2025 Jan-Feb RETA Breeze

This is especially important for CIRO and CRST candidates. Over half of CIRO questions require knowing when and how to use information in the these references. CIRO and CRST test the ability to identify and resolve hazards in system operations before they might cause serious damage or injury to operators, other employees or the public. All questions on RETA certification exams include one BEST answer and three incorrect answers based on the judgement of CertComm, whose members average over 18 years of industrial refrigeration experience. Incorrect answers in these exams seem plausible (or correct) to candidates who do not fully understand a question, do not read the question and all the answers carefully, or make common errors in using information about refrigeration system operations in system screens and references. RETA credentialing exams are designed to protect the health and safety of operators, technicians, and every other person in or near an industrial refrigeration facility. RETA has invested millions of dollars and thousands of hours from volunteers to create resources to help candidates train and qualify for credentials to improve safety and efficiency in industrial refrigeration facilities. RETA has designed books, study guides and practice tests to help candidates earn RETA credentials that help them succeed throughout their careers. That is an essential part of RETA’s commitment to help refrigeration operators and technicians meet RETA’s mission to improve safety and efficiency throughout the industry.

screens that are required to answer questions on these RETA exams. All of the required references are provided in the study guides to help candidates prepare. CARO, CIRO and CRST Practice Tests are another set of learning tools RETA provides to promote learning in preparation for earning these credentials. One attempt on the relevant practice test is included in the registration fee for each test, yet many candidates fail the full exams without taking the practice test that can help them prepare to earn their credential. Instructions for proper use of these RETA References appear in study guides, practice tests and the reference documents that appear onscreen with each full exam. Candidates may retake practice tests for $59 per attempt. Passing a CARO, CIRO or CRST practice test also does not qualify a candidate for a RETA credential. Practice tests are not secure. They can be taken at home, in school, at work, or used during instructional classes. They are designed as resources to help candidates prepare to earn a RETA credential. Online training bundles available on the RETA website combine these resources into subscription-based learning tools to help candidates prepare to earn CARO, CIRO or CRST. Discounts are available to RETA members and to those who want to purchase these resources to help them master the content that leads to earning RETA credentials.

RETA’s website also provides a Supplemental Answer Key to questions in the CIRO and CRST Study Guides. The Supplemental Answer Key explains how to answer questions using operating system screens and ladder diagrams. The key 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 PT tables and how to use them, understand when and how to use formulas that appear in each Reference, and use these sources to resolve existing and potential hazards in the system. RETA-Authorized Instructors (RAIs) are another resource to assist CARO, CIRO and CRST candidates. RETA’s Train the Trainer classes help prepare RAI candidates to teach refrigeration content to adults. By spring of 2025, thirty RAIs from at least 20 training institutions and/or technical support firms will offer courses or onsite training at employer sites and industry conferences to prepare RETA candidates. More details about RAIs are available on the RETA website. Most RAIs use RETA books to assist candidates as they prepare to earn CARO, CIRO or CRST. All candidates for RETA credentials should begin by studying the references in the learning pyramid of RETA books that support the credential they seek. Candidates should learn how to use these references before taking their full exam.

Dr. Ron Rodgers RETA Accreditation Manager and Psychometrician

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