Two Certifications, Two Very Different Roles
If you work in the elevator industry — or hire people who do — you've probably seen the acronyms CET and QEI on business cards, proposals, and licensing paperwork. They look similar, but they represent fundamentally different skill sets and professional responsibilities.
CET stands for Certified Elevator Technician. QEI stands for Qualified Elevator Inspector. One builds and fixes elevators. The other determines whether those elevators are safe to operate. Understanding the distinction matters whether you're a contractor deciding which credential to pursue, a building owner hiring for maintenance, or a property manager preparing for a code inspection.
CET: Certified Elevator Technician
What It Covers
The CET certification validates hands-on technical competence across the full range of elevator work: installation, modernization, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. It covers traction elevators, hydraulic systems, escalators, and moving walks. A CET-certified technician has demonstrated they can safely work on the equipment, not just talk about it.
Issuing Body
The CET credential is administered by the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC). NAEC has been the primary trade association for elevator contractors since 1950 and developed the CET program to establish a measurable standard of technical knowledge across the industry.
Requirements
Candidates must pass a comprehensive written examination covering:
- Electrical theory and circuitry specific to elevator systems
- Mechanical principles (ropes, sheaves, hydraulic cylinders, door operators)
- Safety code knowledge (ASME A17.1 / CSA B44)
- Installation and maintenance procedures for all major equipment types
- Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Most candidates have completed a multi-year apprenticeship through the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) or equivalent field experience before sitting for the exam. After certification, CETs must complete continuing education credits to maintain their credential — the industry evolves, and NAEC expects certified technicians to keep up.
QEI: Qualified Elevator Inspector
What It Covers
QEI certification is the recognized standard for elevator inspection. Where a CET works on the equipment, a QEI evaluates whether the equipment meets safety codes. QEIs perform acceptance inspections on new installations, periodic inspections on existing equipment, and witness testing to verify that safety devices function correctly.
Issuing Body
The QEI program is administered by NAESA International (National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International) in partnership with ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). The certification is formally designated as the QEI-1 standard under ASME's accreditation framework. Many state and local jurisdictions require QEI certification for anyone performing official elevator inspections.
Requirements
QEI candidates must meet education and experience prerequisites before taking the exam:
- Experience requirement — Typically 3+ years of direct elevator industry experience (installation, maintenance, or inspection)
- Code knowledge — Deep fluency in ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators), A17.2 (inspection guide), and A17.3 (existing elevator safety code)
- Inspection methodology — Understanding of testing procedures, documentation requirements, and violation classification
- Regulatory awareness — Knowledge of how state and local codes adopt and amend the national standards
The QEI exam is notoriously rigorous. It's an open-book test — but the code is dense enough that knowing where to find answers quickly is itself a skill that takes years to develop. Certified QEIs must also maintain their credential through continuing education.
Key Differences: When You Need Each
Here's the practical breakdown:
| Factor | CET | QEI |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Technician (installs, maintains, repairs) | Inspector (evaluates code compliance) |
| Issued by | NAEC | NAESA / ASME |
| Hire when you need | Maintenance, repairs, modernization | Code inspections, acceptance tests |
| Code focus | Application of safety standards | Interpretation and enforcement of safety standards |
| State-mandated? | Varies by state | Required in most jurisdictions for inspectors |
For building owners and property managers: You need a CET (or equivalent licensed technician) for ongoing elevator maintenance and repairs. You need a QEI when it's time for your annual or semi-annual inspection, when you're commissioning a new installation, or when an authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) requires an independent evaluation.
For contractors: If your business focuses on service and installation, CET is the credential that validates your team's technical ability. If you want to add inspection services — or if your state requires third-party inspections — you'll need QEI-certified staff. Some experienced professionals hold both.
CAT: The Third Certification Tier
There's a third credential worth knowing: the Certified Accessibility Technician (CAT), also administered by NAEC. CAT certification focuses specifically on accessibility equipment — wheelchair lifts, inclined platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, and dumbwaiters.
This is a specialized credential for technicians who work primarily on low-rise accessibility equipment rather than commercial passenger elevators. If your building has a wheelchair lift or residential elevator, you want someone with CAT certification (or equivalent experience) for that equipment. For a deeper overview of all three certifications, see our guide on how to find a certified elevator mechanic.
How to Verify a Mechanic's Certification
Credentials only matter if they're real and current. Here's how to verify:
- Request the certification number — Every CET, QEI, and CAT holder has a unique credential number. If they can't produce it, that's a red flag.
- Check with NAEC — For CET and CAT certifications, contact the National Association of Elevator Contractors to confirm active status.
- Check with NAESA — For QEI certification, NAESA International maintains a registry of qualified inspectors.
- Verify state licensing — Many states have their own licensing requirements on top of industry certifications. Check your state's elevator safety board for active licenses.
- Confirm insurance — Certified professionals should carry liability insurance appropriate to the work they perform.
Find Certified Professionals in Your City
We maintain verified directories of certified elevator mechanics across the country. Every listing includes certification status, specialties, and contact information:
- Atlanta Elevator Mechanics
- Houston Elevator Mechanics
- Chicago Elevator Mechanics
- New York Elevator Mechanics
- Los Angeles Elevator Mechanics
- Dallas Elevator Mechanics
- San Antonio Elevator Mechanics
- Austin Elevator Mechanics
- Miami Elevator Mechanics
- Phoenix Elevator Mechanics
- Denver Elevator Mechanics
- Seattle Elevator Mechanics
- Portland Elevator Mechanics
- Minneapolis Elevator Mechanics
- San Diego Elevator Mechanics
- Philadelphia Elevator Mechanics
The Bottom Line
CET and QEI serve different sides of the same safety equation. CETs keep your elevators running. QEIs confirm they're running safely and legally. Neither credential replaces the other, and knowing which one you need for the job at hand saves time, money, and potential compliance headaches.
If you're hiring, ask for the specific credential that matches the work. If you're a technician considering your next career step, both certifications open doors — and holding both puts you in a small, highly respected group of professionals who understand elevators from every angle.
For building owners navigating ADA compliance requirements, see the ADA Elevator Requirements guide for what upgrades require certified technicians.