report

Candidates may purchase additional copies of their Score Report at a cost of $25 per copy. Requests must be
submitted to ASHRAE, in writing. The request must include the candidate’s name, identification number, mailing
address, telephone number, date of examination and examination taken. Submit this information with the required fee
payable to ASHRAE in the form of a check, money order or cashier’s check. Duplicate Score Reports will be mailed
within approximately two weeks after receipt of the request and fee.

IV. Scheduling an Examination

When you receive email notification that your application has been approved, you also will receive instructions on how
to schedule an examination appointment. Be prepared to confirm a date, time, and location for testing and to provide
your ASHRAE identification number.

6
U.S.-based exam candidates may schedule an appointment either online or via telephone, while exam candidates
outside of the U.S. may schedule an appointment via email.

U.S. Candidates

1. Schedule Online: The candidate may schedule an examination appointment online at any time by using the
Online Scheduling service at www.goAMP.com. To use this service, follow these easy steps:

• Go to www.goAMP.com and select “Candidates.”

• Follow the step-by-step instructions to select your examination program and schedule the examination.

2. Telephone Scheduling: Call PSI, also known as Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP), at 888-519-9901
to schedule an examination appointment. This toll-free number is answered from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Central
Time) Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. PSI/
AMP is equipped with Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD) to assist deaf and hearing-impaired
candidates. TDD calling is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday at 913-895-
4637. This TDD phone option is for individuals who have compatible TDD machinery.

International Candidates

Email AMPIntlExamServices@goAMP.com the following information:

1. The 9-digit ID Number associated with your name, which is AB _____,

2. Your preferred PSI/AMP International Test Center,
3. Three (3) dates you are available that are at least two weeks away,
4. Name and brand of any noise cancelling headphones you intend to bring. Earplugs do not need approval.

If special accommodations are being requested, please submit a Request for Special Examination Accommodations
form prior to contacting PSI/AMP at 888-519-9901 to schedule your examination.

The examinations are administered only by appointment Monday through Saturday. Individuals are scheduled on a first-
come, first-served basis. Refer to the chart below for scheduling information.

If you contact PSI/AMP by 3:00 p.m. Depending on availability, your examination

Central Time on… may be scheduled as early as…

Monday Wednesday

Tuesday Thursday

Wednesday Friday/Saturday

Thursday Monday

Friday Tuesday

7
When the appointment is made, the applicant will be given a time to report to the Test Center. An email confirming the
date, time and location will be sent by PSI to scheduled exam candidates. The candidate will be allowed to take only
the examination for which the appointment has been made. No changes in examination type will be made at the Test
Center. UNSCHEDULED CANDIDATES (WALK-INS) WILL NOT BE ADMITTED to the Test Center.

Test Center Locations

Examinations are administered by computer at more than 300 Test Center locations in over 40 countries. Test Center
locations, detailed maps and directions are available on the website, www.goAMP.com.

Holidays
No exams will be scheduled or administered on these United States holidays.

New Year’s Day Independence Day (July 4) Christmas Eve Day

Martin Luther King Day Labor Day Christmas Day
Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day (and the following Friday)

Special Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities

ASHRAE complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and strives to ensure that no individual with a disability is
deprived of the opportunity to take the examination solely by reason of that disability. ASHRAE will provide reasonable
accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Candidates requesting special accommodations must complete a
“Request for Special Accommodations” form found on the “ASHRAE Certification Forms” webpage at
ashrae.org/education--certification/certification/ashrae-certification-forms.

1. Candidates must advise PSI/AMP at the time of scheduling if wheelchair access is necessary.

2. Candidates with visual, sensory, or physical disabilities that would prevent them from taking the examination
under standard conditions may request special accommodations and arrangements.

Verification of the disability and a statement of the specific type of assistance needed must be made in writing to PSI/
AMP at least 45 calendar days prior to the desired examination date. Please inform PSI/AMP of the need for special
accommodations when scheduling the examination.

Rescheduling an Examination Appointment

A candidate may reschedule an appointment for an examination by calling PSI/AMP at 888-519-9901 at least two
business days prior to the scheduled testing session. (See following table.)
PSI/AMP must be contacted by 3:00
If the examination is scheduled on . . . p.m. Central Time to reschedule the
examination by the previous . . .
Monday Wednesday

Tuesday Thursday

Wednesday Friday

Thursday Monday

Friday Tuesday
8
The first reschedule request with a two-day notice will be free; any additional reschedules will be at the full certification
application fee. A candidate who wishes to reschedule their examination appointment, but fails to contact PSI/AMP at
least two business days prior to the scheduled date, will forfeit the certification application fee and must reapply to sit
for the examination.

Likewise, exam candidates who are absent for their scheduled examination appointment will forfeit the certification
application fee and must reapply to sit for the examination.

Requesting an Extension
A candidate can extend the 90-day deadline for scheduling and taking an exam by emailing
certification@ashrae.org at least two business days prior to the end of the 90-day deadline. ASHRAE will provide an
extension of up to 45 days.

Inclement Weather, Power Failure or Emergency

In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen emergencies on the day of an examination, PSI/AMP will determine
whether circumstances warrant the cancellation, and subsequent rescheduling, of an examination. If power to a Test
Center is temporarily interrupted during an administration, your examination will restart where you left off and you may
continue the examination.

Candidates may contact the Weather Hotline at 800-380-5416 (24 hours/day) or visit www.goAMP.com and select
“Candidates” prior to the examination to determine if it has been advised that any Test Centers are closed.

In order for PSI/AMP to be able to reschedule an exam missed due to sudden illness, exam candidates must provide a
doctor’s note. Examination absences due to work commitments may not be rescheduled, nor will they be refunded.

V. On the Day of Your Examination

On the day of your examination appointment, report to the testing room no later than your scheduled testing time. A
CANDIDATE WHO ARRIVES MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER THE SCHEDULED TESTING TIME WILL
NOT BE ADMITTED. To gain admission to the testing room, a candidate needs to present two forms of identification,
one with a photograph. Both forms of identification must be current and include the candidate’s name and signature.
The candidate will also be required to sign a roster for verification of identity.

Acceptable forms of identification include a current:

1. Driver’s license with photograph

2. State identification card with photograph
3. Passport
4. Military identification card with photograph
5. Social security card (secondary form)

Employment ID cards, student ID cards, and any type of temporary identification are NOT acceptable as primary
identification. Candidates are prohibited from misrepresenting their identities or falsifying information to obtain
admission to the testing room.

9
Materials
You may bring the following materials to your CHD exam administration:

• A silent, non-programmable scientific calculator. A calculator will not be provided.

• Images of Psychrometric Chart 1, SI and I-P, will be provided with any related exam questions. However, if they
like, exam candidates may bring an ASHRAE-branded, only, “Psychrometric Chart 1- Normal Temperature - Sea
Level” in any of the following formats: paper or laminated, SI or I-P, 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 17.
• Images of duct sizing charts and tables will be provided with any related exam questions. However, if they like,
exam candidates may bring an ASHRAE-branded, only, “Duct Size Calculator (I-P & SI).”

Security
ASHRAE and PSI/AMP maintain examination administration and security standards that are designed to ensure that
all candidates are provided the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

The following security procedures apply during the examination:

• No cameras, notes, tape recorders, pagers, or cellular/smart phones are allowed in the testing room.
• No guests, visitors, or family members are allowed in the testing room or reception areas.
• No personal items, valuables, or weapons are allowed in the testing room. Only keys and wallets may be taken
into the testing room and securely stored in the soft locker provided at the Test Center. You are responsible for
items left in other areas.
• Candidates may be subjected to a metal detection scan upon entering the examination room.
• No personal belongings will be allowed in the testing room. Use of a cellular/smart phone or other electronic
device is strictly prohibited and will result in dismissal from the examination.
• You will be provided with scratch paper and a pencil to use during the examination. You must sign and return the
scratch paper to the supervisor at the completion of testing, or you will not receive a score report. No documents
or notes of any kind may be removed from the examination room. If you need a second piece of scratch paper,
you need to ask the test proctor for another piece of paper and turn in the one you used before.
• PSI/AMP will provide U.S. examinees with ear plugs. International and pencil-and-paper examinees may bring
their own earplugs, though the proctor will need to inspect them.
• No questions concerning the content of the examination may be asked during the examination.
• Eating, drinking, or smoking will not be permitted in the testing room.
• You may take a break whenever you wish, but you will not be allowed additional time to make up for time lost
during breaks.

Misconduct
Individuals who engage in any of the following types of conduct, either in the testing room or during a break, may be
dismissed from the examination, their scores will not be reported, and their examination fees will not be refunded.
Examples of misconduct are when a candidate does the following:

• Creates a disturbance, is abusive, or is otherwise uncooperative,

• Displays and/or uses electronic communications equipment such as pagers, or cellular/smart phones,
• Gives or receives help or is suspected of doing so,
• Attempts to record examination questions or make notes,
• Attempts to take the examination for someone else,
• Or is observed with notes, books, or other aids.

10
Computer-based Testing
Upon signing in, computer-based testing candidates will be directed to a testing carrel. You will be instructed on-
screen to enter your identification number. Your photograph will remain on screen throughout your examination
session. This photograph will also print on your Score Report.

Prior to attempting the certification examination, you will be given the opportunity to practice taking practice questions
on the computer.
The time you use for these practice questions is NOT counted as part of your certification examination time or result.
When you are comfortable with the computer testing process, you may quit the practice session and begin the timed
examination.

Certification Examination Tips

The practice questions should prepare you to navigate through the computer-based certification exam. Here are a few
additional points to remember:

• Only one examination question is presented at a time. You may change your answer as many times as you wish
during the examination time limit.
• If more than one answer seems correct, choose the best answer.
• Be sure to answer all questions, and bookmark the ones you want to double check later.
• Monitor your time.

Candidate Feedback
During the examination, candidates are permitted to submit online comments on any question. Comments will be
reviewed, but individual responses will not be provided.

At the conclusion of their exam, computer-based testing candidates will be invited to complete a “Facility
Questionnaire.” Pencil-and-paper examinees wishing to complete the “Facility Questionnaire,” however, must do so
during the alloted examination time.

VI. CHD Recertification: Eligibility & Application

Purpose
The purpose of recertification is to ensure that Certificants maintain a level of continuing competence through
acceptable professional development activities in subject matter related to building operations and performance
management. .

Who Can Participate

Each CHD certificant is required to renew their certification every three years, based on regulatory requirements,
changes to normative documents, and the nature and maturity of the industry in which the HVAC designer works.
Membership in ASHRAE is not a prerequisite to recertify.

Deadlines
The renewal deadline is December 31 of the third year of certification. For example, a Certificant who earns a
certification anytime in 2019 will have a renewal deadline of December 31, 2022.

The certification of individuals who fail to submit renewal fees and a completed application by the December 31
deadline will expire. Individuals with expired certifications will be 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
the ASHRAE website.
11
Non-renewing Certificants, however, may recertify during the three-month grace period from January 1 through March
31 immediately following the expiration of their certification. To do so, they must submit a completed recertification
application.

Note: during the three-month grace period, PDHs may not be earned and applied toward the previous three-year
certification period. After March 31, the grace period will conclude, non-renewing Certificants will no longer be able
to renew their certification and the only way to regain the certification will be to reapply and pass the examination.
Extenuating circumstances, however, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Certification Committee.

Completing and Submitting the Application

To be eligible for renewal, CHD Certificants must submit a completed application, which documents on the
application to having met eligibility requirements, together with an application fee. Within a week of receiving an
application, ASHRAE will notify the applicant by email either of acceptance and approval of the application or of denial
of approval and the reason thereof.

Overview of Recertification Eligibility Requirements

1. Participation in One HVAC Design Project

2. Thirty (30) Professional Development Hours (PDHs)
3. Code of Ethics

Detailed Recertification Eligibility Requirements

1. Participation in One HVAC Design Project

Participation in one (1) HVAC design project for no PDHs. Applicant must have participated in a minimum of two
of the following four activities: System Design, Design Calculations, Procedural and Coordination (per CHD Exam
Blueprint in Appendix A).

2. Thirty (30) Professional Development Hours (PDHs)

Professional Development is a process used by certified persons to maintain and advance their competency. To
recertify, CHDs must earn 30 professional development hours (PDHs) in subject matter related to their certification.
Acceptable PDHs may be earned in any country and language. Thirty (30) PDHs must be earned from any
combination of the PDH activities described in Appendix B. Note: up to 15 PDHs may be earned from participation in
HVAC design projects (5 PDHs per project).

3. Code of Ethics
Applicants must agree to uphold and abide by a Code of Ethics, the tenets of which are set forth as follows:

1. Exercise a reasonable industry standard of care in the performance of professional duties.

2. Perform professional duties with trust, integrity, and honesty.
3. Hold paramount the health and safety of the public in the performance of professional duties.
4. Work in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations; demonstrate integrity, honesty, and fairness
in all activities; and strive for excellence in all matters of ethical conduct.
5. Act with integrity in any relationship that involves an employer or client and disclose fully to an affected employer
or client any conflicts-of-interest resulting from business affiliations or personal interests.
6. Represent qualifications accurately and honestly.

12
 7. Offer products and services only in areas where competence and expertise will satisfy the client and public need.
8. Agree to comply with and uphold all policies, procedures, guidelines, and requirements of the certification
program; use the designation as authorized and only in the approved manner; acknowledge that the certificate
and marks are the property of their respective owners; and return the certificate and discontinue use of the
designation and marks when required to do so.

9. Accept responsibility for maintaining the credential through recertification and continuously uphold the Code of
Ethics.
10. Voluntarily and immediately report any felony convictions or other legal dispositions that would constitute
violations of this Code of Ethics that have not already been disclosed, regardless of when they occurred, and
report any conditions that prohibit fulfillment of duties as set forth in the competency requirements.

Application Fees
On-time Discount (Application Received by Dec. 31)
ASHRAE Member: $195.00; Nonmember: $295.00

Grace Period (Application Received Jan. 1 - March 31)

ASHRAE Member: $295.00; Nonmember: $395.00

If an application is declined by ASHRAE, the amount of the fee, less $50 to cover administrative costs, will be
refunded to the applicant.

ASHRAE retains the right to audit at any time the recertification applications of renewed certificants. In such cases,
certificants will be requested to provide supporting documentation of PDHs earned. Acceptable documentation may
be a certificate of workshop completion, a copy of a publication or a college transcript. In the event the renewed
certificant is unable to document having earned 30 acceptable PDHs, the renewed certification will be revoked and
the recertification application fee will not be refunded.

Candidate Responsibilities
Each candidate for ASHRAE Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) recertification is responsible for the following:

• Submit a completed, signed application form and the application fee,

• In the event of recertification, successful candidates are required to inform the Certification Committee body,
without delay, of matters that can affect their capability to continue to fulfill the certification requirements, or risk
suspension or withdrawal of the certification,
• In the event a certificant’s certification is suspended or revoked, she/he must return the certificate to ASHRAE.
The certificant also must refrain from any further promotion of themselves as an ASHRAE Certified Professional
and from future use of all references to an ASHRAE Certified status.

13
Appendix A: CHD Exam Blueprint
Complexity Level
and Number of Items

Application

Analysis

TOTALS
Recall
HVAC Designer
Certification Exam Blueprint

1. SYSTEM DESIGN 8 24 8 40
A. Size supply, return, and exhaust ducts.
B. Prepare HVAC zoning plans and sensor locations in accordance with building design.
C. Prepare control sequences and schematics.
D. Design ductwork and piping including shaft and ceiling space requirements.
E. Differentiate and design HVAC system types (e.g., variable air volume, VRF, radiant, thermal
storage, underfloor systems, perimeter and process systems).
F. Design HVAC flow diagrams.
G. Design duct and fluid systems to minimize pressure loss and resultant power requirements.
H. Select HVAC system based on calculations (e.g., AHUs, fans, pumps, chillers, cooling
towers).
I. Design proper air diffusion and devices following codes and standards.
J. Develop a detailed HVAC design based on the approved preliminary building design
concept and site information.
K. Prepare HVAC schematics, plan drawings, elevation views, section views, and installation
details.
L. Select diffusers and grilles to meet thermal comfort and ventilation needs and coordinate
with architectural plans (e.g., ceiling grid, under floor systems, sidewalls, architectural
specialties, transfers).
M. Evaluate proposed building design concept modifications for HVAC implications.
N. Integrate new system technologies into HVAC design (e.g., VRF, ECM motor control,
integrated automation).
O. Research and confirm capacities of existing equipment and obtain shop drawings of
existing equipment (e.g., air handling systems, chillers, cooling towers).
P. Prepare HVAC demolition drawings of the equipment and systems that must be moved or
relocated to accomplish retrofit.
Q. Recommend system design options to minimize machine or system down time (e.g., N+1,
2N, fan array, direct drive fans, VRF).
R. Recommend system configurations to facilitate future maintenance (e.g., system access,
coil pull space, motor replacement, safety concerns).
S. Design for balancing air and fluid systems (e.g., balancing dampers, balance valves,
self-balancing control valves).
T. Prepare ductwork and piping flow diagrams to convey the design intent
(e.g., primary/secondary systems, pumping and isolation systems, duct loops,
exhaust risers with sub-ducts).
 Application

Analysis

TOTALS
Recall
HVAC Designer
Certification Exam Blueprint

8 24 8 40
U. Design piping and ductwork layout based on calculated sizing and required routing.
V. Select expansion tanks.
W. Select major airside units.
X. Size major heating plant components.
Y. Design leak detection systems.

Z. Select major cooling plant components:

1. fans.
2. coils
3. piping.
4. pumps.
2. DESIGN CALCULATIONS 6 6 18 30
A. Calculate HVAC system requirements (e.g., water flows, airflows, pump heads, suction
heads, expansion compensation).
B. Assist in the preparation of project estimates for comparative system selection (e.g.,
installed cost, operating cost, space limitations, water availability, power requirements).
C. Calculate all piping and ductwork sizing based on flow rates received from the project
engineer and adapted in size and route to comply with the existing physical constraints.
D. Adjust thermal load or HVAC requirement estimates based on modifications to building.
E. Calculate head loss through the critical path.
F. Calculate heat loads for each assigned space in the building.
G. Calculate the building load heat loss and gain.
H. Calculate external static and total pressures for air distribution units and specify in the
equipment schedule.
I. Calculate ventilation rate requirements by space use, thermal comfort parameters, and air
quality per applicable codes and standards.
J. Design piping system to account for various fluid properties (e.g., freeze protection, fluid
expansion compensation, fluid density, transfer capacity).
 Application

Analysis

TOTALS
Recall
HVAC Designer
Certification Exam Blueprint

3. PROCEDURAL 4 6 0 10
A. Analyze buildings, building designs or HVAC plans for compliance with applicable codes,
standards and regulations.
B. Apply Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards throughout drawing production.
C. Review shop drawings and equipment submittals for compliance with contract documents.
D. Interpret design documents during bidding/tender and construction phases.
E. Review and comply with HVAC codes and standards.
F. Verify and document as-built field conditions for existing structures.
G. Verify and document as-built field conditions for projects in construction.
H. Perform periodic field investigations to (e.g., punch-lists, quality control, shop drawings).
I. Perform review of Request For Information (RFI) and incorporate into bidding/tender
documents.
J Prepare HVAC documentation for building permit application and coordinate with Authority
Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
K. Incorporate field “as-built” documents into final documents.

4. COORDINATION 8 12 0 20
A. Assist in the development of the Basis of Design.
B. Review HVAC drawings with Commissioning Authority.
C. Coordinate space requirements for HVAC equipment placement with other design team
members.
D. Modify the HVAC design documents concept based on the outcome of the design team
reviews.
E. Coordinate system expansion compensation design with structural engineer and piping
vendor (e.g., thrust blocks, expansion joints, anchor points).
F. Analyze architectural plans, sections, and elevations for use in HVAC design.
G. Comply with client specifications and performance requirements to determine mechanical
designs.
H. Collaborate in the development of HVAC systems and design parameters.
I. Review architectural life safety plan relative to mechanical plan and apply fire and smoke
damper requirements.
J. Coordinate with life and safety engineer to design the smoke management and ventilation
system per fire code and regulation.
K. Coordinate with other design team members during each design phase (e.g., architects,
structural designers, plumbing designers, electrical designers).
 Application

Analysis

TOTALS
Recall
HVAC Designer
Certification Exam Blueprint

L. Coordinate HVAC implications for the building electrical loads and electrical space
mechanical requirements with electrical design team members.
M. Coordinate with structural engineer for HVAC requirements (e.g., duct and piping runs,
anchorage, seismic bracing, sound isolation, support requirements, vibration).
N. Coordinate with project design and construction schedules.
O. Coordinate electrical requirements for HVAC equipment.
P. Coordinate requirements of HVAC system for domestic water and waste with plumbing
designer.
Q. Coordinate with acoustical engineer for selection of ventilation equipment including sizing
of ventilation distribution and air handling equipment to meet designated sound pressure
levels.
R. Coordinate with energy modeler for HVAC system input.
S. Coordinate site piping and utility requirements with civil engineer.
T. Coordinate with vendors to prepare equipment schedules.
U. Review drawings and identify potential obstructions that may impact the HVAC system
(e.g., structural, fire proofing, lighting, sprinklers, walls).

Totals 26 48 26 100

11-13-18
Appendix B
Acceptable Professional Development Activities and PDHs Earned

Activity PDHs

Completion of short courses, workshops, webinars, and seminars in a related field, 1 PDH for each hour of
including those held at Conferences documented attendance

Participate in HVAC design project (up to 3 max). For each project, the applicant must
have participated in a minimum of two of the following four activities: System Design, 5 PDHs per project
Design Calculations, Procedural and Coordination.
Successful completion of a course in a related field from an accredited institution of
15 PDHs per credit hour
higher learning
(semester system) OR 10 PDHs
Note: To qualify for this credit, a course must be offered regularly and must conclude with a test that sets (quarter system)
a passing grade.

Patent in a related field

10 PDHs per patent
Note: PDHs can be claimed after a patent is issued and the inventor submits details to the board. The
invention must be related to engineering.

Publication of article/paper/book in a recognized, peer reviewed journal in a related

field (max. 3 per year). 10 PDHs per published item
Note: A “news” article in a technical or professional bulletin is not considered a published paper.

Active participation in a professional or technical society in a related field

Note: The certificant must serve as an officer and/or must actively participate in a committee of the
2 PDHs per year per organization
organization. PDHs are earned at the end of each year of service.

5 PDHs per 10 acceptable

Write ASHRAE certification exam items in a related field
exam questions, annually

Retake and pass the CHD exam for 30 PDHs, in which case no mandatory
30 PDHs
HVAC design project will be required.

Professional awards 2 PDHs per award

2 PDHs per hour taught for the

Teach courses and workshops in a related field. first presentation, then 1 per
Faculty performing regular duties may earn PDHs hour for subsequent equivalent
presentations.

Certificants are not required to submit a report of Professional Development activities as part of the recertification application; however,
a percentage of Certificants are randomly chosen for audit each year. If audited, a report of continuing professional development with
documentation must be submitted for review.

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