2022 RETA Breeze Nov-Dec

CertComm members average over 18 years of industrial refrigeration experience. They include three end users, three from industry manufacturers and suppliers, and nine who are involved in technical support and consulting. CertComm members come from seven states and are active in 12 RETA chapters throughout the country. They also sign nondisclosure agreements in which they agree to protect the security of RETA exams by keeping test content confidential during and after these reviews. CertComm spent over 13 hours evaluating questions on CARO, CIRO and CRST in Reno. Most questions were revalidated as written, but CertComm also edited some questions. A few questions were revised to warrant rescoring. CertComm also identi fied a few that will be replaced with new questions from the pool for each test. CertComm edited a few CARO questions to improve clarity in future exams, but none of these questions required changes that warranted rescoring or replacement. Six of the 135 CIRO questions were rescored, including two that will be replaced on future tests. All 72 CIRO attempts since November 2021 with scores between 64 and 69 were rescored manu ally based on the computer records of their answers to every question on their exams. Nineteen moved from Fail to Pass after rescoring. Four of the 150 CRST questions were rescored, including three that will be replaced on future tests. All eight CRST candidates since November 2021 who scored between 66 and 69 were rescored manually based on the computer records of their answers to every question on their exams. Three moved from Fail to Pass after rescoring. All questions for every RETA credentialing examination must meet strict requirements before it becomes eligible to appear in these exams or practice tests. Every question on each RETA credentialing exam must:

1. Be supported by at least one reference available to all RETA candidates. 2. Include one BEST answer that quali fied candidates can identify from information that is available during the test. 3. Include three incorrect answers that may seem to be correct to candidates who do not understand the question, do not read carefully, make common errors in using or interpreting informa tion in the question or the answers, or do not use the references provided onscreen during the test correctly or appropriately. RETA study guides for CARO, CIRO, CRST and CRES provide candidates a content outline for each test and list references that support questions they will see during an exam. Each study guide can be download ed free from the certification screens on the RETA website. RETA also provides practice tests for CARO, CIRO and CRST. Each practice test is about half the length of the full credentialing exam and includes questions that have met the same standards as those in the full exams. Practice tests have a 90-minute time limit. One practice test attempt is included in the application fee for each of these tests. Candidates may purchase additional practice tests for $59 per attempt. Many candidates who fail – including CIRO candidates with very low scores at the Reno National Conference – have told RETA staff that they did not look at the study guide, books or practice test for their exam before they failed. Even experienced operators and managers have failed RETA exams because they did not look at these resources before their tests. Candidates who are unfamiliar with these RETA materials significantly reduce their chance of passing any RETA exam. Study guides also include onscreen references that support each test. These

appear next to questions on the screen during RETA exams. Candidates must know when and how to use these references during each test. The answers to some questions can be looked up in these references. Other questions require using images, formulas, a NH3 SDS, PT-tables or system screens to find or determine answers. RETA candidates must know when and how to use these references to earn their RETA credential, just as they need to know when to consult manuals for equipment in their refrigeration facilities. RETA’s mission “to enhance the profes sional development of industrial refrigera tion operating and technical engineers” led to creation of CARO, CIRO and CRST to protect the health and safety of all operators, employees and the public in and near these facilities. CRES added energy efficiency to these objectives. RETA Authorized Instructors (RAIs) help all candidates for these programs prepare to 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 27