Looking into NITC renewal for your ASSE 6000 medical gas certification? Before you schedule that Prometric Testing Center appointment, you should know there’s a more convenient alternative that can save you time and money.
Maintaining your ASSE 6000 Series certification is essential for medical gas professionals, but the renewal process doesn’t have to be complicated or disruptive to your work schedule. Medical Gas Certifications (MGC) has revolutionized the recertification process compared to traditional testing agencies like the National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC), making it easier, more affordable, and more convenient for certified professionals to maintain their credentials.
100% Online Renewal Process
The most significant advantage MGC offers is that the entire renewal training and final exam (provided by MGTI) are 100% online and available remotely. This means you can complete your renewal from anywhere—whether that’s your home, office, or even while traveling. There’s no need to take time off from work, arrange transportation, or travel to a testing facility.
In contrast, NITC requires renewal candidates to test in person at Prometric Testing Centers. According to NITC’s own documentation, their recertification examinations are “proctored multiple-choice open book examinations” that must be taken at designated Prometric locations. This requirement can be particularly challenging for professionals in rural areas or those with limited access to testing centers, forcing them to spend valuable time and money on travel and accommodations.
NITC Renewal vs MGC: Cost Comparison
Understanding the true cost of NITC renewal versus MGC is important for making an informed decision.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | NITC Renewal Process | MGC Renewal ($395) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $120 / per certification | One fee for any number of certifications |
| Brazing Continuity | $50 | Included |
| Training Course | Separate purchase required (Avg. Cost $350) | Included |
| Location | In-person at Prometric Center | 100% online |
| Travel Costs | Varies by location | $0 |
| Time Off Work | May be required | Not required |
Total Cost Comparison
| Renewal Examples | NITC (avg.) | MGC |
|---|---|---|
| Single ASSE 6000 Series Certification | $470 | $395 |
| ASSE 6010 and ASME IX Brazing | $520 | $395 |
| 3 ASSE 6000 Series Certifications | $690 | $395 |
MGC renewal program is priced at $395, which includes:
- 4-hour online training course materials
- Access to the program author for questions
- Renewal examination (30 questions)
- ASSE 6000 Certification and Wallet Card
NITC’s recertification fee structure is more fragmented. While their exam fee is $120, candidates must also:
- Complete a separate 4-hour training course through another provider (additional cost which can be as much as $450.00)
- Pay travel expenses to reach a Prometric Testing Center
- Take time off work to attend an in-person testing session
When you factor in the cost of training, travel, lost work time, and the inconvenience of coordinating schedules with testing center availability, MGC’s all-inclusive pricing often represents significant savings.
Flexible Scheduling and Self-Paced Learning
With MGC, candidates have six months from the date of enrollment to complete all requirements. This self-paced approach allows you to:
- Study during times that fit your schedule
- Take breaks as needed without losing progress
- Review material multiple times before taking the exam
- Complete the renewal when you’re truly ready, not when a testing center has availability
NITC’s process requires scheduling an appointment at a Prometric Testing Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Test center availability is displayed in real-time, but NITC “does not guarantee the availability of your preferred test at the time you choose to pay and schedule for your examination.” This can lead to frustrating delays, especially during peak renewal periods or in areas with limited testing center locations.
Immediate Results and Fast Certificate Processing
MGC provides exam results immediately after completion. If you pass the renewal exam, your wall certificate is emailed to you within a few business days and is also available on your account page once processed. Certification wallet cards are sent via U.S. Mail within a couple of weeks.
While NITC also provides results at the completion of the examination, the in-person requirement means you still need to coordinate your schedule and physically attend the testing center to receive those results.
Comprehensive Support and Resources
MGC’s renewal program includes direct access to the program author for questions throughout the training period. This level of support ensures that candidates can clarify any confusion or get help with challenging material without waiting for scheduled office hours or support tickets.
The training is led by Jonathan C. Willard, an ASSE 6050 & 6055 Certified Instructor with over 30 years of experience in the medical gas industry. Mr. Willard serves as chairman of the NFPA 55 Technical Committee and is a Principal Member of both the Medical Gas Piping and Hyperbaric Technical Committees for NFPA 99. He holds all of the ASSE 6000 medical gas system certifications, providing students with expert-level instruction.
Universal Coverage for All ASSE 6000 Certifications
MGC’s NFPA 99, 2024 Renewal training meets the requirements of the ASSE 6000 Professional Qualification Standard and is suitable for ANY of the ASSE 6000 certifications, including:
- ASSE 6005 Generalist
- ASSE 6010 Installer
- ASSE 6015 Bulk Installer
- ASSE 6020 Inspector
- ASSE 6030 Verifier
- ASSE 6035 Bulk Verifier
- ASSE 6040 Maintenance Personnel
- ASSE 6050 Instructor
- ASSE 6060 Systems Designer
This means regardless of which certification you hold, you can use the same streamlined online process to maintain your credentials.
Switching from NITC to MGC Renewal
If you currently hold an ASSE 6000 certification through NITC or another approved third-party agency, MGC makes it easy to transfer. You can transfer any ASSE 6000 certification through their standard renewal course with no extra transfer fee. This allows you to switch to MGC’s more convenient online platform without penalty.
Many medical gas professionals are choosing to renew with MGC instead of going through the NITC recertification process, and the transfer is completely seamless. Your certification remains valid and continuous—you’re simply choosing a more convenient renewal path.
Recovery Options for Lapsed Certifications
MGC also offers a Recovery Course ($595) for certifications that have been expired for more than one year. This 24-hour online training program with a 100-question final exam provides a pathway back to certification without the need to start completely over with initial certification requirements.
Compliance with Current Standards
Both MGC and NITC comply with the ASSE Standard Series 6000’s most current edition of Professional Qualifications Standard for Medical Gas Systems Personnel, which requires all recertification candidates to complete a minimum 4-hour training course covering subsequent editions of NFPA 99. However, MGC integrates this training seamlessly into their online platform, while NITC requires candidates to obtain proof of completion from external training providers before scheduling their in-person exam.
The Bottom Line
For medical gas professionals looking to renew their ASSE 6000 Series certifications, MGC offers a superior experience in nearly every aspect:
- Convenience: 100% online vs. in-person testing at Prometric Centers
- Flexibility: Self-paced learning with 6-month completion window vs. scheduled testing appointments
- Cost: All-inclusive pricing vs. fragmented fees plus travel expenses
- Time: No travel or time off from work required
- Support: Direct access to expert instructors
- Accessibility: Available anywhere with internet access
While NITC has been a longstanding provider in the certification industry, MGC’s innovative online approach better serves the needs of modern medical gas professionals who value efficiency, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
If you’re approaching your certification renewal date, consider making the switch to MGC’s streamlined online platform. With immediate access upon enrollment, comprehensive training materials, and the ability to complete everything from your own location, you’ll save time, money, and stress while maintaining the same high standards required by the ASSE 6000 Series Professional Qualification Standard.
To learn more about MGC’s renewal program or to start your renewal process, visit https://medgascerts.com/renewal/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from NITC to MGC for my renewal?
Yes, absolutely. MGC accepts transfers from NITC and any other approved third-party certification agency. There’s no extra transfer fee—simply enroll in MGC’s standard renewal course and your certification will remain continuous with no gap in validity.
How much does NITC renewal cost compared to MGC?
NITC’s exam fee is $120, but you must also pay for separate training (typically ranging from $250 to $450), plus potential travel costs to reach a Prometric Center and time off from work. In contrast, MGC’s all-inclusive $395 price covers everything: training, exam, certification, and wallet card—all completed online from your location.
Does NITC renewal require in-person testing?
Yes, NITC requires all renewal candidates to take their recertification exam at a Prometric Testing Center in person. You must bring your own reference materials and schedule an appointment based on center availability. MGC’s renewal exam is completed entirely online.
How long does the NITC renewal process take vs MGC?
NITC requires coordinating schedules with Prometric Testing Centers, completing separate training, and traveling to a test location. MGC gives you 6 months to complete self-paced online training and testing whenever you’re ready, with no appointments or travel required.