October 24, 2007 — ATLANTA, GA — ASHRAE’s first certification program is now available in testing centers in 22 countries. The certification, Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP), is a computer-based examination that tests an applicant’s mastery of a body of knowledge.
“An indoor environment that is safe, comfortable and enhances productivity at minimum impact to the environment is a basic need throughout the globe,” Richard Hayter, chair of ASHRAE’s Certification Committee, says. “One way by which ASHRAE addresses that need is through its certification programs.”
In addition to the United States and Canada, the exam is now offered in Australia, China, Egypt, Guam, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Applicants first apply for the examination through ASHRAE, and if they meet the certification qualifications, register for the examination at a testing center.
ASHRAE’s certification program identifies individuals who have mastered a body of knowledge covering successful design and operation of health care facilities. Future certifications are planned for sustainable facility design, commissioning, and operations and maintenance.
The technical content for the HFDP exam was developed in cooperation with the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association (AHA).
Membership in ASHRAE is not required to participate. A list of recommended resources on health care facility design from ASHRAE and other sources is available. For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/certification.
In addition, ASHRAE will offer an onsite HFDP exam March 10, 2008, at the Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, FL. This exam administration is being offered in conjunction with ASHE’s Planning, Design and Construction Conference.
About ASHRAE
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.