Certified applicator's FAQs
Q1: I've just been trained as a certified torch applicator. What should I do now?
A1: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the new industry best practices for the
safe installation of torch-applied polymer-modified bitumen roof systems. Follow
these practices whenever you use a roofing torch. Keep your CERTA student manual
handy for reference in the future.
Q2: I've seen workers on my job site who do not appear to be following the new industry
best practices that I learned in the CERTA class. What should I do?
A2: Report this information to your foremen or supervisor immediately.
Q3: How long is my applicator certification valid?
A3: Three years from the date of your training.
Q4: I've received notification that my training is about to expire. What should I
do?
A4: Tell your supervisor you received the notice. You should complete your recertification
training BEFORE your actual expiration date. You will not be able to use a roofing
torch after your certificate has expired. You will have 30 days after your expiration
to complete the recertification training. You will have to retake the original torch
applicator class if you do not complete retraining within this 30-day grace period.
Q5: Do I have to be certified if I only use a torch to do repairs or dry a roof?
A5: Yes
Q6: Do I have to be certified if I only use a torch to work with other roofing equipment
such as hot luggers, kettles, hot pipes or felt layers?
A6: No.
Q7: What is the difference between the original applicator class and the recertification
class?
The recertification class is a shorter refresher course of your original training.
Q8: I've lost my applicator certification card. How can I get a duplicate?
A8: To request a duplicate certificate, contact Mary Ann Evanoff, NRCA's CERTA program
assistant, at (847) 299-9070, ext. 7533, or
mevanoff@nrca.net.
Q9: I've lost my student manual. How can I get another one?
A9: You can ask your trainer for a new student manual or
click here to download a free copy of the manual.
Q10: Does my torch applicator training certificate belong to me or my employer?
A10: It belongs to you. If you change employers, your training certificate goes
with you.
Q11: I am already certified in the MRCA CERTA program. Is this the same program?
A11: No, the MRCA CERTA program and the NRCA/MRCA CERTA program are NOT the same.
Certain insurance companies, construction contracts, building owners and local building
codes only recognize the NRCA/MRCA CERTA program as meeting their requirements.
If you currently are certified under the MRCA CERTA program, that certification
still is valid but it is not the same as the NRCA/MRCA CERTA certification.
Q12: Is there data to support reduced fire losses in the roofing industry directly
attributable to the new NRCA/MRCA CERTA program?
A12: Yes. The number of serious roofing torch-related fire incidents has decreased
significantly since 2004 when the new NRCA/MRCA CERTA program was implemented in
the roofing industry. For example, in 2002, one major insurance company paid 35
roofing torch-related fire losses of more than $1,000 and 11 of more than $500,000.
In 2005, after only one year of the new NRCA/MRCA CERTA program implementation,
the same insurance company paid 13 losses of more than $1000, including only two
of more than $500,000. The NRCA/MRCA CERTA program had made a significant effect
on the safe use of roofing torches throughout the roofing industry.
Q13: These questions do not address my question. How can I ask additional questions
about the CERTA program?
A13: Please ask your CERTA trainer and refer to your student manual.
For more information, contact Janice Davis, NRCA's manager of education and risk
management, at (847) 299-9070, ext. 7505 or
jdavis@nrca.net.