National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC)

What National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) does

The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) is a U.S.-based not-for-profit trade association incorporated in 1948 under the laws of the State of Georgia and operating under IRS Code 501(c)(6). Headquartered in Conyers, Georgia, NAEC serves as the premier industry association for the U.S. vertical transportation sector, with a stated mission of promoting safety, education, and innovation among elevator contractors, suppliers, inspectors, and industry associates. The organization reports 700+ members and 2,000+ professionals trained through its programs over its 75+ year history.

NAEC's core product is a portfolio of three ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited certification programs — Certified Elevator Technician (CET), Certified Accessibility Technician (CAT), and Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) — that satisfy OSHA credentialing requirements. These certifications are supported by a structured pipeline spanning apprenticeship programs, continuing education courses, and an online Certification Management Hub for application, renewal, and verification. The association extends its reach through a PathLMS-powered eLearning portal, a Credly-based digital badge system, a quarterly Mainline newsletter, and a media partnership with Elevator World.

The revenue model is diversified across annual membership dues (for contractors, suppliers, and industry associates), certification renewal fees (CAT/CET renewing December 31, QEI on September 30), event revenue from the Annual Convention and Exposition (200+ exhibitors) and Spring Education Conference, continuing education course fees, regional workshops, and Premier Partnerships (e.g., VANTAGE for 2026). NAEC also coordinates with the Elevator Industry Safety Partners alliance with OSHA on a five-year worker safety program. As a 501(c)(6) entity, NAEC does not publicly disclose revenue, and the organization is member-governed with no parent company or equity ownership.

Name

National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC)

Legal name

National Association of Elevator Contractors

Website

https://naec.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

NAEC is a 75-year-old U.S. not-for-profit trade association serving 700+ elevator contractors, suppliers, and inspectors with ANAB-accredited certifications, continuing education, apprenticeship programs, and annual industry events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Programmatic Accreditors (Discipline/Profession-Specific) (EDADACAC)

Keywords

• Elevator industry certification
• Trade association services
• Continuing education programs
• Professional certification programs
• Industry training events

Headquarters

HQ city

Conyers

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

NAEC is a not-for-profit trade association providing ANSI/ANAB-accredited certification programs (CET, CAT, QEI), structured education and apprenticeship programs, and industry events for the elevator vertical transportation sector. The association serves elevator contractors, suppliers, inspectors, and accessibility technicians with credentialing, continuing education, and networking through annual conventions, spring education conferences, and regional workshops.

Product overview

NAEC is a professional association serving the elevator industry, offering a comprehensive suite of education, certification, and professional development services. The organization provides three main certification programs (CAT, CET, QEI), structured education programs, apprenticeship training, and a certification management hub with online application and renewal systems. NAEC also organizes major industry events including the Spring Education Conference and Annual Convention & Exposition with over 200 exhibitors. Additional offerings include the Mainline Newsletter publication, industry keywords and acronyms reference resources, and approved continuing education courses delivered via eLearning platforms. The organization does not offer a commercial software product but rather serves as the premier association representing the elevator industry with 75+ years of leadership since its founding in 1948.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CET (Certified Elevator Technician): Industry-recognized certification program for elevator technicians, accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
• CAT (Certified Accessibility Technician)
• QEI (Qualified Elevator Inspector)
• NAEC Annual Convention and Exposition
• Spring Education Conference

Products and services

• Certification Programs (CAT, CET, QEI) Industry-recognized certification programs including Certified Accessibility Technician (CAT), Certified Elevator Technician (CET), and Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) that validate skills and knowledge for compliance with industry standards and safety codes. Accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
• Education Programs Comprehensive education programs providing essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in the elevator industry, covering latest technologies and best practices through both online and in-person formats.
• Apprenticeship Programs Hands-on apprenticeship programs combining classroom instruction with real-world training to develop the next generation of skilled professionals in the elevator and accessibility industries.
• Certification Management Hub Online portal providing resources for applying for, verifying, renewing, and managing NAEC certifications, including appeals, complaints, and incident reporting.
• Spring Education Conference Annual spring conference offering robust agenda of education, business development, and professional networking opportunities for NAEC membership, featuring education sessions, golf tournaments, and social events.
• Annual Convention and Exposition Annual convention and expo providing networking opportunities with over 200 exhibitors from the vertical transportation industry, featuring the latest trends, technology and products.
• Regional Workshops Specialized workshops held throughout the year covering key industry topics from technical skills to business strategies, offering hands-on learning and valuable insights on ASME code changes and field safety.
• Mainline Newsletter Industry-leading publication keeping members informed with the latest news, trends, and developments in the elevator industry, published quarterly via Issuu platform.
• eLearning (Path LMS) Web-based eLearning platform providing convenient online learning resources for continuing education requirements, accessible anytime, anywhere via Path LMS by Blue Sky eLearning.
• CE Approved Courses NAEC-approved continuing education courses designed to help Certified Elevator Technicians, Certified Accessibility Technicians, and Qualified Elevator Inspectors maintain credentials while meeting state licensing requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2000+ professionals trained through education and certification initiatives
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• VANTAGEcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026VANTAGE serves as the NAEC Premier Partner for 2026, leading the way in connecting with vertical transportation industry leaders and helping them solve their greatest challenges. VANTAGE provides continued support of NAEC and the elevator industry at large.
• Elevator WorldcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Elevator World is the media partner of NAEC and is recognized as the leading publication in the vertical transportation industry, providing industry insights and news to members.
• ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)coreOthers
• Elevator Industry Safety PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSHA and the Elevator Industry Safety Partners have a five-year alliance to improve worker safety nationwide, addressing major safety risks such as falls and electrical hazards through targeted training, data sharing, and unified partnerships.
• PathLMS (Blue Sky eLearning)supportingTechnology or IntegrationBlue Sky eLearning provides the Path LMS platform used by NAEC to deliver online education and continuing education courses to certified elevator professionals.
• CredlysupportingTechnology or IntegrationCredly provides the digital badge platform that enables NAEC certified professionals to showcase and share their earned certifications across social media, websites, and email signatures.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): NFPA establishes codes and standards (including those affecting elevator safety) and delivers related training and certification. It is comparable to NAEC through its standards-driven professional development and certification business.
• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): ASHRAE is a technical society serving HVAC professionals with standards, training, and certification. It functions as a comparable trade body governing a specific vertical through credentialing and professional education much like NAEC does for elevator professionals.
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC): IEC is a competing electrical contractor association with a similar apprenticeship, education, and certification footprint, providing a close parallel for how NAEC competes in a single trade vertical.
• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC): PHCC is a national trade association for plumbing and HVAC contractors, providing comparable member services including apprenticeship, continuing education, and industry events.
• National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA): NECA is the premier trade association for electrical contractors and operates essentially the same model as NAEC: apprenticeship training, continuing education, conferences, and credentialing for a specific contractor vertical. Structurally near-twin to NAEC.
• Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA): SMACNA serves HVAC and sheet metal contractors with education, certification, and technical resources analogous to NAEC, making it a directly comparable contractor trade association model.
• Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA): MCAA represents mechanical contractors with education, apprenticeship, and conference offerings closely mirroring NAEC's structure, including recognized certification and continuing education for trade professionals.
• Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA): ACCA represents HVAC contractors with education, certification, and training programs that overlap structurally with NAEC's apprenticeship and CE offerings for a different contractor vertical.

Broad incumbents

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): ASME develops the A17.1 elevator code that NAEC's QEI inspectors reference and certify against. As a broader engineering society with standards, training, and credentialing, ASME is the upstream incumbent shaping NAEC's compliance-driven curriculum.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): ABC is a broader construction trade association offering apprenticeship, training, and certification across multiple trades. It overlaps with NAEC in workforce development and credentialing but operates across the entire construction industry.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC)