Candidate Guidebook

Healthcare Facility Design

Professional (HFDP)
 Table of Contents

I. About ASHRAE 1

II. Eligibility & Application 2-5

III. About the Examination 5-7

IV. Scheduling an Examination 7-8

V. On the Day of Your Examination 8-10

VI. HFDP Recertification: Eligibility & Application 10-12

Appendix A: Detailed Content Outline−2020

Appendix B: Acceptable Professional Development Activities

and PDHs Earned
I. About ASHRAE
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international
membership society committed to the advancement of the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning
and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. The Healthcare Facility Design Professional
(HFDP) certification program supports this Mission by validating job competency as understood in internationally
recognized technical information, reflecting the best practices that lead our industry.

ASHRAE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national or ethnic origin in its
policies, procedures, or eligibility requirements for its programs.

Purpose of the HFDP Certification

The HFDP certification program, an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited personnel
certification program under ISO/IEC 17024 (#1139), validates competency to incorporate standards and
guidelines as well as unique healthcare facility requirements and design principles in HVAC system design.

Value
As of October, 2022, over 3,700 ASHRAE certifications have been earned in these key built-environment fields:
Building Operations I Commissioning l Energy Assessment l Energy Modeling l Healthcare Facility Design l High-
Performance Building Design l HVAC Design. Recognized by over 35 national, state and local government bodies,
ASHRAE certifications increasingly have become the must-have credential for built-environment professionals,
employers and building owners.

Updated HFDP Certification Exam Requirements in 2020

Beginning February 7, 2020, to ensure continued relevancy and validity ASHRAE’s Healthcare Facility Design
Professional (HFDP) certification program will validate competency against updated certification exam requirements.
The updates were made by the HFDP Exam Subcommittee following a survey of HFDPs in which ASHRAE
researched the importance of the tasks in the Detailed Content Outline for the HFDP exam as they related to the
successful performance of survey respondents’ current job.

With unique candidate metadata embedded, the HFDP digital badge shares information about a
candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities, while guaranteeing enhanced visibility and recognition in
electronic media.

To review the updated Detailed Content Outline, please see Appendix A.

About the Candidate Guidebook

The purpose of this guidebook is to provide information about the ASHRAE HFDP certification program. No
information or material in this guide creates a contract between ASHRAE and an individual customer or organization.
ASHRAE will do its best to apply the principles and provisions contained within this guidebook as written, but reserves
the right to change those principles and provisions without actual notice. Nevertheless, ASHRAE will make reasonable
efforts to notify customers of any changes.

End-user License
Download of ASHRAE Certification Scheme requirements in a Candidate Guidebook is pursuant to an end-user
license expressly prohibiting the end-user from: i) creating derivative works based upon, or modifying, the Certification
Scheme; ii) selling, reselling, renting or otherwise using the Certification Scheme for user’s own commercial purposes;
and iii) further licensing or sub-licensing the Certification Scheme to other persons or organizations. ASHRAE is the
developer, publisher of and holder of copyright in ASHRAE Certification Schemes. All rights reserved.
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II. Eligibility & Application
Who Can Participate
Participation in the ASHRAE HFDP program requires that an applicant meet education and work experience eligibility
requirements and successfully complete the program’s examination. Membership in ASHRAE is not a prerequisite to
participate in the program.

Completing and Submitting the Application

To participate in the ASHRAE Healthcare Facilities Design Professional (HFDP) program, a candidate must complete
and submit an application. The application fee includes the fee to sit for the certification exam. Within a week
after receiving an application, ASHRAE will notify the applicant by email either of acceptance and approval of the
application or of denial of approval and the reason thereof.

Note: candidates must schedule and take the examination within 90 days of approval.

Overview of HFDP Eligibility Requirements

1. Education and Work Experience
2. Code of Ethics
3. Pass HFDP Certification Exam

Detailed Eligibility Requirements: HFDP Certification

1. Education and Work Experience

Any individual who submits a completed application and meets one of the following sets of education and work
experience requirements will be eligible to take the examination for the HFDP certification.

• Government-issued or government-recognized license as a professional engineer and a minimum of two (2)

years’ experience in healthcare HVAC&R design, OR
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited institution of higher
learning and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in HVAC&R design, including a minimum of two (2) years’
experience in healthcare HVAC&R design, OR
• Associate’s degree or Technical degree or certificate in design, construction, or a related field from an accredited
institution of higher learning and a minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in HVAC&R design, including a
minimum of three (3) years’ experience in healthcare HVAC&R design, OR
• High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in HVAC&R design, including a
minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in healthcare HVAC&R design.

2. Code of Ethics
As a condition of earning and maintaining certification, applicants for the Healthcare Facility Design Professional
certification must agree to uphold and abide by a Code of Ethics, the tenets of which are set forth as follows:

1. Exercise a reasonable industry standard of care in the performance of professional duties.

2. Perform professional duties with trust, integrity, and honesty.
3. Hold paramount the health and safety of the public in the performance of professional duties.
4. Work in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations; demonstrate integrity, honesty, and fairness
in all activities; and strive for excellence in all matters of ethical conduct.
5. Act with integrity in any relationship that involves an employer or client and disclose fully to an affected employer
or client any conflicts-of-interest resulting from business affiliations or personal interests.

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 6. Represent qualifications accurately and honestly.
7. Offer products and services only in areas where competence and expertise will satisfy the client and public need.
8. Agree to comply with and uphold all policies, procedures, guidelines, and requirements of the certification
program; use the designation as authorized and only in the approved manner; acknowledge that the certificate
and marks are the property of their respective owners; and return the certificate and discontinue use of the
designation and marks when required to do so.
9. Accept responsibility for maintaining the credential through recertification and continuously uphold the Code of
Ethics.
10. Voluntarily and immediately report any felony convictions or other legal dispositions that would constitute
violations of this Code of Ethics that have not already been disclosed, regardless of when they occurred, and
report any conditions that prohibit fulfillment of duties as set forth in the competency requirements.

3. Pass HFDP Certification Exam

The HFDP certification examination is a proctored, closed book/closed notes, two-hour (2.0), 115-item
multiple-choice exam. Applicants who self-attest that they are a non-native English speaker will receive an additional
30 minutes of testing time. These applicants will be asked to declare their native language and provide the name and
email of a professional reference who can confirm the applicant is a non-native English speaker.

A candidate’s score is based on 100 of the items; the other 15 items, which are interspersed throughout the
examination, are included for trial purposes and are not scored.

The exam detailed content outline for the HFDP examination is provided in Appendices A and B.

The three cognitive levels tested on the HFDP examination are as follows:

1. Recall: The ability to remember or recognize specific information

2. Application: The ability to comprehend, relate, or apply knowledge to new or changing situations
3. Analysis: The ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources, determine solutions, and/or evaluate the
usefulness of a solution

Please review sections III. Examination” and IV. “Scheduling an Examination” of the HFDP Candidate Guidebook for
additional related information.

Application Fees
ASHRAE Member: $395.00; Nonmember: $595.00
ASHRAE Member Exam Retake: $175.00; Nonmember: $225.00
ASHRAE Member Second Exam Retake $395.00; Nonmember $595.00
ASHRAE Developing Economies Member: $235

If an application is declined by ASHRAE or cancelled by the applicant, the amount of the fee, less $50 to cover
administrative costs, will be refunded to the applicant.

ASHRAE retains the right to audit any and all applications at any time. If, at any time, the application information
submitted is found to be incomplete or inaccurate, it may be rejected, examination results may be delayed or voided,
and a certification may be rescinded.

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Candidate Responsibilities
Each candidate for ASHRAE Healthcare Facilities Design Professional certification is responsible for the following:

• Submit a completed, signed application form and the application fee,

• Schedule an examination appointment within the 90-day eligibility period,
• Pay a reschedule or cancellation fee if the candidate chooses to cancel or reschedule an exam appointment,
• Comply with the rules for examination,
• Immediately notify ASHRAE of any suspected violations of the rules for examination,
• In the event of certification, successful candidates are required to inform the Certification Committee body,
without delay, of matters that can affect their capability to continue to fulfill the certification requirements, or risk
suspension or withdrawal of the certification,
• In the event a certificant’s certification is suspended or revoked, she/he must return the certificate to ASHRAE.
The certificant also must refrain from any further promotion of themselves as an ASHRAE Certified Professional
and from future use of all references to an ASHRAE Certified status.

Candidate Rights
Consistent with ASHRAE Certification program policies, the following rights are conferred upon applicants,
candidates, certificants and the public:
• Applicants may declare a request for accommodation of special needs. ASHRAE complies with the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Therefore, ASHRAE will make reasonable accommodations for certification
exam candidates when appropriate, and consistent with ADA requirements. ASHRAE will consider requests for
testing accommodations from certification candidates with a documented disability that limits the candidate’s
ability to participate in an examination.
• ASHRAE shall maintain the confidentiality of all information pertaining to an individual’s application and exam.
When the Certification Committee is required by law to release confidential information, the person concerned
shall, unless prohibited by law, be notified as to what information will be provided.
• Certificants may appeal decisions on certification and recertification, including suspension and revocation
decisions. Denied applicants may appeal decisions on certification, in the event they believe that the eligibility
criteria have been inaccurately, inconsistently, or unfairly applied.
• Applicants, candidates, certificants and the public may lodge complaints that relate to the certification activities
for which the Certification Committee is responsible, including complaints against certified persons. The
Certification Committee shall receive, evaluate and make decisions on complaints in a constructive, impartial and
timely manner that treats all parties fairly and equitably.

In addition, the complaints-handling process shall be subject to requirements for confidentiality, as it relates to
the complainant and to the subject of the complaint.

Further related information on these key policies may be found on this ASHRAE Certification webpage:
https://www.ashrae.org/professional-development/ashrae-certification/certification-forms.

Personal Data
ASHRAE collects and maintains personal data in order to identify certification applicants, validate that the
requirements for certification have been fulfilled and to maintain the security of the intellectual property in its exam
item banks. Personal data will be maintained until which time it is no longer necessary in order to establish, exercise or
defend legal claims.

ASHRAE aggregates exam candidate item responses for exam development and exam security purposes. Examinee
responses to ASHRAE exam items are considered to be ASHRAE intellectual property with test security implications;
therefore, such derived data are not subject to access, rectification, erasure or portability.
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The exam development and delivery employees of ASHRAE vendor Kryterion will have access to ASHRAE
certification exam candidate personal data. As a full-service test development and delivery company, Kryterion is fully
committed to complying with the requirements of global data protection laws and regulations. Kryterion manage its
privacy and data protection obligations under the following privacy frameworks: General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
(PIPEDA).

III. About the Examination

Examination Preparation
Neither participating in a preparatory activity nor purchasing a publication is a requirement for participating in the
HFDP program or for enrolling to take the HFDP examination. However, candidates who choose to participate in
preparatory activities or to purchase publications are responsible for ensuring that the timing of the activity or purchase
aligns with the timing of the examination session for which the candidate has enrolled.

Practice Exam

• ASHRAE HFDP Practice Exam

ASHRAE Design Guide

• ASHRAE HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics

Standards and Guidelines

• ASHRAE Guideline 12 Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems
• ASHRAE Standard 15 Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems
• ASHRAE Standard 62.1 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
• ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (SI)
• ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (I-P)
• ASHRAE Standard 170 Ventilation of Health Care Facilities
• ASHRAE Standard 188 Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems

Additional Resources
• Environment of Care™ Standards of The Joint Commission
• FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals
• NFPA 55
• NFPA 70
• NFPA 99
• NFPA 101
• NFPA 110

ASHRAE eLearning Courses

• Fundamentals of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1

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ASHRAE Learning Institute Courses
• Fundamentals of ASHRAE Standard 62.1
• Complying with Standard 90.1
• Complying with Requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.1
• Healthcare Facilities-Best Practice HVAC Design Considerations and Criteria
• Healthcare Facilities-Best Practice Applications of HVAC Systems
• Healthcare Facilities: Best Practices for Design & Application

ASHRAE does not warrant that participation in or use of any of the above resources will guarantee successful
completion of the examination. Nor does ASHRAE warrant that all information presented in all of the above resources
is non-contradictory. However, ASHRAE will do its best to avoid testing contradictory, out-of-date, or inaccurate
information.

Copyrighted Examination Questions

All examination questions are the copyrighted property of ASHRAE. It is forbidden under federal copyright law to copy,
reproduce, record, distribute or display these examination questions by any means, in whole or in part. Doing so may
subject you to severe civil and criminal penalties.

Score Report
Immediately following submission of their exam, all examinees receive on screen a report, which indicates a “Pass”
or “Fail” result and a numerical score of questions correct per domain. All examinees as well will receive an email
from [email protected] with the same report. Examinees may also log in to their Kryterion Webassessor
account to view this report.

Successful Examinees
Successful examinees will be invited to claim their HFDP digital badge, which is the “certificate of certification,, within
six weeks of their exam, and will be recognized on the ASHRAE website. Scores are not reported over the telephone,
by electronic mail, or by facsimile.

The certificate of certification issued to successful examinees is the sole property of ASHRAE Certification; therefore,
should a certification be suspended or revoked, the certificate shall be returned to ASHRAE Certification.

Successful examinees agree to the following conditions:

• Inform the Certification Committee, without delay, of matters that can affect their capability to continue to fulfill
the certification requirements, or risk suspension or withdrawal of the certification.
• Make claims regarding “HFDP” certification only within the scope of the “HFDP” certification,
• Not to use the certification in such a manner as to bring ASHRAE certification into disrepute,
• Not to use the certificate in a misleading manner.

Examination Passing Score

When the HFDP Exam Subcommittee conducts a passing point study, the expert judgments of subject matter experts
are used to produce and interpret results, and set the exam passing score.

Score Needed to Pass HFDP Certification Exam: 75/100

Life-to-Date Pass Rate for First-Time Examinees through 12/2022: 78%

Results Cancelled by ASHRAE

ASHRAE is responsible for the validity and integrity of the results it reports. On occasion, occurrences such as
computer malfunction or misconduct by a candidate may cause a result to be suspect. ASHRAE reserves the right to
void or withhold examination results if, upon investigation, violation of its regulations is discovered.
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Exam Retakes
Examinees who do not pass their exam may retake their exam after a three-month wait period. The fee to apply to
retake an ASHRAE certification examination is discounted at $175 for ASHRAE members, $105 for Developing
Economies members, and $225 for non-members. The fee for successive ASHRAE member and nonmember
examination retakes will be at the full application fee amount.

Confidentiality
Information about candidates for testing and their examination results are considered confidential. Studies and reports
concerning candidates will contain no information identifying any candidate, unless authorized by the candidate.
By participating in the HFDP program, each person who earns and maintains this certification agrees to be listed on
the ASHRAE public website. Only those individuals who are active HFDP certificants will be listed on the site.

IV. Scheduling an Examination

Upon approval of your certification application, you will receive the following emails:

1. The first email will come from ASHRAE notifying you that your application has been approved. This email
will include the deadline by which you must schedule and sit for your exam, provide detailed instructions for
creating a test taker account in Kryterion’s Webassessor platform, as well as a unique voucher code, which
you will need in order to schedule your exam in Kryterion’s Webassessor platform. Note: a candidate’s voucher
code is unique and may not be transferred to another candidate.
2. The second email will come from [email protected]. This is a “Candidate Account Confirmation”
email confirming that you have successfully created your exam candidate account in Kryterion’s
Webassessor platform.
3. To schedule your exam, log into your Webassessor account and use the voucher code provided by ASHRAE.
Note: candidates who use their voucher code to schedule the incorrect exam will forfeit their certification
application fee and will have to reapply at the full application fee in order to sit for the correct examination.
Once your exam has been scheduled, you will receive an “Exam Registration Confirmation” email from
Kryterion confirming that your exam has been scheduled and containing a Candidate Authorization Code.
Later, you will have to present this Candidate Authorization Code at the Test Center in order to launch your exam.

Candidates will be allowed to take only the examination for which the appointment has been made. No changes in
examination type will be made at the Test Center. UNSCHEDULED CANDIDATES (WALK-INS) WILL NOT BE
ADMITTED to the Test Center.

Test Center Locations

Examinations are administered by computer at over 1,000 test center locations worldwide: https://www.kryterion.com/
locate-test-center/.

Holidays
No exams will be administered on these days: January 1 and December 25.

Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities

ASHRAE complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and strives to ensure that no individual with a disability is
deprived of the opportunity to take the examination solely by reason of that disability. ASHRAE will provide reasonable
accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Candidates requesting accommodations must complete a “Request
for Testing Accommodations” form found on the “ASHRAE Certification Forms” webpage at
https://www.ashrae.org/education--certification/certification/ashrae-certification-forms.

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ASHRAE recommends that requests for testing accommodations be submitted by candidates prior to their applying
for certification.

Cancellations, Reschedules and No-shows

Candidates may cancel or reschedule an exam through their Webassessor portal with no additional fee up to 72 hours
prior to the scheduled exam time. Cancellations and Reschedules within 72 hours of a scheduled exam time will incur
a USD $90.00 fee. A no-show will result in the forfeiture of the exam fee altogether. In such cases, candidates will
have to reapply at the “first retake” fee amount in order to schedule and sit for the exam.

Requesting an Extension
To request a one-time, nonrefundable, 45-day extension of the 90-day deadline toschedule and take an exam,
candidates must submit an application on the “Get Exam Ready” tab of their certification landing page on ashrae.org
at least five business days prior to the end of the 90-day deadline. The administrative fee to initiate the extension is
$50.00.

Inclement Weather, Power Failure or Emergency

In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen emergencies on the day of an examination, Kryterion will determine
whether circumstances warrant the cancellation, and subsequent rescheduling, of an examination. In most cases, Test
Center staff will contact any scheduled candidates impacted.

If power to a Test Center is temporarily interrupted during an administration, your examination will restart where you
left off and you may continue the examination.
Candidates may contact Kryterion via live chat prior to the examination to determine if Kryterion has been advised that
any Test Centers have been closed.

In order for Kryterion to be able to reschedule an exam missed due to sudden illness, exam candidates must provide a
doctor’s note. Examination absences due to work commitments may not be rescheduled, nor will they be refunded.

V. On the Day of Your Examination

It is recommended that candidates report to the testing location at least 15 minutes in advance of their scheduled
testing time. A CANDIDATE WHO ARRIVES MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER THE SCHEDULED TESTING TIME
MAY BE MARKED AS ABSENT, THEREBY FORFEITING THE ABILITY TO SIT FOR THE EXAM. SUCH ABSENT
CANDIDATES WILL HAVE TO REAPPLY AT THE “FIRST RETAKE” FEE FOR ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO SIT
FOR THE EXAM.

When checking in to their Test Center exam, ASHRAE candidates must present their Exam Authorization Code. The
Exam Authorization Code is needed to launch the exam. Failure to present the Exam Authorization Code will cause the
exam session to be forfeited without refund.

You must bring two (2) forms of identification.

One must be a government issued photo ID. Secondary identification must include your printed name such as a credit
card, bank debit card, or employee identification card.

Acceptable forms of government issued photo ID include a Driver’s License, Identity card (non-driver license),
Passport, Passport card, Green Card, Alien registration, Permanent resident card, or National identification card. The
name on the identification presented must match the exact name on the candidate’s certification exam registration.

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Failure to bring the two required forms of acceptable identification, unfortunately, will result in you not being able to sit for
your exam, and forfeiture of your application fee.

Military IDs and social security cards are not accepted.

Candidates are prohibited from misrepresenting their identities or falsifying information to obtain admission to the
testing room.

Materials
You may bring to your exam administration a basic, standard function, non-scientific, non-graphing calculator.

Scratch paper and pencil will be provided to candidates by test center personnel.

Kryterion will provide U.S. examinees with ear plugs, upon request. International examinees may bring their own
earplugs, though the proctor will need to inspect them.

Security
ASHRAE and Kryterion maintain examination administration and security measures that are designed to ensure that
all candidates are provided the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

The following security procedures apply during a Test Center examination:

• No cameras, notes, tape recorders, pagers, or cellular/smart phones are allowed in the testing room.
• You are encouraged to bring a basic, standard function, non-scientific, non-graphing calculator for the BCxP
examination. Only basic, standard function, non-scientific, non-graphing calculators are permitted, but they will
not be provided for you.
• No guests, visitors, or family members are allowed in the testing room or reception areas.
• No personal items, valuables, or weapons are allowed in the testing room. Only keys and wallets may be taken
into the testing room and securely stored in the soft locker provided at the Test Center. You are responsible for
items left in other areas.
• No personal belongings will be allowed in the testing room. Use of a cellular/smart phone or other electronic
device is strictly prohibited and will result in dismissal from the examination.
• You will be provided with scratch paper and a pencil to use during the examination. You must sign and return the
scratch paper to the supervisor at the completion of testing. No documents or notes of any kind may be removed
from the examination room. If you need a second piece of scratch paper, you need to ask the test proctor for
another piece of paper and turn in the one you used before.
• Kryterion will provide U.S. examinees with ear plugs. International examinees may bring their own earplugs,
though the proctor will need to inspect them.
• No questions concerning the content of the examination may be asked during the examination.
• Eating, drinking, or smoking will not be permitted in the testing room.
• You may take a break whenever you wish, but you will not be allowed additional time to make up for time lost
during breaks.
•
Misconduct
Individuals who engage in any of the following types of conduct, either in the testing room or during a break, may be
dismissed from the examination, in which case their scores will not be reported, and their application fees will not be
refunded. Examples of misconduct are when a candidate does the following:

• Creates a disturbance, is abusive, or is otherwise uncooperative,

• Displays and/or uses electronic communications equipment such as pagers, or cellular/smart phones,
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 • Gives or receives help or is suspected of doing so,
• Attempts to record examination questions or make notes,

• Attempts to take the examination for someone else,

• Or is observed with notes, books, or other unauthorized test aids.

Certification Examination Tips

Here are a few points to remember:

• Only one examination question is presented at a time. You may change your answer as many times as you wish
during the examination time limit.
• If more than one answer seems correct, choose the best answer.
• Be sure to answer all questions, and bookmark the ones you want to double check later.
• Monitor your time.

Candidate Feedback
During the examination, candidates are permitted to submit online comments on any question. Comments will be
reviewed, but individual responses will not be provided.

At the conclusion of their exam, computer-based testing candidates will be invited to provide any additional comments.

VI. HFDP Recertification: Eligibility & Application

Purpose
The purpose of recertification is to ensure that Certificants maintain a level of continuing competence through
acceptable professional development in subject matter related to healthcare facility design.

Who Can Participate

Each HFDP certificant is required to renew their certification every three years. Membership in ASHRAE is not a
prerequisite to recertify.

Deadlines
The renewal deadline is December 31 of the third year of certification. For example, a Certificant who earns a
certification anytime in 2023 will have a renewal deadline of December 31, 2026.

The certification of individuals who fail to submit renewal fees and a completed application by the December 31
deadline will expire. Individuals with expired certifications will be advised to cease using the specific certification
designation after their names. The names of non-renewing Certificants will be removed from the list of Certificants on
the ASHRAE website, and HFDP digital badges will appear as “expired.”

Non-renewing Certificants, however, may recertify during the three-month grace period from January 1 through March
31 immediately following the expiration of their certification. To do so, they must submit a completed recertification
application.

Note: during the three-month grace period, PDHs may not be earned and applied toward the previous three-year
certification period. After March 31, the grace period will conclude, non-renewing Certificants will no longer be able
to renew their certification and the only way to regain the certification will be to reapply and pass the examination.
Extenuating circumstances, however, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Certification Committee. In the
case of such applications, evidence of PDHs earned must be submitted.
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Completing and Submitting the Application
To be eligible for renewal, HFDP Certificants must submit a completed application, which documents on the
application to having met eligibility requirements, together with an application fee.

Within a week of receiving an application, ASHRAE will notify the applicant by email either of acceptance and approval
of the application or of denial of approval and the reason thereof.

Overview of Recertification Eligibility Requirements

1. Forty-five (45) Professional Development Hours (PDHs)
2. Code of Ethics

Detailed Recertification Eligibility Requirements

1. Forty-five (45) Professional Development Hours (PDHs)

Professional Development is a process used by certified persons to maintain and advance their competency. To
recertify, HFDPs must earn 45 professional development hours (PDHs) in subject matter related to their certification.
Acceptable PDHs may be earned in any country and language. Forty-five (45) PDHs must be earned from any
combination of the PDH activities described in Appendix B.

2. Code of Ethics
Applicants must agree to uphold and abide by a Code of Ethics, the tenets of which are set forth as follows:

1. Exercise a reasonable industry standard of care in the performance of professional duties.

2. Perform professional duties with trust, integrity, and honesty.
3. Hold paramount the health and safety of the public in the performance of professional duties.
4. Work in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations; demonstrate integrity, honesty, and fairness
in all activities; and strive for excellence in all matters of ethical conduct.
5. Act with integrity in any relationship that involves an employer or client and disclose fully to an affected employer
or client any conflicts-of-interest resulting from business affiliations or personal interests.
6. Represent qualifications accurately and honestly.
7. Offer products and services only in areas where competence and expertise will satisfy the client and public need.
8. Agree to comply with and uphold all policies, procedures, guidelines, and requirements of the certification
program; use the designation as authorized and only in the approved manner; acknowledge that the certificate
and marks are the property of their respective owners; and return the certificate and discontinue use of the
designation and marks when required to do so.
9. Accept responsibility for maintaining the credential through recertification and continuously uphold the Code of
Ethics.
10. Voluntarily and immediately report any felony convictions or other legal dispositions that would constitute
violations of this Code of Ethics that have not already been disclosed, regardless of when they occurred, and
report any conditions that prohibit fulfillment of duties as set forth in the competency requirements.

Application Fees
On-time Discount (Application Received by Dec. 31)
ASHRAE Member: $195.00; ASHRAE Developing Economies Member: $115; Nonmember: $295.00

Grace Period (Application Received Jan. 1 - March 31)

ASHRAE Member: $295.00; ASHRAE Developing Economies Member: $175; Nonmember: $395.00
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If an application is declined by ASHRAE, the amount of the fee, less $50 to cover administrative costs, will be
refunded to the applicant.

ASHRAE retains the right to audit at any time the recertification applications of renewed certificants. In such cases,
certificants will be requested to provide supporting documentation of PDHs earned. Acceptable documentation is
issued by a third-party, for example a certificate of workshop completion, a copy of a publication or a college transcript.
Certificates of participation or attendance must include the name of the certificant, the date earned, the number of
clock hours of participation, and a title indicating the subject matter. In the event the renewed certificant is unable
to document having earned 45 acceptable PDHs, the renewed certification will be revoked and the recertification
application fee will not be refunded.

Candidate Responsibilities
Each candidate for ASHRAE Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP) recertification is responsible for the
following:

• Submit a completed, signed application form and the application fee,

• In the event of recertification, successful candidates are required to inform the Certification Committee body,
without delay, of matters that can affect their capability to continue to fulfill the certification requirements, or risk
suspension or withdrawal of the certification,
• In the event a certificant’s certification is suspended or revoked, she/he must return the certificate to ASHRAE.
The certificant also must refrain from any further promotion of themselves as an ASHRAE Certified Professional
and from future use of all references to an ASHRAE Certified status.

12
Appendix A−Detailed Content Outline
Complexity Level
and Number of Items
Healthcare Facilities Design Professional

Application
Certification Examination Content Outline

Analysis

TOTALS
Recall
I. MEDICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION 6 8 0 14
A. Terminology
1. Recognize relevant medical terms (e.g., immune compromise).
2. Demonstrate understanding of various healthcare occupancy types.
B. Equipment
1. Describe relationship of medical equipment to HVAC design.
2. Identify basic medical equipment.
C. Departments and Medical Procedures
1. Apply understanding of medical procedures to room designs.
2. Apply HVAC design to medical functional areas.
D. Airborne vs. Contact Infection and Contamination
1. Distinguish between airborne and contact transmission of pathogens.
2. Demonstrate understanding of transmission, infection, and diseases.
E. Common Disease Organisms
1. Describe conditions of growth of disease organisms.
F. Contamination of Domestic Water Supply
1. Evaluate conditions under which pathogens grow.
2. Describe known amplification sites for pathogens.
3. Identify control methods for limiting pathogen growth.
II. STANDARDS and GUIDELINES for HVAC SYSTEM DESIGN for
17 0 0 17
HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
A. Standards and Guidelines
1. Recognize common standards from ASHRAE.
2. Recognize common guidelines.
3. Recognize the requirements of the appropriate accreditation
organization.
B. Regulatory Codes
1. Demonstrate understanding of ASHRAE energy code requirements.
2. Recognize the requirements of local authorities and the effect on
design.
 Complexity Level
and Number of Items

Healthcare Facilities Design Professional

Application

Analysis

TOTALS
Recall
Certification Examination Content Outline

III. HVAC SYSTEM DESIGN for HEALTHCARE FACILITIES 7 21 7 35

A. Static Pressure Control
1. Identify types of rooms that require static pressure control.
2. Apply methods to accomplish static pressure control.
3. Describe methods for measurement, notification, and documentation
of static pressure control.
A. Energy Efficiency
1. Determine inefficiencies in healthcare system design.
2. Apply aspects of energy efficiency specific to healthcare.
3. Describe exemptions from the energy standard.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of limitations of energy saving strategies.
5. Demonstrate understanding of variable volume system application.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of energy use and management.
7. Articulate energy recovery technologies.
C. Room Air Distribution
1. Design systems with proper air flows and pressurizations.
2. Calculate air flow rates to comply with room air change rates.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals of diffuser
placement.
4. Diagnose improper room air distribution and pressurization.
5. Describe psychometric sensor placement.
D. Equipment and Application
1. Demonstrate knowledge of air handling systems design.
2. Identify security concerns related to HVAC.
3. Locate equipment.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of psychrometric principles.
IV. UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS for HEALTHCARE FACILITIES 14 20 0 34
A. Central Plants - Describe need for redundancy to current standards.
B. Medical Equipment
1. Demonstrate understanding of contribution to loads.
2. Demonstrate understanding of special HVAC requirements.
3. Describe major diagnostic and treatment equipment.
4. Describe application of sterilizers.
 Complexity Level
and Number of Items
Healthcare Facilities Design Professional

Application
Certification Examination Content Outline

Analysis

TOTALS
Recall
C. Fire and Life Safety (including smoke control)
1. Describe smoke management requirements for healthcare facilities
(e.g., OR and patient room).
2. Demonstrate understanding of ventilation system requirements
for medical gas storage areas.
3. Demonstrate understanding of healthcare facility
compartmentalization.
D. Operations and Maintenance
1. Maintain equipment accessibility.
2. Maintain functionality during maintenance.
3. Demonstrate understanding of healthcare facility operations.
4. Describe consequences of continuity of service.
5. Prescribe procedures for abnormal operation conditions.
E. Infection Control
1. Describe the primary elements of an ICRA process.
2. Describe the role of the HVAC designer in the ICRA process.
3. Demonstrate understanding of how the ICRA affects mechanical
specifications.
4. Demonstrate understanding of the various ICRA engineering
controls used during construction.
5. Demonstrate understanding of contamination control.
6. Describe strategies for epidemiology related to HVAC.
F. Disaster Mitigation, Management, and Recovery
1. Demonstrate understanding of design contingencies following
utility system failure.
2. Evaluate needs following catastrophic events.
3. Demonstrate understanding of current literature.
4. Demonstrate understanding of hazard vulnerability analysis.
G. Controls and Instrumentation
1. Demonstrate understanding of HVAC system monitoring
strategies.
2. Demonstrate understanding of room pressure controls.
3. Monitor mechanical, electrical, and fire shut down controls.
4. Monitor temperature and humidity controls.
 Complexity Level
and Number of Items
Healthcare Facilities Design Professional

Application
Certification Examination Content Outline

Analysis

TOTALS
Recall
H. Testing, Balancing, and Commissioning
1. Demonstrate understanding of existing conditions prior to
renovation.
2. Recognize performance metrics of commissioning.
3. Describe test procedures for commissioning various areas
requiring unique pressure relationships.
4. Demonstrate understanding of various control sequences.
Totals 44 49 7 100
Appendix B

Acceptable Professional Development Activities and PDHs Earned

Activity PDHs

1 PDH for each hour of

Completion of short courses, workshops and seminars in a related field
documented attendance

1 PDH per hour of documented

Attendance at meetings (e.g. a Standard Committee meeting) in a related field
attendance (5 per year max)

1 PDH per hour of

Attendance at conferences (e.g. National, Annual, Regional) in a related field
documented attendance
Successful completion of a course in a related field from an accredited institution of
15 PDHs per credit hour
higher learning
(semester system) OR 10 PDHs
Note: To qualify for this credit, a course must be offered regularly and must conclude with a test that sets (quarter system)
a passing grade.

Patent in a related field

10 PDHs per patent
Note: PDHs can be claimed after a patent is issued and the inventor submits details to the board. The
invention must be related to engineering.

Publication of article/paper/book in a recognized, peer reviewed journal in a related

field (max. 3 per year). 10 PDHs per published item
Note: A “news” article in a technical or professional bulletin is not considered a published paper.

Active participation in a professional or technical society in a related field

Note: The certificant must serve as an officer and/or must actively participate in a committee of the
2 PDHs per year per organization
organization. PDHs are earned at the end of each year of service.

5 PDHs per 10 acceptable

Write ASHRAE certification exam items in a related field
exam questions, annually

Pass ASHRAE certification exam (E.g. HFDP should pass HFDP exam) 45 PDHs

Accreditation Visit Evaluator 3 PDHs, annually

Professional awards 2 PDHs per award

2 PDHs per hour taught for the

Teach courses and workshops in a related field. first presentation, then 1 per
Faculty performing regular duties may earn PDHs. hour for subsequent equivalent
presentations.

Certificants are not required to submit a report of Professional Development activities as part of the recertification application; however,
a percentage of Certificants are randomly chosen for audit each year. If audited, a report of continuing professional development with
documentation must be submitted to the Certification Coordinator for review.

For questions about any of the information about ASHRAE certification renewal requirements, including clarification of
acceptable and reportable qualifying activities, please contact ASHRAE Certification Coordinator at
[email protected].