2024 Jan-Feb RETA Breeze

Data show definite trends in recertification for each program. • CIRO has the best recertification rate at 77% of eligible credential holders. CIRO recertification increased to 88% in 2020 during the pandemic and has been in the 70s each year since then. • CARO fell to 36% in 2020 because training options to earn PDHs were reduced. Most training ended during Covid restrictions. CARO recertification improved to 44% in 2021 and 2022 to 60% in 2023. • The first CRST exams were given in 2018. Recertification started in 2021. Recertification rates improved from 50% in 2021 to 73% in 2023. RETA discounts the cost of recertification to active members. The 2024 fee to recertify CARO or CIRO is $170 for mem bers and $625 for nonmembers. CRST 2024 recertification fees are $225 for members and $825 for nonmembers. The Annual Conference fee for 2024 will be $885 for members and up to $1,460 for nonmembers. This adds a bonus for recertification candidates who are seeking to earn PDHs toward renewing or upgrad ing their RETA credentials. Members who want to upgrade their credential to CIRO or CRST also receive discounts on RETA books. Some candidates decide to allow their current RETA credential to expire but upgrade to CIRO or CRST. Upgrades are counted in the recertification rate. Eighty- seven CARO candidates and four CIRO candidates have upgraded since 2020. CIRO and CRST review classes prior to each annual conference also help some candi dates earn a more advanced credential. Recertification candidates also can request that training not already on the pre-ap proved list count toward recertification. For example, RETA added IIAR training on its Suite of Standards to RETA’s list of PDH-eligible programs after these IIAR courses became available. A total of 24 PDHs over a three-year period are required to recertify for CARO, CIRO or

CRST. Each training experience must be documented to count toward recertifica tion. Each RETA Chapter meeting can count as one PDH. More formal training can earn more PDHs. Many candidates recertify primarily by completing sessions at the RETA Annual Conference and attend ing local chapter meetings. RETA also reminds candidates when expiration of their current credential is approaching. Initial notification occurs a year before the current credential will expire. Additional reminders from RETA staff begin three months before a creden tial will expire. Maintaining or improving recertification rates benefit employers as well. OSHA investigators following an ammonia release or injury related to plant operations often ask how many operators and technicians at the location are RETA-certi fied. RETA certified operators and techni cians can reduce the risks of such releases and incidents, which may reduce insurance rates. Certified individuals also make decisions that may significantly reduce energy costs for a facility. The bottom line is that recertification of RETA operators and technicians is a Win-Win situation for both individual credential holders and their employers. Reducing the risks of injuries due to release of refrigerants can lower insurance costs. Improved energy efficiency in a facility can reduce operating costs. Recertification can be a wise investment for toth the individu al and his or her employer.

Dr. Ron Rodgers RETA Accreditation Manager and Psychometrician Samantha Ibarra RETA Certification Coordinator

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