The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) offers the elevator industry's leading certification programs for technicians, adjusters, and inspectors. With three distinct credentials — Certified Elevator Technician (CET), Certified Accessibility Technician (CAT), and Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) — NAEC provides the recognized pathway for professionals working in one of the highest-paying skilled trades in America. Elevator mechanics consistently rank among the top-earning trade professionals, with median salaries exceeding $100,000 in many markets.

NAEC Certification Programs

Certified Elevator Technician (CET) — The foundational industry credential for elevator mechanics. Requires 10,000 documented hours (5 years) of on-the-job training in the elevator industry, or completion of an approved education program through NAEC CET Training Program, NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program), or equivalent. Covers safety practices, equipment terminology, electrical systems, and ASME A17.1 Safety Code compliance
Certified Accessibility Technician (CAT) — Specialized credential for professionals who install, maintain, and service accessibility equipment including wheelchair lifts, stairway chairlifts, Limited Use/Limited Application (LULA) elevators, and dumbwaiters. Covers ASME A18.1 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts and ADA accessibility requirements
Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) — The highest-level NAEC credential for professionals who inspect elevators, escalators, and related equipment. Requires 4+ years of documented education and experience in the mechanical and/or electrical aspects of the elevator industry. Must meet experience requirements outlined in the ASME QEI-1 Standard and demonstrate verifiable experience performing inspections and witnessing tests per A17.1 and A18.1

What You Will Learn

Elevator Systems & Components — Traction elevator systems (geared and gearless), hydraulic elevator systems (direct-acting, holeless, roped hydro), machine room-less (MRL) elevators, escalator and moving walk mechanisms, and destination dispatch systems
Electrical Systems — AC/DC motor controls, variable frequency drives (VFDs), relay logic, PLC controllers, microprocessor-based elevator controls, wiring methods, circuit protection, and electrical safety practices per NFPA 70 (NEC)
Safety Codes & Standards — ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.3 Safety Code for Existing Installations, ASME A18.1 for platform lifts, ASME QEI-1 for inspector qualifications, ADA requirements, and local jurisdiction amendments
Inspection & Testing — Category 1 and Category 5 testing procedures, safety device testing (governors, safeties, buffers), door restriction and reopening device testing, firefighters' emergency operation testing, Phase I and Phase II recall testing, and annual/5-year inspection protocols
Maintenance Procedures — Preventive maintenance programs, predictive maintenance using monitoring systems, lubrication schedules, wire rope inspection and replacement, guide rail alignment, door operator adjustment, and ride quality analysis
Hydraulic Systems — Cylinder design and installation, hydraulic power units, valve operation and adjustment, oil analysis, environmental containment (PVC liners, oil containment pans), and underground hydraulic cylinder testing
Modernization — Controller upgrades, fixture replacement, cab renovation, code compliance upgrades for existing installations, machine replacement, and system integration with building management systems
Safety Practices — Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, confined space entry, fall protection, hoistway safety, pit safety, electrical safety, and The Elevator Industry Field Employees Safety Handbook protocols

Why NAEC Certifications Stand Out

Key advantages: (1) Elevator mechanics are among the highest-paid trade professionals in America — the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual wages over $102,000 (2023 data), with top earners exceeding $130,000. (2) The elevator industry has an extremely strong union presence through IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors), providing excellent wages, benefits, and pension programs. (3) NAEC certifications are recognized by building departments, insurance companies, and elevator owners nationwide. (4) The QEI credential is specifically referenced in the ASME A17.1 code — many jurisdictions require QEI-certified inspectors. (5) The elevator industry faces a significant labor shortage with an aging workforce — the average elevator mechanic is over 50, creating enormous demand for new entrants. (6) Elevator maintenance is essential and recession-proof — buildings need functioning elevators regardless of economic conditions. (7) Career stability is exceptional — once licensed and experienced, elevator mechanics rarely face unemployment. (8) The modernization market is booming as aging elevator systems in 1960s-1980s buildings reach end-of-life, creating years of backlogged work.

Career Outcomes

Apprentice elevator mechanics earn $45,000–$65,000 during their training period (typically 4-year apprenticeship through IUEC/NEIEP). Journeyman elevator mechanics earn $80,000–$120,000+ with full union benefits. Elevator mechanics in high-cost-of-living areas (NYC, SF, Boston, Chicago) earn $120,000–$160,000+. Overtime and on-call premiums can add $20,000–$40,000+ annually. QEI-certified inspectors earn $85,000–$130,000+ with municipal or private inspection companies. Elevator company owners and managers earn $100,000–$250,000+. Full IUEC benefits typically include health insurance, pension, annuity, and vacation fund contributions worth an additional $40,000–$60,000+ per year on top of wages. Total compensation for experienced union elevator mechanics routinely exceeds $150,000–$200,000.

Who It Is For

Mechanical and electrical trade professionals looking to enter the highest-paying trade, current elevator industry workers seeking formal certification, military veterans with electrical or mechanical backgrounds transitioning to civilian careers, construction workers wanting to specialize in a lucrative niche, building maintenance professionals wanting to advance into elevator work, engineering technology graduates interested in vertical transportation, and individuals willing to invest in a 4-5 year apprenticeship pathway for exceptional long-term career returns.

Format and Pricing

CET Certification: Application fee plus exam — approximately $300–$500 total. Prerequisites: 10,000 hours (5 years) experience or approved education program completion. CAT Certification: Application and exam — approximately $300–$500. QEI Certification: Application, exam, and documentation review — approximately $500–$800. Prerequisites: 4+ years documented experience. NEIEP Apprenticeship (through IUEC union): 4-year program combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction — typically free to apprentices (employer-funded). Non-union training programs: Available through NAEC CET Training Program and various community colleges — $5,000–$15,000. Certification renewals: Required every 3 years with continuing education requirements. Total investment for CET through independent study: approximately $500–$1,500 (study materials + exam). Investment through apprenticeship: effectively free (earn while you learn). NAEC membership provides access to education resources, industry networking, and conventions.

Naec elevator technician certifications (cet, cat, qei) — elevator mechanic and maintenance professional training

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