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Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Information for:
Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO)
Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO)
Information Handbook and Application Form
Valid for examinations offered January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014
2013 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook
INTRODUCTION ______________________________________________________________________ 1 OBJECTIVES ________________________________________________________________________ 1 CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS ___________________________________________________________ 1 Do I Need to Study Anything to Take the Test? ____________________________________________ 1 CERTIFIED ASSISTANT REFRIGERATION OPERATOR (CARO) . 1
CARO EXAMINATION DESCRIPTION __________________________________________________ 1 CARO EXAMINATION CONTENT _____________________________________________________ 2
CERTIFIED INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATION OPERATOR (CIRO) . 2
CIRO EXAMINATION DESCRIPTION __________________________________________________ 2 CIRO EXAMINATION CONTENT: _____________________________________________________ 3
HOW EACH EXAMINATION IS GIVEN ____________________________________________________ RETA CODE OF CONDUCT _____________________________________________________________ 4 ADHERING TO THE RETA CODE OF CONDUCT ____________________________________________ 4 ELIGIBILITY FOR RETA CERTIFICATION _________________________________________________ 5 CANDIDATE BEHAVIOR DURING RETA CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS ______________________ 5 DISCIPLINARY ACTION ________________________________________________________________ 5 COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM _________________________________________________ 6 RESCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION _____________________________________________________ 6 NO SHOW OR WITHDRAWAL ___________________________________________________________ 6 EXAMINATION PERMIT ________________________________________________________________ 6 SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION ________________________________________________________ 6 TAKING THE TEST AND RECEIVING YOUR SCORES _______________________________________ 6 RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATION _________________________________________________________ 7 EXAMINATION FEE ___________________________________________________________________ 7 RE-EXAMINATION ____________________________________________________________________ 7 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ___________________________________________ 7 CHALLENGES TO QUESTIONS _________________________________________________________ 8 APPEALING SCORES _________________________________________________________________ 8 REQUESTS FOR SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ___________________________________________ 8 IMPROPER USE OF RETA IDENTIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION ____________________________ 8 CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION APPLICATION ____________________________________________ 9 EXAMINATION FEE - __________________________________________________________________ 9 VERIFICATION OF EXPERIENCE FOR CERTIFIED INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATION OPERATORS (CIRO) . 11 APPLICATION CHECKLIST . 12 REFERENCES AND TRAINING OPTIONS TO PREPARE FOR RETA EXAMINATION . 13
The Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, disabling condition, religion, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.
2013 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook
INTRODUCTION Do I Need to Study Anything to Take
The Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians
the Test?
Association (RETA) was established in 1910.
RETA’s mission is to enhance the professional
industrial refrigeration operation, theory, process
development of industrial refrigeration operators
and safety in and around a system. You may take
CARO or CIRO without purchasing or reviewing
RETA references or other source materials but your
Certification is a process that recognizes an
chances of meeting RETA certification standards
individual’s qualifications and demonstrated
may improve if you review appropriate information
knowledge. The RETA certification program was
before taking the test. Completing a study course
first offered in 1988. RETA Certification is available
does not guarantee success passing any RETA
at two levels: Certified Assistant Refrigeration
Operator (CARO) and Certified Industrial
CERTIFIED ASSISTANT REFRIGERATION OPERATOR
Certification is based on knowledge shown by
The Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator
meeting designated eligibility requirements and
(CARO) is an entry-level examination designed to
passing the certification examination. The
identify whether an operator has the basic
certification process helps individuals improve their
knowledge to function safely in an engine room
skills and provides employers with a benchmark for
under the supervision of a more experienced
evaluating job applicants and employees.
operator. There are no minimum experience requirements.
Certification provides third-party validation that an
operator or assistant operator has met standard
CARO EXAMINATION DESCRIPTION
requirements for experience and knowledge.
The CARO examination is based on practical
experience and the technical content outlined on
OBJECTIVES
page 2. The test consists of 110 multiple-choice
The objectives of the certification program are:
items. You will have three hours to complete the test,
which is given in English. You must answer at least
To establish a nationally recognized standard of
70% of the questions correctly in order to pass the
refrigeration plant operators and supervisors.
To assist the refrigeration industry in developing
The CARO Exam Supplement includes information
and recognizing qualified refrigeration plant
you will need to take the Refrigerating Engineers &
Technicians Association Certified Assistant
To encourage technical training and education,
Refrigeration Operator (CARO) examination. You
as well as practical experience, for refrigeration
may print as many of the Website Study Copy of
the CARO Exam Supplement as you wish to help you prepare for the test, but you may not use a
To promote safety in industrial refrigeration
To increase public recognition of the skills
RETA WILL SEND A SEALED COPY OF THIS
needed in the industrial refrigeration field.
SUPPLEMENT TO YOU AFTER YOU ARE APPROVED TO TAKE THE TEST. BRING THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS SEALED COPY WITH YOU TO THE TESTING
RETA offers certification at two levels, the Certified
CENTER.
Assistant Refrigeration Operator for operators new
to the field and the Certified Industrial Refrigeration
THE ENVELOPE CONTAINING YOUR EXAM COPY OF THE CARO SUPPLEMENT MUST BE
Operator for operators with two or more years’
OPENED ONLY BY AN EXAM PROCTOR AT THE TEST CENTER ON THE DAY YOU TAKE
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
THE TEST. IF THE SEAL IS BROKEN OR
efficient operation through proper maintenance
ALTERED, YOU WILL HAVE TO TEST WITHOUT THE SUPPLEMENT OR FORFEIT THE SEAT
Satisfactory completion of the following RETA
TIME AND FEE FOR THIS TEST.
industrial refrigeration courses is suggested but
does not guarantee a passing score on the
YOU ALSO MUST SURRENDER THE CARO EXAM SUPPLEMENT AND ANY NOTES YOU MAKE DURING THE TEST BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE TEST CENTER.
Industrial Refrigeration II (Systems)
Industrial Refrigeration IV (Plant Operation
CARO EXAMINATION CONTENT:
The CARO examination is based on concepts
Basic Electricity II (Ladder Diagrams)
Control Theory & Fundamentals I
Industrial Refrigeration IV (safety section only)
Control Theory & Fundamentals II
Other publications are available that introduce the
content areas examined in the CARO test. RETA
Other publications are available that introduce the
does not endorse or guarantee that all content areas
content areas examined in the CIRO test. RETA
in the CARO exam are covered in these materials.
does not endorse or guarantee that all content areas
See the last page of this handbook for a list of
in the CIRO exam are covered in these materials.
alternative study references and training options.
See the last page of this handbook for a list of
alternative study references and training options.
The following content areas are in the CARO
examination. The percentage of the examination
devoted to each content area is shown below.
CIRO EXAMINATION DESCRIPTION
The certification examination is based on practical
11% experience and the technical content outlined above.
9% The test consists of 135 multiple-choice items. You
will have 3 hours to complete the test which is given
in English. You must answer at least 70% of the
questions correctly in order to pass the examination.
Operation and maintenance of compressors 13%
16% The CIRO Exam Supplement includes information
you will need to take the Refrigerating Engineers &
Technicians Association Certified Industrial
Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) examination. You
4% may print as many of the Website Study Copy of
the CIRO Exam Supplement as you wish to help
you prepare for the test, but you may not use a
This content outlne is supported by refrigeration
industry surveys and continuous reviews by the
CERTIFIED INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATION OPERATOR
A minimum of two years of verified experience
in industrial refrigeration plant operation is
demonstrated ability to properly operate a plant
to provide refrigeration, heat, air conditioning,
and/or ventilation as required for safe and
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
HP/TON, etc.) cost and efficiency (kWh, kW, Kw/
This content outlne is supported by refrigeration
industry surveys and continuous reviews by the
The examination format includes independent
questions and scenarios based on generic screens
HOW EACH EXAMINATION IS GIVEN
(see sample on page 3). The supplemental package
RETA offers the examinations through a computer
will be collected by the proctor after you have
based administration company. There are more than
200 centers in the United States. The Certification Page of the RETA website helps you find the test center closest to your area. The test center uses computers on which you take the exam. The exam is multiple choice. You answer each question by clicking the response you choose. If there is a networking problem or equipment problem that prevents a candidate from finishing the examination RETA will schedule another examination time that is convenient to the testing candidate. RETA will pay the testing fees.
You may bring and use a hand-held calculator
The application form is available on the RETA.COM
website. You may download and print this
application form to apply. After you fill out the
CIRO EXAMINATION CONTENT:
application form, send it and the money to pay for
The following content areas are in the CIRO
the test to RETA Headquarters. RETA staff will
examination. The percentage of the examination
review the form and contact you if there are any
devoted to each content area is indicated.
Fundamentals & Introductory Concepts 23%
After everything is completed and verified, RETA
properties & tables, condensers & high-
Headquarters will send you an email with
instructions to contact staff to schedule an exam for
types & operation, lubrication, evaporators & cooling units.
Motor operation, test instruments & controls, reading ladder diagrams
Valves & controls, two-staged refrigeration system operations, other refrigeration system operations, heat
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
RETA CODE OF CONDUCT
information related to all aspects of my
The RETA Code of Conduct sets the professional
standards required of all RETA members and
I will follow all requirements established by
certificate holders. RETA certification and
membership affirms your agreement to abide by
these standards to advance the integrity, honor and
describing my qualifications, training and
prestige of all persons and organizations in the
experience in the refrigeration industry.
refrigeration industry. By signing the RETA Code of
Conduct you agree to strive to meet the following
investigation of test security, validity,
conflicts of interest or possible violations of
I recognize the urgency of protecting the
11. I will maintain open and constructive
refrigeration facilities and the public and
relationships with those governmental and
refrigeration equipment and supplies at my
refrigeration industry with the intent of
level of knowledge, skill and experience.
fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust and
I accept responsibility for assuring that
respect on behalf of myself and those for
will be qualified by training, education and
I will refuse to engage in any behavior that
could be perceived as a threat to the health
equipment in the refrigeration facility at
and safety at refrigeration facilities, of other
employees and the public. This includes but
I will promote training and education of
is not limited to problems with chemical
those refrigeration personnel with whom I
qualified to maintain and improve the safety
adversely affect the safety of refrigeration
refrigeration facilities for which they have
13. I will support RETA local chapters to
advance local influence and adherence to
I accept responsibility for my own continued
professional development as well as that of
those I supervise and will participate in
ADHERING TO THE RETA CODE OF
maintain competence in the refrigeration
All activities of the Refrigerating Engineers and
conducted with policies and procedures consistent
regulations that apply to safe operation of
with RETA Bylaws and the RETA Code of Conduct.
The RETA Code of Conduct shall apply to all RETA
I will act responsibly and with integrity in all
members, directors, officers, staff, task force
refrigeration industry and RETA activities by
members, certification candidates, certificate
adhering to high standards of professional
holders, employees and consultants. The RETA
conduct to protect the health and safety of
Code of Conduct is intended to maintain the
employees, employers, the public and all
confidence and respect of industry employers and
others affected by refrigeration facilities and
their employees. It also is intended to protect the
public’s health and safety as well as every person
I will avoid conduct or practices that could
in a position of responsibility in the refrigeration
discredit the refrigeration industry like
deceiving or harming employees, employers
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
ELIGIBILITY FOR RETA
cooperation in any RETA investigation of possible violations of test validity and security. RETA
CERTIFICATION
reserves the right to cancel any exam score if, in the
sole opinion of RETA, there is adequate reason to
No individual is eligible for RETA certification
question its validity. RETA, in its discretion, may
unless he/she is in compliance with the RETA
offer the individual an opportunity to take the
examination again at no additional fee, offer the
suspend, or otherwise act upon certification or
individual an opportunity to take the examination
membership of any individual who is not in
again including payment of all fees, or proceed with
compliance with the RETA Code of Conduct.
disciplinary action as described in these procedures.
The individual must truthfully complete and
Following any administrative exam irregularities, the
sign the RETA application for certification
Executive Director, on advice from the Consulting
and shall provide additional information as
Psychometrician, will review the matter and decide
requested. All documents and information
whether to cancel scores, and whether the
provided to RETA as part of the certification
candidate may be offered a retest at RETA expense
process are the property of RETA and will
or at his/her expense. Such actions may be subject
to appeal as described in these procedures.
All RETA members, certification candidates
and certificate holders agree to waive al
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
claims against and will hold harmless RETA, its staff, volunteers and agents which arise
out of or relate to any RETA investigation
RETA may reject or suspend the eligibility of any
and review of alleged violations of the RETA
certification candidate, suspend or revoke the
certification of any certificate holder, or refuse to recertify any person who is found to have engaged
in any of the following violations or any part of the
CANDIDATE BEHAVIOR DURING RETA CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS
certification through submission of fraudulent, misleading or untruthful
The testing center will ask you for TWO forms of
qualifications, training and experience.
identification when you appear to take your exam. They will be looking for a second signature that matches the one presented as your primary
examination materials in any form, including
identification. Be sure that you have signed the
but not limited to recreating from memory,
reverse side of your credit card if you are going to
copying, posting on any website, reproducing
question or test-related materials or content
Any use of unauthorized materials during
not released by RETA to all certification
administration of a RETA certification examination
may result in immediate disqualification and an
Any conviction for criminal acts in connection
automatic failing score. RETA may withdraw
with activities for which the individual is
eligibility for certification from any candidate who
certified by RETA, including but not limited to
uses prohibited materials during an examination,
drug- or alcohol-related offenses which could
has any unauthorized contact with anyone other
than test center staff during an examination, or
possible threat to the health and safety of
engages in other unethical, disruptive or
refrigeration facilities, other employees and
unprofessional behavior at a test center.
Unauthorized or illegal use of any registered
In order to protect the validity and security of RETA
certification mark or logo owned by RETA.
testing and certification programs, misconduct or
suspicious circumstances may render a test score
RETA Disciplinary Policy and Procedures (available on the RETA website) provide detailed information for
invalid. If doubts are raised about a score because
bringing charges and for hearings and appeals related to
of these or other circumstances, RETA expects
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
permit will provide the information you need to
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
arrange your test experience. You will choose the location and will make an appointment with the test
center. You will not be admitted to the examination
Your RETA membership must be current at the
without the permit and photo identification.
time of application in order to qualify for the
member rate. If your company is a corporate member, you (the certification applicant) must be
SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION
one of the company’s designated members to
Examination appointments are scheduled through
RETA Headquarters. Contact staff on business
1. Complete all sections of the application
days between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm, Pacific Time.
2. Print or type all information except your
The availability of testing seats is subject to change
at any time. Be prepared to commit to securing a
3. If you are an RETA member, attach a photocopy
location, time and date when you call RETA. It
sometimes happens that seats and dates that are
application. This photocopy assists staff to
available one day may not be available later on,
even on the same day. Many Kryterion® test
centers are limited to less than 4 available seats at
4. Include the appropriate application fee in the
one time. Staff will work for you to find a site and
form of personal or company check, money
order, or credit card information. Make your
check payable to Refrigerating Engineers &
RESCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION
Technicians Association. Purchase orders are
Candidates may reschedule a test by contacting
RETA Headquarters no less than four business days
5. Mail the application form with attachments and
(96 hours) before the scheduled date of their test.
Tests that are rescheduled after the 96 hour deadline will require a processing fee of $125 to cover the charges that RETA will be charged by the testing company.
Your application will be considered incomplete if any
NO-SHOW OR WITHDRAWAL
of the information or the fee is not included. You will
You will forfeit all fees if you fail to show at the test
be informed of any steps needed to take to complete
center at the appointed time without rescheduling at
your application. Examination permits will be issued
least four business days before your scheduled test
only to candidates with complete applications. RETA
date. If you withdraw your application for RETA
reserves the right to verify the eligibility of any
certification at least five business days before your
scheduled test date, you may request a refund of up to half the RETA application fee. If you are not Returned Check Fee $35
able to test, you may not transfer your registration to
Any applicant whose personal check is returned for
insufficient funds is required to pay this fee.
Remittance of fees thereafter must be by money
TAKING THE TEST AND RECEIVING YOUR SCORES EXAMINATION PERMIT
Each question will appear on the test center screen
If your application is complete, you will receive an
one at a time. You can record your answer to each question, skip the question, or mark it for review.
examination permit by US mail. If you give us an
You can review questions you have skipped or
email address we will notify you that the permit and
marked for review at any time. After you indicate
supplemental package is on its way by email. The
that you have finished answering and reviewing
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
questions, you may end the test. The test will end
EXAMINATION FEE RETA member $390
After you finish the test a short survey will follow to
Non-member $560
gather information about your RETA testing
experience. This is the best place to inform
Your RETA membership must be current at the
RETA about any concerns you might have about the exam content or problems that might occur
time of application in order to qualify for the
while taking the exam. RETA uses this input to
member rate. If your company is a corporate
member, the certification applicant must be one of
the company’s designated members to qualify for
You will be notified of your examination results
immediately after the examination. A preliminary
RE-EXAMINATION
score report will be given to you at the testing center
If you do not pass the examination, you may take the
after you have taken the exam. Some but not all
examination again one time at two thirds of the fee
testing centers are capable of giving you a printed
paid within one year following your initial test ($260
members / $365 non-members). To do so, you must
submit a new application and fee. Minimum time
Your score report will tell you whether you passed or
between testing sessions is two weeks when
failed the examination, the percent of questions
accounting for US Postal Service delivery service.
answered correctly and section subscores. This
report is e-mailed to you directly after you take the
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLIC
exam (this is one reason that it is essential that you have a valid e-mail address). A follow up report and
INFORMATION
your certificate will be mailed to you by
To ensure the security of the examination, the test
materials are confidential and individual results will
not be released to any person or agency except the candidate and RETA. A candidate’s individual test
RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATION
results will be released to others only upon the
The RETA Code of Conduct requires all RETA
candidate’s written request. To avoid the
certificate holders to participate in appropriate
possibility of a release of your test results to
certification and training activities to acquire,
others it is necessary that you provide RETA an
demonstrate and maintain their competence in the
email address that you control. The instructions
refrigeration industry. Each RETA certificate
and communications, including test results, are
expires three years after it is issued. Recertification
emailed to the address you provide. If you use some
candidates may establish that their knowledge and
other person’s email address as the contact address
skills are still current for their level of RETA
for you, they may have access to your results
certification either by taking the then current
examination for that classification or by providing
RETA with the required documentation of his/her
When an operator has achieved RETA certification,
that fact is considered public information. It is
Continuing education credits can be earned by
RETA’s policy to verify certification upon request.
documenting participation in professional training
related to RETA certification at RETA chapter
certification status other than whether an individual is
meetings, the RETA Annual Meeting, employer-
sponsored training and refrigeration training seminars. Procedures for documenting training
credits to apply for recertification are available on
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
Test centers may accommodate candidates with
CHALLENGES TO QUESTIONS
disabilities that interfere with test taking. Confirm with
the testing center that they have the necessary
Any candidate may challenge the validity of a
fixtures and facilities to address your specific needs.
question on a RETA examination at the end of the
examination period by identifying the question
IMPROPER USE OF RETA
number and describing why he/she thinks it is not appropriate. This survey function is provided by the
IDENTIFICATION AND
testing company for candidate comments at the
CERTIFICATION
end of the exam before the scoring is done.
RETA examinations and their content are the
RETA also conducts periodic statistical reviews of
property of RETA. These examinations are available
candidate performance on each question. If scoring
only to those persons who desire in good faith to
adjustments result from these psychometric
become certified by meeting RETA certification
reviews, they are applied automatically to all
requirements. By applying for RETA certification,
candidate scores. Revised score reports are issued
each candidate agrees to the following provisions.
to any candidate whose status changes from fail to
Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operation
APPEALING SCORES
Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) designations
An appeal procedure is available to individuals who
when they meet all requirements established
wish to contest an adverse decision made by RETA.
by RETA. A CARO or CIRO certificate holder has demonstrated expertise gained from
study, training and experience in the safe
Candidates do not have the right of appeal of
handling of materials and safe operation of
actions: (1) resulting from failure to meet published
procedure(s), or (2) based on RETA’s actions in
All RETA examinations, certificates, cards,
setting a passing score which resulted in the
logos, patches and emblems and the names
individual's failure to pass the certification
Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator
(CARO) and Certified Industrial Refrigeration
Operator (CIRO) are property of RETA and
examination in writing via U.S. Mail, facsimile or E-
express written consent of RETA. Individuals
mail to RETA headquarters within 14 calendar days
after their examination date. RETA will respond in
comply with RETA rules in all references to
writing to all appeals after review of the candidate’s
results by the RETA Certification Committee.
Any individual RETA suspends, reprimands, limits or revokes from RETA certification or
authorization due to failure to meet RETA
REQUESTS FOR SPECIAL
requirements shall immediately relinquish,
ACCOMMODATIONS
refrain from using and correct at their own
Candidates who are unable to complete a RETA
certification examination under standard conditions
must submit documentation to support their request
certificate, card, logo, patch, emblem, and
for special accommodations. This request must
specify the modifications of the examination
procedure that they believe are appropriate and
must be submitted with the initial application for
immediately, refrain from using and correct at
RETA certification or recertification. RETA will
his or her expense any misuse or misleading
evaluate each request to determine that it does not
interfere with the candidate’s ability to perform the
individual agrees that RETA shall be entitled
work of a certified refrigeration professional.
to obtain injunctive relief, damages costs and attorney's fees incurred in obtaining any such or other relief.
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION APPLICATION
Please print or type all information. Mail completed application to RETA Certification, PO Box 1819, Salinas, CA 93902. Please call 831/455/8783 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Pacific Time if you have questions regarding your application or membership status. Please be sure to return both pages of the application. Faxed applications are not accepted. Penmanship counts – please be sure we can read your information correctly. You receive your initial instructions, scheduling confirmation, and your test results via email. It is very important that you provide a valid e-mail address that you control when applying for certification. Your signature below acknowledges that you waive any Privacy Act issues if the email address provided by you is not one that is yours. Please contact RETA Headquarters if you do not have an e-mail address through which we may communicate with you.
Your Name Exactly as You Want it on Your Certificate
Your RETA Membership Number and Expiration Date:
E-mail address IMPORTANT: A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS IS MANDATORY – SEE THE CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT ON PAGE 7 OF THIS APPLICATION.
Do you have a need for special accommodations at the testing center? Please describe what you need.
EXAMINATION FEE -
The fee must be in the form of personal or company check, money order, or credit card. Purchase orders are not accepted. Applications submitted without the fee will be considered incomplete and you will not be permitted to test until the fee is paid. Be sure to include your membership number (if applicable) and expiration date. For corporate memberships, the applicant must be one of the designated members to qualify for the member rate.
Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator
Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator
Check payable to Refrigerating Engineers & Technician Association
Credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
(This section must be completed by all candidates)
I hereby apply for RETA certification and verify that all information provided is accurate. I understand that any misrepresentation on this application will result in failure to become certified, and my application and examination fee will be forfeited. I understand that if I provide RETA an email address for my results transmittal that is not my own, I waive all rights that are associated with the Privacy Act. I authorize the evaluation and validation of my credentials by RETA. In furtherance of my application, I authorize any individual or organization who may have information concerning my credentials to provide such information to RETA. I hereby waive any claim for damages that I may have against RETA and any individual or organization that supplies such information by reason of any act or omission by any of them taken in good faith in connection with this application. I understand that the decision as to whether I qualify for certification rests solely and exclusively in RETA and that its decision is final. By signing and submitting this application, I also agree to adhere to the RETA Code of Conduct. As a RETA Certified Professional I will:
Comply with the relevant provisions of the RETA Certification program. Make no claims of being certified outside of the certification credential(s) I hold. Not use my RETA Certification status in any manner that brings disrepute to RETA or
misrepresents RETA Certification with false or misleading statements.
Not use my RETA Certification in a misleading manner. Discontinue my claim to RETA Certification if my certificate is revoked or if I fail to maintain my
certificate through evidence of on-going training and the accrual of recognized Professional Development Hours and Continuing Education Units.
What material did you study to prepare for taking this examination? (Check all that apply) Modern Refrigeration & Air ConditioningRefrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology – 5th Edition Refrigeration Equipment - A.C. Bryant
Refrigeration Principles, Practice & Performance - C. Langley
Industrial Refrigeration Handbook - Wilbert Stoecker
TPC Training Series - SchoolCraft
Industrial Refrigeration Energy Efficiency Guidebook - IRC
Industrial Refrigeration Best Practices Guide – Cascade Energy
Did you take an 8~40 hour course to prepare for this exam?
IF YES – Where did you receive this instruction?
Did you take the On-Line Practice Exam to prepare for this exam?
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
Verification of experience for Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operators (CIRO)
(Do NOT fill out this section if you are applying for the Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) examination.) This section must be completed by a supervisor, superior, or colleague for all CIRO candidates. I hereby verify that this candidate has completed at least two years’ experience in industrial refrigeration plant operation or services as a technician. This experience includes maintenance, service, troubleshooting, system start-ups and/or direct supervision of any of these areas. I have personal knowledge of this experience. Please print or type in the information below:
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
Be sure to: Obtain a valid e-mail address. Fill out the application form completely.
Obtain verification of experience if you are applying for CIRO certification.
Download the supplemental packet from the website that is for the level of
examination you are taking and use that information to study from as you
Follow the instructions that accompany the RETA Certification Exam permit that
Locate available Test Centers on the RETA website at www.RETA.com and open
and review the Test Center location document. Call RETA Headquarters to schedule your exam. Do not call the local testing center – they will not be aware of your intentions.
Bring your RETA provided permit and UNOPENED supplemental packet to the
Bring at least one government-issued form of photo identification such as a
driver’s license or passport to the test center PLUS a second form of
identification (this is a security and validity measure).
Report to the test center 15-20 minutes before your appointment. Bring your
RETA provided permit and supplemental packet to the test center.
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
References and Training Options to Prepare for
Several pathways exist to enable RETA certification candidates to acquire the knowledge and skills required to pass the CARO and CIRO examinations. While RETA neither endorses nor guarantees that these study materials include all of the content areas in the CARO and CIRO examinations, candidates who cannot or do not wish to use RETA course books can prepare for RETA certification using other materials such as these. Successful completion of a study course or review of materials such as these does not guarantee a passing score on any RETA certification examination. Alternate References and Training 1.
Refrigeration Principles, Practice and Performance (2007). Chris Langley. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 2004 Edition (2004). Andrew Althouse, et. al. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Electricity for Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning (2006). Gene Smith. Thomson Delmar Learning.
Refrigeration Equipment (1998). A.C. Bryant. Elsevier Science & Technology.
Industrial Refrigeration Handbook (1998). Wilbert Stoecker. McGraw-Hill.
6.* Practical Problems in Mathematics for Heating and Cooling Technicians, 3rd Edition (1998). Russell
7.* Industrial Refrigeration Best Practice Guideline – 3rd Edition (2010) - Cascade Energy Engineering 8.
102* Reading Schematics and Blueprints 109* Industrial Safety and Health 110* Troubleshooting 210* Electrical
9.* Industrial Refrigeration Energy Efficiency Guidebook – 2nd Edition - Industrial Refrigeration Consortium
10.* IIAR Andy Ammonia Series * Materials available for purchase from RETA
Adopted October 2007 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association
Certification Exam Application and Handbook for CIRO and CARO Certification
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