SkillCat has partnered with NATE (North American Technician Excellence) to make NATE RTW certification more accessible.

Through this collaboration, the NATE Ready-to-Work (RTW) certificate is now available directly inside SkillCat’s mobile app - empowering anyone, anywhere to study, prepare, and get certified entirely from their phone.

A revolution in how people enter the trades

Founded by Ruchir Shah, SkillCat has already trained over 300,000 learners through gamified simulations that teach HVAC, plumbing, electrical and appliance repair skills.

“SkillCat is an online training platform for the skilled trades,” says Shah. “We offer over 1,500 hours of training through virtual simulations that teach HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliance repair, and general maintenance. Everything is gamified, and we make it affordable.”

By merging industry-recognized credentials with mobile-first learning, SkillCat and NATE have erased one of the biggest barriers keeping people out of high-paying trade careers: accessibility.

Breaking down barriers — one exam at a time

The NATE Ready-to-Work exam, designed for entry-level HVAC candidates, is now available on-demand via SkillCat’s platform - no classroom, no laptop, no travel, no proctor required.

“The Ready-to-Work exam is a perfect first step for anyone just starting out,” Shah explains. “It gives candidates a real credential they can show employers, proving they have foundational HVAC knowledge before even stepping onto a jobsite. By offering it on SkillCat, we’re removing barriers — you can prepare and take it right on your phone.”

Powering the next generation of HVAC technicians

The HVAC workforce crisis is no secret - but Shah believes this is the solution.

“People just don’t realize how incredible these jobs are,” he says. “You can have zero debt, make great money, and work in a field that’s not going to be automated away. Job satisfaction in the trades is around 90 percent, compared to 40 or 50 percent in most office jobs.”

“Once learners complete their training and certifications, we encourage them to go knock on doors, meet contractors, and get real-world experience,” says Shah. “SkillCat provides the foundation, and employers provide the mentorship and hands-on learning.”

Making opportunity universal

“Not everyone can afford to leave the workforce for two or three years to go to a trade school,” Shah notes. “SkillCat gives people a way to train, certify, and get hired without that barrier.”

From middle school students exploring career paths to veterans and working parents reinventing themselves, SkillCat’s platform meets learners where they are and brings the trades to their fingertips.

As SkillCat continues expanding into commercial refrigeration, building maintenance, and advanced certifications, the company is betting on technology and accessibility to reshape the future of the trades.

“The reason HVACR companies don’t grow faster isn’t because they can’t find customers,” Shah says. “It’s because they can’t find workers. Training, testing, and certification are the solution - and SkillCat and NATE are working together to make them more accessible than ever.”