CHD Candidate Guidebook PDF
CHD Candidate Guidebook PDF
I. About ASHRAE 1
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.
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.
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.
Note: candidates must schedule and take the examination within 90 days of approval.
• 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
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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:
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 three cognitive levels tested on the CHD examination are as follows:
Please review sections III. “Examination” and IV. “Scheduling an Examination” of the CHD Candidate Guidebook for
additional related information.
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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:
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.
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Resources available to help prepare for the CHD examination include, but are not limited to, the following:
Publications
• 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.
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.
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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.
• 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.
Score Needed to Pass CHD Certification Exam: TBD by July 31, 2019
Pass Rate Life-to-Date through July 15, 2019: TBD%
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.
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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:
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
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.
Monday Wednesday
Tuesday Thursday
Wednesday Friday/Saturday
Thursday Monday
Friday Tuesday
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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.
Holidays
No exams will be scheduled or administered on these United States holidays.
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.
Tuesday Thursday
Wednesday Friday
Thursday Monday
Friday Tuesday
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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
[email protected] at least two business days prior to the end of the 90-day deadline. ASHRAE will provide an
extension of up to 45 days.
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.
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.
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Materials
You may bring the following materials to your CHD exam administration:
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.
• 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:
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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.
• 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.
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.
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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.
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:
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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
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:
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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.
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
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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.
Retake and pass the CHD exam for 30 PDHs, in which case no mandatory
30 PDHs
HVAC design project will be required.
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 [email protected].