Associations, Awards, People

Robert Featherstone Certified Master HVACR Educator

July 11, 2022

HVAC Excellence is pleased to announce it has bestowed the title of Certified Master HVACR Educator “CMHE” upon Robert Featherstone of Oakland Community College, in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Robert Featherstone

When a person transitions from the field into the classroom they may hold various industry certifications, however, an instructor needs a deeper understanding of the physics and theories required to teach their subject matter effectively.

The foundation for building a great educational program begins with the person chosen to lead it! As such, most states require teachers to pass a standardized certification exam to validate an instructor can teach the competencies within their curriculum. Similarly, HVACR instructors need to demonstrate their knowledge and readiness to effectively deliver the required curriculum. This is accomplished by taking a special series of exams that HVAC Excellence offers specifically for HVACR instructors.

The HVAC Excellence Certified Subject Matter Educator “CSME” credentialing exams validate if an HVACR instructor has mastered the subject matter to teach the competencies in each subject area taught, or if they need additional training in that area. Passing any one of the nine exams offered would be quite an accomplishment. However, to earn the title of Certified Master HVACR Educator, an HVACR instructor must pass seven specific CSME exams with a score of 80% or higher. The exams are teaching methodologies – principles and practices, electrical, air conditioning, light commercial air conditioning, light commercial refrigeration, electric heat, and one of the following: gas heat, oil heat, or heat pumps.

Some of the benefits of passing educator credentialing exams include establishing the minimum requirements for HVACR educators, to ensure HVACR students have access to high-quality learning, which can ultimately lead to high-quality employment opportunities. The exams create a nationally recognized benchmark that aid school administrators in selecting qualified professionals to lead their HVACR programs. The exams also provide HVACR instructors the tools to validate where professional development may be needed.

Instructors who earn the title of Certified Master HVACR Educator, validate that they have the retained knowledge necessary to prepare their students for success in most entry level jobs in the HVACR industry. As these exams are voluntary, Robert Featherstone, CMHE should be commended for his commitment to his students and the communities he serves.

To learn more about the HVAC Excellence educator credentialing program, or view a list of credentialed instructors, visit escogroup.org and click on the credentialing link.