Purpose  To recognize leadership and excellence in air filtration by selected air filter users and to promote the National Air Filtration Association and its member companies.

This award program has been instituted by NAFA in order to promote and recognize the use of high efficiency filtration products and good maintenance practices. It will be presented for an outstanding effort in maintaining a clean and healthy indoor work environment, while reducing overall operating costs.

NAFA hopes that by publicizing and recognizing the benefits and achievements of good filtration practices, it can foster and encourage similar practices in a larger number of facilities.

Eligibility  Any facility or company that has demonstrated a concerted effort to provide a clean indoor environment by using proper air filtration products is eligible to be nominated.

A nomination application must be submitted prior to August 1st of the nominating year. The application may be accompanied by information and documentation that explains the efforts at the facility. Key categories which will be considered in determining the recipient of the NAFA Clean Air Award will include sustainability, economic benefits and innovation.

The Award recipient will be announced at the NAFA Annual Convention.

In response to the need for quality assurance, increased education and recognition of professional achievement within the industry, NAFA developed the NAFA Certified Air Filter Specialist (CAFS) program—the first education and certification program designed specifically for air filtration professionals.

The CAFS program distinguishes those professionals who have demonstrated a thorough, up-to-date understanding of air filtration technology and high level of professionalism.

In order to become certified, air filtration professionals must pass an extensive examination on the principles, methods and applications of air filtration. Candidates for certification are also subject to compliance with the NAFA Code of Ethics.

Certification is renewable on an annual basis pending successful completion of continued education requirements in order to demonstrate current and continued expertise.

When purchasing products or services from a Certified Air Filter Specialist customers are assured that their particular requirements and needs will be addressed by a knowledgeable professional.


FAQ about the CAFS Exam

What do I need to study in order to pass the Certified Air Filter Specialist exam? The 100 question (50 multiple choice, 50 true/false) CAFS Exam is based on the NAFA Guide to Air Filtration, 4th Ed. (2007). In fact, every question comes straight out of the book! If you study the manual thoroughly you should have no problem passing the exam. We also recommend that you have at least one year of field experience in the air filter industry. NAFA does offer a "tutorial" (see below), however, if you have not read and understood the NAFA Guide to Air Filtration, you will probably not pass the exam.

What is the Cost to take the exam? For members, the cost to take the exam is $200.00; to renew certification each year, the cost is $35.00. For nonmembers of NAFA, the cost to take the exam is $500.00; to renew certification each year, the cost is $300.00.

What are the renewal requirements? To maintain CAFS Certification, you must complete eight (8) continuing education credits annually from the categories listed below. No more than four (4) total credits will be accepted from any one category. These activities must have been completed between October 1 and September 30. Nonmembers of NAFA must have attended an event sponsored by NAFA or ASHRAE, EPA, BOMA, AMIAQC, AFE, NAPE, AFS, AABC, RSES, ACCA, CETA, NSPE, IAQA, AIA, NEBB, ASHE or SMACNA and submit a certificate of attendance from such event.

4 Credits:

*  Attended NAFA Technical Seminar and / or NAFA Annual Convention
*  Attended seminar on HVAC, IAQ, or filtration given by a related association or organization (such as ASHRAE, EPA, BOMA, AMIAQC, AFE, NAPE, AFS, AABC, RSES, ACCA, CETA, NSPE, IAQA, AIA, NEBB, ASHE or SMACNA

2 Credits:

*  Served on a NAFA Committee and attended at least two committee meetings within the year
*  Attended ASHRAE National Winter Meeting
*  Attended ASHRAE National Summer Meeting
*  Attended training seminar related to HVAC, IAQ, or filtration given by a supplier/manufacturer of HVAC, IAQ, or filtration related products
*  Attended and passed a college level course on HVAC, IAQ, or filtration
*  Wrote a technical article for publication in Air Media or other approved publication related to HVAC air filtration
*  Gave a technical presentation at the NAFA Technical Seminar, Annual Convention, other event related to HVAC or air filtration industry or otherwise presented technical filtration information for educational purposes
*  Presented an in-house seminar or attended an in-house seminar presented by a CAFS.

When / Where can I take the exam next? The next CAFS Exam will be administered in:  San Francisco, CA, during NAFA's 2008 Annual Convention - September 19, 2008.

What about the tutorial? At this time the NAFA CAFS "Tutorial" - also known as Track One, or The Principles of Air Filtration - is only presented at NAFA's Technical Seminars each spring.

Are there any other options? If you choose, you can travel to the NAFA offices in Virginia Beach, VA to take the exam. If you wish to also receive a brief tutorial (approximately three hours), you must first contact NAFA Staff and prearrange a meeting time. There is a additional $25.00 per person proctor fee. If you have a large group taking the exam, you may also be able to have someone from the NAFA offices travel to your location to administer the exam. You must first contact NAFA Staff to prearrange this option. You must agree to pay travel and lodging expenses, plus an additional $25.00 per person proctor fee.

For Information on the Environmental Technology Verification Program, visit the U.S. EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/etv

These products have been tested by a NAFA approved air filter testing laboratory using the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 52.2, 1999, to manufacturer's listed values.

NAFA certifies that the product meets the manufacturer's values.

NAFA Product Certification provides a third party, random selection and testing for manufacturers and fabricators of air filter products.  This certification is quality assurance for the end-user that the specifications of filter performance are correct as advertised. 

Full test results may be obtained from the manufacturer.

Products
	Aeolus Corporation
	Name Synthetic Mini-Pleat V-Cell Part Number SMV-M14-2424   Initial PD 0.44"w.g. MERV 14@1970 cfm Final PD 1.40"w.g. Weight Gain 179 grams For more information on this product or copies of the full report, contact Deborah Atkinson at: Aeolus Corporation 111-C Creek Ridge Road Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 272-1268 (888) 851-1379 Fax #: (336) 272-1627 E-mail:  deborah@aeoluscorp.com Web Site:  http://www.aeoluscorp.com
	Name Synthetic Mini-Pleat V-Cell Part Number SMV-M11-2424   Initial PD 0.28"w.g. MERV 11@1970 cfm Final PD 1.40"w.g. Weight Gain 235 grams For more information on this product or copies of the full report, contact Deborah Atkinson at: Aeolus Corporation 111-C Creek Ridge Road Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 272-1268 (888) 851-1379 Fax #: (336) 272-1627 E-mail:  deborah@aeoluscorp.com Web Site:  http://www.aeoluscorp.com
	Name Synthetic Mini-Pleat Panel Part Number SMP-M12-24244   Initial PD 0.38"w.g. MERV 12@1970 cfm Final PD 1.00"w.g. Weight Gain   For more information on this product or copies of the full report, contact Deborah Atkinson at: Aeolus Corporation 111-C Creek Ridge Road Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 272-1268 (888) 851-1379 Fax #: (336) 272-1627 E-mail:  deborah@aeoluscorp.com Web Site:  http://www.aeoluscorp.com
	Name Synthetic Mini-Pleat V-Cell Part Number SMV-M13-2424   Initial PD 0.31"w.g. MERV 12@1970 cfm Final PD 1.40"w.g. Weight Gain For more information on this product or copies of the full report, contact Deborah Atkinson at: Aeolus Corporation 111-C Creek Ridge Road Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 272-1268 (888) 851-1379 Fax #: (336) 272-1627 E-mail:  deborah@aeoluscorp.com Web Site:  http://www.aeoluscorp.com
Products Filtration Group, Inc. Name AeroStar "C-Series" Polyester Panel Filter Part Number     Initial PD 0.51"w.g. MERV 7@1970 cfm Final PD 1.08"w.g. Weight Gain   For more information on this product or copies of the full report, contact Phil Winters at: Filtration Group, Inc. 912 East Washington Street Joliet, IL 60433 (815) 774-1256 E-mail: pwinters@filtrationgroup.com Web Site:  www.filtgroup.com   Name AeroStar FP-98 Minipleat V-Bank Filter Part Number     Initial PD 0.55"w.g. MERV 15@1970 cfm Final PD 1.40"w.g. Weight Gain   For more information on this product or copies of the full report, contact Phil Winters at: Filtration Group, Inc. 912 East Washington Street Joliet, IL 60433 (815) 774-1256 E-mail: pwinters@filtrationgroup.com Web Site:  www.filtgroup.com