2021 RETA Breeze May-June

technical engineers.” Creating secure, fair and valid credentialing examinations is part of that mission. ONLINE-PROCTORED (OLP OR REMOTELY PROCTORED) TESTING expanded access to RETA exams in 2020 after the pandemic closed many test centers. RETA candidates had access to over 465 test centers in 2019. COVID-19 restrictions closed more than half of these test centers in the spring of 2020. Nearly 40% of Kryterion test centers in the U.S. are still closed. About 300 Kryterion test centers were operating in early June. Many of these centers have only a few test stations, which has made it more difficult to schedule exams in a nearby test center for many RETA candidates. Most OLP exams are taken in a quiet room at home. One reason is that RETA’s test security software does not function effectively under the limitations of firewalls in most private company computer networks. RETA received ANSI approval in April to provide remotely proctored testing for all RETA candidates after completing a six-month trial to confirm that OLP results are comparable to exams taken in “regular” test centers. OLP testing requires an external webcam to monitor activity in the room during a test. Kryterion software also “locks down” a testing station computer to prevent access to the internet, printers and other features during a test. Similar test security software is used to “lock down” test stations in all onsite-proctored RETA and Kryterion test centers. Remotely Proctored Testing requires strict identification and security procedures. Facial recognition software compares a digital scan of a candidate’s face at least a day before their test to the facial image of the candidate during the test. Candidates also must show the proctor a driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID. Proctors then compare photo IDs to digital images from facial recognition to verify that the proper person is taking a test before a remotely proctored RETA exam begins.

OLP proctors monitor activity in the room while a test is being taken. The proctor suspends testing if there is any sign of unauthorized activity or talking during an exam. A video recording of each OLP exam also is created and remains available for RETA staff to investigate what occurred during a remotely proctored exam after it is finished. Employers can help RETA candidates do their best by supporting greater use of OLP testing. Candidates who drive two to four hours each way to take a three-hour RETA exammay experience greater fatigue and test anxiety before and during an exam. Very few RETA candidates look forward to taking tests – especially ones as demanding as RETA exams. OLP testing helps candidates focus more directly on the challenges of earning a RETA credential in a safe, comfortable place under secure testing conditions. RETA takes several steps to help candidates meet OLP testing requirements. RETA loans a suitable external webcam to OLP candidates who request this support. RETA also sends each OLP candidate a digital notepad to use instead of scratch paper, which is not allowed during a remotely proctored test. STUDY GUIDES are a third resource RETA provides to help candidates prepare to earn a CARO, CIRO or CRST credential. They can be downloaded free on the RETA website. Study guides provide content outlines, list test references, and illustrate key concepts. CIRO and CRST Study

Guides include guidance in how to use electrical diagrams and operating screens to evaluate what is happening in refrigeration systems. Study guides also include the references that appear on-screen next to test questions during RETA exams. Candidates are encouraged to become as familiar with these references as they are with the manuals they use for equipment in the plants where they work. Just as on the job, candidates are NOT told when to use these on-screen references during any RETA test. Qualified operators must know when to use such references to protect the health and safety of all employees in a facility. RETA’s goal is to provide every candidate with resources to help them earn credentials that improve the safety and efficiency of refrigeration system operations throughout the industry. Practice Tests, remotely proctored exams and study guides are among the tools RETA provides to help candidates earn their RETA credentials. We welcome your questions about RETA’s credentialing exams and activities. Send your questions by email to certification@reta.com. Dr. Ron Rodgers, RETA’s Psychometrician (testing expert) and Accreditation Manager, has guided development of all RETA credentialing exams since 2002. RETA Testing Corner provides information and answers questions from RETA members, candidates and others to help them earn and benefit from RETA credentials.

RETA.com 29