GOLD 

A new publication, Efficient Oilheat, An Energy Conservation Guide, updated in 2004, serves as the training manual for attaining gold certification. The gold certification is for technicians who are able to move beyond basic installation and repair as well as provide systems analysis of the house, advise customers on equipment needs, and diagnose home comfort problems, as well as provide efficiency recommendations.

1. Successful completion of the Silver Technician Certification Exam

2. Minimum of five years work experience as an Oilheat technician, must be verified on company letterhead and signed by company owner or manager

3. Minimum of 120 hours of Oilheat education training beyond Basic Oilheat Technician courses

NORA Gold Certified Service Technicians must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CEUs) every five years to maintain accreditation. If for some these requirements are not met, the certification will become inactive until the CEU’s are completed. Once the CEU’s are completed, the certification will be reinstated for another five year period.

Advanced Oil Tank Installation 

This key program is the Advanced Oil Tank Installation course which is an intensive one-day program to gain professional knowledge on the proper ways to install a tank. The course discusses recent updates to NFPA & ICC Regulations, manufacturers' installation guidelines, and related documents. This course will earn a technician 8 CEU credits for successful completion (a great way to earn 8 of the 24 credits needed to upgrade your Bronze or renew your Silver/Gold Certification).

This course will benefit the Oilheat Dealer; as the certification clearly demonstrates the commitment to training employees in a reliable industry accepted manner. It also shows to the customers that you are knowledgeable of codes and regulations to ensure your service holds to high standards.  The added bonus is if a company employs a NORA Tank Certified technician, they will be entered in the Tank Certified Company database. This database will be available for homeowners and insurance agents to look up companies in their area.  

Static Tank Test Program

Static Tank Test detects underground storage tank releases. This method is inexpensive, quick, and is the best solution before conducting other expensive and time consuming methods. This process tests for early detection in failed underground tanks. This certification will allow technicians to accurately perform the Static Test Procedure. The Static Testing certification is modeled after the Advanced Tank; in addition all attendees must complete and pass the intensive course to earn authorization as Static Test Certified. If you are interested in knowing more; purchase the DVD at cost for the introduction of this procedure.

Continuing Education

Ensuring that skills are up to date is critical for peak performance as an employee. NORA's certification programs require skills to be improved through continuous education. NORA believe's that every technician and company should have a plan for technician development and education.
NORA's certification program requires 24 hours of continuing education within a five year period. Professional trainers.

Advance Programs

The basic Bronze, Silver, and Gold programs can be enhanced through further development and expertise in several core functional areas for technicians.

Hydronics

-Oilheat has become a fuel of choice because of Oilheat's widespread use in many of the colder climates of the country. This makes heating comfort very important and radiant heat is one of the most efficient and comfortable methods of heating. Radiant heat, particularly in floor heating systems have been established as the ultimate comfort and many new homes are being built with radiant heat in bathrooms, kitchens and dens to ensure maximum quiet comfort.

This advanced certification ensures the technicians that do work with hydronics systems are well trained and able to handle these complex systems. This advanced program is currently under development.

Air Handling

- Houses have become more insulated and air leakage has been reduced to a minimum. As a result, the relationship between the air that is warmed in the furnace, the movement of air by the air conditioner, the replacement air required to operate burners or air that is forced out of the house, creates complicated fluid dynamics in the house. This advanced certification will train technicians to properly install systems and diagnose and resolve problems that can result from poorly installed systems, or systems with components that are not properly sized. This program has been fully developed through the efforts of NCI.

Commercial Heating

- The oilheat industry provides heat and comfort for hospitals, apartments, and other commercial facilities. The large equipment used in these facilities requires a technician that specializes in this area of focus. This advanced program is for individuals who currently work on commercial systems or want to add it to their expertise. The Canadian Oilheating Association is currently working on a manual for this program, which will serve as the foundation.

Service Department Management

- This advanced program was developed by the National Association of Oilheat Service Managers. This program is designed to develop and improve the skills for service managers. A service manager must be involved in more than just the technical aspects of heating equipment; they must be involved in budgeting, staff management, and leadership. This program is designed to ensure that service managers have the training and skills to allow their companies to be successful.

Air Conditioning

- Decades ago, air conditioning was rare in many homes, now it is standard in new homes. Trained oilheat technician will understand the standard air conditioning systems and their relationship to the heating system, as well as high velocity systems or split systems which can be ideal for retrofitting air conditioning into a home.

This advance certification will ensure that your technicians are capable of working on air conditioning systems and providing cool comfort to your customers. NORA is currently developing a certification that can be used in the NORA program.

Tank Installation and Inspection, Fuel Quality

-NORA is developing a curriculum for fuel and heating oil tanks. This program will be designed to be used as an advanced program for technicians that are currently Gold or Silver Certified or as a stand alone program.
NORA believes that proper tank installation and management is critical to the future of the industry. Ensuring that tank systems are properly installed with appropriate technology will virtually eliminate any risks associated with heating oil tank systems.

Fuel quality is also essential to quality Oilheat products. Ensuring that technicians and others in the distribution network understand fuel problems and how to resolve them will increase the dependability of Oilheating equipment.

-Equipment today can only be installed properly if test equipment is used. NORA believes that a well trained technician will be familiar with testing equipment, know how to take proper samples and interpret results.

Customer Service - 2 Hours

-Maintaining a strong relationship with the customer is essential to the future of the Oilheat technician and your company. Technicians should be educated to the best techniques for communicating with customers.

Hydronics - 4 Hours

-Technicians without an advanced certification in hydronics; additional training in hydronics is necessary to ensure that they are able to work on boilers and radiant systems which are a large part of the Oilheat market.

Air Handling - 2 Hours

-As air-conditioning becomes more important in the Oilheat industry, technicians will become increasingly involved in ensuring that the ducts work efficiently, for both heating and cooling. Understanding air flows and sizing of the units is very important to ensure maximum comfort.

Electricity - 4 Hours

-Electricity, while vital to the Oilheat system, appears to be a prevailing weakness amongst technicians. Ensuring and improving understanding of electricity would improve the technical competence of most technicians.

Burners - 4 Hours

-The core of every system is the burner. Technicians must be up-to-date on all developments in this area and how to ensure safe operation.

Controls - 3 Hours

-Controls have become increasingly important to the heating system. Effective control strategies maximize the efficiency of the unit, the comfort of the home and the safe operation of the unit. Technicians need to be experts on the latest controls.

Electives - 3 Hours

-There are many core areas that have not been covered including: hot water, venting and fuels. The technician should obtain additional training in these area and if appropriate reduce some training in the areas described above.