TASK LIST AND ASSUMPTIONS

The NATEF CNG and LPG task list was developed in 1995 with funding from a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy. Between June 20 and August 10, 1995, a national committee was assembled and conducted four, three-day workshops in Herndon, Virginia to identify the standards used in the Light/Medium-Duty CNG and LPG certification programs. The committee consisted of individuals representing the major automobile manufacturers, conversion equipment manufacturers, fuel suppliers, CNG and LPG conversion companies, technicians, and educators. All participants have had significant experience with CNG, LPG, or both.

The committee reviewed NATEF program standards, task list, tools and equipment list, program hours, instructor qualifications, and Evaluation Team Leader (ETL) qualifications. The committee also had the most current NATEF automobile task list, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Light Vehicle-Compressed Natural Gas task list (F-1) and the American Society for Advanced Fuels Technology (ASAFT) task list for reference purposes.

All the tasks are assigned a priority number: P-1, P-2, or P-3. Please refer to the Task List Information in the Policies section for additional information on the requirements for instruction on tasks.

In defining the CNG and LPG task lists for secondary and post-secondary CNG/LPG programs, the committee elected to allow for as much overlap as practical with the Automobile Certification Program. Although an allowance was made for automobile and CNG/LPG programs to overlap, the CNG/LPG Program Certification is a separate, stand alone, certification.

All the tasks are assigned a priority number: P-1, P-2, or P-3. Please refer to the Task List Information in the Policies section for additional information on the requirements for instruction on tasks.

Theory instruction and hands-on performance of all the basic tasks will provide initial training for employment in the CNG/LPG service field. Competency in the tasks will indicate to employers that the graduate is skilled in that area.

1. It is assumed that:

   • in all areas, appropriate theory, safety, and support instruction will be required for performing each task;
   • the instruction has included identification and use of appropriate tools and testing and measurement equipment required to accomplish certain tasks;
   • the student has received the necessary training to locate and use current reference and training materials from accepted industry publications.

2. It is assumed that:

   • all diagnostic and repair tasks described in this document are to be accomplished in accordance with manufacturer's recommended procedures as published. 

3. It is assumed that:

   • individual training programs being evaluated for certification should have written and detailed performance standards for each task covered and taught in the curriculum;
   • learning progress of students will be monitored and evaluated against these performance standards;
   • a system is in place which informs all students of their individual progress through all phases of the training program.

4. It is assumed that:

   • individual courses of study will differ across CNG/LPG technician training programs;
   • development of appropriate learning delivery systems and tests which monitor student progress will be the responsibility of the individual training program.

5. It is assumed that:

   • * all students will receive instruction in the storage, handling, and use of Hazardous Materials as required in Hazard Communication Title 29 Code of Federal Regulation Part 1910.1200, "Right to Know Law".