2023 RETA Breeze Jan-Feb

CIRO. CARO tests understanding of industrial refrigeration concepts and operating details. CARO also helps you learn how to navigate through CIRO, which requires additional skills to evaluate operating system screens and data showing how complex refrigeration systems work. Over 30 CIRO questions require these skills to diagnose and address problems in system operations. You can successfully pass the CIRO exam if you skip CARO, but not without proper preparation. RETA requires at least two years of machine room experience to qualify for CIRO. Studying the available materials with the benefit of at least two years of experience are complementary steps in earning CIRO. Considerable insight can be gained by combining experience with deeper understanding of how to improve the safety and efficiency of refrigeration systems when potential problems arise. After studying the material and complet ing a Refrigeration Level-I and Level-II class, you should evaluate your level of under standing by taking RETA’s CIRO Practice Test. If you do well on the practice exam and you feel confident that your knowl edge in all areas of recommended study is sufficient, you should be ready for the exam. We want to help operators, technicians and managers understand the underlying skills and logic of RETA’s credentialing system. Candidates start with CARO at the entry level, learn to manage individual systems as a CIRO operator, then advance to troubleshooting and improving plant efficiency as a service technician (CRST) or energy specialist (CRES). Operators, managers, supervisors, and executives can all benefit from understanding how these elements are connected. Other Strategies to Help You Earn Your RETA Credentials 1. The study guide for each test can be downloaded free from RETA’s website.

Each study guide provides many clues about how to prepare, including content outlines and the references that appear onscreen next to questions during that test. Each candidate needs to know what is in the references for their test before they can determine when and how to use them. These references appear in their study guide and are onscreen next to questions for the practice test and the full exam for each credential. 2. The supplemental answer key to sample Qs in CIRO and CRST Study Guides explain how to answer questions using operating system screens and ladder diagrams. The key also offers insight into the logic and process of using system screens to answer questions on RETA exams. Candidates must determine what information on the screen is relevant to the question, know what is in the PT tables and how to use them, understand when and how to use formulas that appear at the front of each Reference, and use these sources to resolve existing and potential hazards in the system. 3. The first few pages of each reference explain how to navigate these resources. Many candidates struggle during a test because they are unsure how to use these references. RETA puts these in the Study Guide for each test and makes them part of the Practice Test experience to help you prepare. The more familiar you are with the references for your test and how to use them, the more confident you will be in knowing when and how to use the information in the screens and references during your full exam. 4. RETA created practice tests to help candidates become familiar with the types of questions in each test and to learn how to manage their time during a full exam. Each candidate pays for one practice test in their application fee, but many candi dates who fail have not taken the practice test to help them prepare. Pass rates are higher among candidates who use all available resources to help them before

they take their full exam. 5. CARO, CIRO and CRST are designed to mirror the tasks and skills required to manage industrial refrigeration systems and facilities safely and efficiently on the job. Knowing when to consult the SDS, manuals or technical specifications can save time, resources, and lives on the job. Proper use of PT tables, formulas and information about system operations are essential to keeping operators, technicians and other employees safe. These skills also are part of performing well on each RETA exam. 6. Review the relevant books for your test again in the week(s) before taking the full exam. Many operators and managers fail these tests on their first attempt because they assume that they will not benefit from such a review. Some very experienced managers have failed CIRO or CRST when taking the test without a review. Most of these candidates passed on their next attempt IF they took the time to review first. RETA wants all our candidates to be successful and wish you all the best. RETA has designed books, study guides and practice tests to help every candidate earn RETA credentials that help them succeed throughout their careers. That is an essential part of our commitment to help refrigeration operators and technicians meet RETA’s mission to improve safety and efficiency throughout the industry.

HarryWilkins RETA Certification Manager

Dr. Ron Rodgers RETA Accreditation Manager and Psychometrician

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