ASHRAE Healthcare Facility Design

Professional (HFDP) Certification

Candidate Guidebook

Effective date: December, 2019

 Table of Contents

I. About ASHRAE 1

II. Eligibility & Application 1-4

III. About the Examination 4-6

IV. Scheduling an Examination 6-9

V. On the Day of Your Examination 9-10

VI. HFDP Recertification: Eligibility & Application 11-12

Appendix A: Detailed Content Outline

Appendix B: Detailed Content Outline−2020

Appendix C: 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 validates competency to incorporate standards, guidelines and regulatory codes as
well as unique healthcare facility requirements and design principles in HVAC system design.

Value
Over 3,000 ASHRAE certifications have been earned in these key built-environment fields: Energy Assessment l
Energy Modeling l Commissioning l Healthcare Facility Design l High-Performance Building Design l HVAC Design
l Building Operations. 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 January 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.

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

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.

Disclaimer of Warranty
ASHRAE does not warrant that this program or its examination certifies a candidate’s technical competence or
technical ability to design any part of the HVAC&R system. Furthermore, nothing about this program or its examination
is intended to replace, override, or conflict with licensing requirements for design engineers, architects, or other
building professionals.

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. 1
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.
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

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 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: $545.00
ASHRAE Member Exam Retake: $175.00; Nonmember: $225.00
ASHRAE Member Second Exam Retake $395.00; Nonmember $545.00

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.

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
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 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.

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.

The exam development and delivery employees of ASHRAE vendor PSI Services Inc. (PSI) will have access to
ASHRAE certification exam candidate personal data. In the event Certification applicant personal data must be
transferred to and from a testing location inside the European Union, PSI Services Inc. (PSI) is self-certified under the
Privacy Shield Framework to ensure consistency with General Data Protection Regulation requirements.

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
• NFPA Standard 99 Health Care Facilities Code

ASHRAE eLearning Courses

• Fundamentals of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 4

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
All examinees receive a Score Report, which indicates a “Pass” or “Did Not Pass” result and a numerical score. U.S.
examinees receive a paper Score Report immediately following the examination. Within five business days of taking
their exam, international computer-based examinees will receive email notification from PSI Services, ASHRAE’s exam
delivery partner, that a hard copy Score Report has been mailed via U.S. mail and that an unofficial Score Report is
available for download. Pencil-and-paper examinees will receive such email notification within 4-6 weeks of taking
their exam.

Successful Examinees
Successful examinees will receive a “Certification Recognition Kit,” which includes a certificate, 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: 69/100

Pass Rate Life-to-Date through 1/2018: 81%

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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.

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 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.

Duplicate Score Report

Candidates may purchase additional copies of their Score Report at a cost of $25 per copy. Requests must be
submitted to ASHRAE, in writing. The request must include the candidate’s name, identification number, mailing
address, telephone number, date of examination and examination taken. Submit this information with the required fee
payable to ASHRAE in the form of a check, money order or cashier’s check. Duplicate Score Reports will be mailed
within approximately two weeks after receipt of the request and fee.

IV. Scheduling an Examination

When you receive email notification that your application has been approved, you also will receive instructions on how
to schedule an examination appointment. Be prepared to confirm a date, time, and location for testing and to provide
your ASHRAE identification number.

U.S.-based exam candidates may schedule an appointment either online or via telephone, while exam candidates
outside of the U.S. may schedule an appointment via email.

U.S. Candidates

1. Schedule Online: The candidate may schedule an examination appointment online at any time by using the
Online Scheduling service at www.goAMP.com. To use this service, follow these easy steps:

• Go to www.goAMP.com and select “Candidates.”

• Follow the step-by-step instructions to select your examination program and schedule the examination.

2. Telephone Scheduling: Call PSI, also known as Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP), at 888-519-9901
to schedule an examination appointment. This toll-free number is answered from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Central
Time) Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. PSI/
AMP is equipped with Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD) to assist deaf and hearing-impaired
candidates. TDD calling is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday at 913-895-
4637. This TDD phone option is for individuals who have compatible TDD machinery.

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International Candidates

Email [email protected] the following information:

1. The ID Number associated with your name, which is AB _____,

2. Your preferred PSI/AMP International Test Center,
3. Three (3) dates you are available that are at least two weeks away,
4. Name and brand of any noise cancelling headphones you intend to bring. Earplugs do not need approval.

If special accommodations are being requested, please submit a Request for Special Examination Accommodations
form prior to contacting PSI/AMP at 888-519-9901 to schedule your examination.

The examinations are administered only by appointment Monday through Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Individuals are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Refer to the chart below for scheduling information.

If you contact PSI/AMP by 3:00 p.m. Depending on availability, your examination

Central Time on… may be scheduled as early as…

Monday Wednesday

Tuesday Thursday

Wednesday Friday/Saturday

Thursday Monday

Friday Tuesday

When the appointment is made, the applicant will be given a time to report to the Test Center. Please make a note
of this time because an admission letter will not be sent. The candidate 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 more than 300 PSI/AMP Test Center locations in over 40 countries.
Test Center locations, detailed maps and directions are available on PSI/AMP’s website, www.goAMP.com.

Holidays
No exams will be scheduled or administered on these United States holidays.

New Year’s Day Independence Day (July 4) Christmas Eve Day

Martin Luther King Day Labor Day Christmas Day
Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day (and the following Friday)

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Special Arrangements 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 special accommodations must complete a
“Request for Special Accommodations” form found on the “ASHRAE Certification Forms” webpage at
https://www.ashrae.org/education--certification/certification/ashrae-certification-forms.

1. Candidates must advise PSI/AMP at the time of scheduling if wheelchair access is necessary.

2. Candidates with visual, sensory, or physical disabilities that would prevent them from taking the examination
under standard conditions may request special accommodations and arrangements.

Verification of the disability and a statement of the specific type of assistance needed must be made in writing to PSI/
AMP at least 45 calendar days prior to the desired examination date. Please inform PSI/AMP of the need for special
accommodations when scheduling the examination.

Rescheduling an Examination Appointment

A candidate may reschedule an appointment for an examination by calling PSI/AMP at 888-519-9901 at least two
business days prior to the scheduled testing session. (See following table.)

PSI/AMP must be contacted by 3:00

If the examination is scheduled on . . . p.m. Central Time to reschedule the
examination by the previous . . .
Monday Wednesday

Tuesday Thursday

Wednesday Friday

Thursday Monday

Friday Tuesday

The first reschedule request with a two-day notice will be free; any additional reschedules will be at the full certification
application fee. A candidate who wishes to reschedule their examination appointment, but fails to contact PSI/AMP at
least two business days prior to the scheduled date, will forfeit the certification application fee and must reapply to sit
for the examination.

Likewise, exam candidates who are absent for their scheduled examination appointment will forfeit the certification
application fee and must reapply to sit for the examination.

Requesting an Extension
A candidate can extend the 90-day deadline for scheduling and taking an exam by emailing
[email protected] at least two business days prior to the end of the 90-day deadline. ASHRAE will provide an
extension of up to 45 days.

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Inclement Weather, Power Failure or Emergency
In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen emergencies on the day of an examination, PSI/AMP will determine
whether circumstances warrant the cancellation, and subsequent rescheduling, of an examination. If power to an 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 PSI/AMP’s Weather Hotline at 800-380-5416 (24 hours/day) or visit www.goAMP.com prior
to the examination to determine if PSI/AMP has been advised that any Test Centers are closed.

In order for PSI/AMP 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

On the day of your examination appointment, report to the testing room no later than your scheduled testing time.
A CANDIDATE WHO ARRIVES MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER THE SCHEDULED TESTING TIME WILL
NOT BE ADMITTED. To gain admission to the testing room, a candidate needs to present two forms of identification,
one with a photograph. Both forms of identification must be current and include the candidate’s name and signature.
The candidate will also be required to sign a roster for verification of identity.

Acceptable forms of identification include a current:

1. Driver’s license with photograph

2. State identification card with photograph
3. Passport
4. Military identification card with photograph
5. Social security card (secondary form)

Employment ID cards, student ID cards, and any type of temporary identification are NOT acceptable as primary
identification. Candidates are prohibited from misrepresenting their identities or falsifying information to obtain
admission to the testing room.

Security
ASHRAE and PSI/AMP maintain examination administration and security standards that are designed to ensure that
all candidates are provided the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

The following security procedures apply during the examination:

• No cameras, notes, tape recorders, pagers, or cellular/smart phones are allowed in the testing room.
• You are encouraged to bring a non-programmable scientific calculator for the BEMP examination. Only silent,
non-programmable 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. PSI/AMP is not
responsible for items left in other areas.
• Candidates may be subjected to a metal detection scan upon entering the examination room.
• 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.

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 • 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, or you will not receive a score report. 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.
• PSI/AMP 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, their scores will not be reported, and their examination 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,
• 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 aids.

Computer-based Testing
Upon signing in, computer-based testing candidates will be directed to a testing carrel. You will be instructed onscreen
to enter your identification number. Your photograph will remain on screen throughout your examination session. This
photograph will also print on your Score Report.

Prior to attempting the certification examination, you will be given the opportunity to practice taking practice
questions on the computer. The time you use for these practice questions is NOT counted as part of your certification
examination time or result. When you are comfortable with the computer testing process, you may quit the practice
session and begin the timed examination.

Certification Examination Tips

The practice questions should prepare you to navigate through the through the computer-based certification exam.
Here are a few additional 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 complete a “Facility
Questionnaire.” Pencil-and-paper examinees wishing to complete the “Facility Questionnaire,” however, must do so
during the allotted examination time.
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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 2016 will have a renewal deadline of December 31, 2019.

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.

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.

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 C.

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:

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 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; Nonmember: $295.00

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

ASHRAE Member: $295.00; Nonmember: $395.00

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 may
be a certificate of workshop completion, a copy of a publication or a college transcript. 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
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating Items
and Air-Conditioning Engineers Cognitive Level
Healthcare Facilities Design Professional Detailed

Application

Totals
Analysis
Content Outline

Recall
Open cells show an examination could include items from indicated cognitive levels.
Shaded cells prevent appearance of items on examinations.

I. MEDICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION 5 4 1 10

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 the physical characteristics of disease organisms
2. 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
HEALTHCARE FACILITIES 6 2 0 8

A. Standards and Guidelines

1. Recognize common standards from ASHRAE and NFPA
2. Recognize common guidelines from CDC and AIA
3. Recognize requirements of the Joint Commission

B. Regulatory Codes
1. Recognize requirements of model building codes
2. Recognize requirements of CMS
3. Demonstrate understanding of energy code requirements
4. Recognize state and local requirements
 The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating Items
and Air-Conditioning Engineers Cognitive Level
Healthcare Facilities Design Professional Detailed

Application

Totals
Analysis
Content Outline

Recall
Open cells show an examination could include items from indicated cognitive levels.
Shaded cells prevent appearance of items on examinations.

III. HVAC SYSTEM DESIGN FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES 15 22 8 45

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

B. 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. Calculate cost/benefits of energy efficient systems
8. Articulate energy recovery technologies
9. Integrate sustainability into HVAC design

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 psychrometric 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 11 22 4 37
A. Central Plants - Describe need for redundancy to current standards
B. Medical Equipment
1. Demonstrate understanding of contribution to loads
 The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating Items
and Air-Conditioning Engineers Cognitive Level
Healthcare Facilities Design Professional Detailed

Application

Totals
Analysis
Content Outline

Recall
Open cells show an examination could include items from indicated cognitive levels.
Shaded cells prevent appearance of items on examinations.
3. Describe major diagnostic and treatment equipment

4. Describe application of sterilizers

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 contigencies following utility
system failure
2. Evaluate needs following catastrophic events
3. Demonstrate understanding of current literature
4. Demonstrate understanding of hazard vulnerabilty 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
 The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating Items
and Air-Conditioning Engineers Cognitive Level
Healthcare Facilities Design Professional Detailed

Application

Totals
Analysis
Content Outline

Recall
Open cells show an examination could include items from indicated cognitive levels.
Shaded cells prevent appearance of items on examinations.
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
5. Prepare reports per guidelines and standards

TOTALS 37 50 13 100
Appendix B−Detailed Content Outline - 2020
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 C

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

Attendance at meetings and conferences (e.g. National, Annual, Regional) or special 1 PDH for each hour of
conferences 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].