NRCA University | CERTA classes | FAQs | Authorized trainers' FAQs

Q1: Is there data to support reduced fire losses in the roofing industry directly attributable to the new NRCA/MRCA CERTA program?

A1: 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.

Q2: I just completed my CERTA Authorized Train-the-trainer program. What do I do to start training roofing workers?

A2: Familiarize yourself with all the requirements in the CERTA Instructors guide that you received during your class. Prepare for and schedule your first registered torch applicator certification class as soon as you can while the information still is fresh in your mind.

Q3: How do I schedule and register a torch applicator certification class?

A3: You must give NRCA a minimum of five business days notice before scheduling any torch applicator certification class. Use the Training Session Registration form in your CERTA Instructors guide. This form may be submitted to NRCA by e-mail, U.S. mail, fax or telephone. Instructions for submitting this form are found in your Instructors Guide.

Q4: Can NRCA or CNA audit my registered torch applicator certification class?

A4: Yes. It is possible that NRCA or CNA may audit your class. Audits are conducted randomly and without notice.

Q5: What can happen if NRCA finds out I was not following the policies and procedures of the CERTA program?

A5: If at any time during an authorized CERTA trainer's term he is found not complying with the policies and procedures set forth in the CERTA program or takes any action or behavior deemed inappropriate relating to the conduct of his training efforts, NRCA may take the following actions:

• Revoke the trainer's authorized status
• Revoke the certified status of all individuals the trainer has trained

The authorized trainer, individuals the trainer has certified and their employers immediately will be notified of these actions. Under no circumstances will NRCA refund tuition fees, certification fees or recertification fees paid by the trainer or on their behalves.

Q6: How do I acquire the training materials to conduct a CERTA training session?

A6: If you currently have a CD-ROM that includes these training materials, please discard it as changes have been made to the documents. The Certification and Recertification documents have been updated and are available for you to download from NRCA's website in the CERTA classes section under Trainer resources by clicking here. The materials contained on the Web are copyright-protected and may not be used for resale by any individual.

Q7: I have properly registered and conducted a torch applicator certification class. What do I need to do to have my trainees certified?

A7: You must complete and submit to NRCA the Training Session Roster report. This form is formatted as an Excel spreadsheet and is available on NRCA's Web site in the CERTA classes section under Trainer resources. You can e-mail or fax this form to NRCA. You will find a description of the information needed for this form and instructions for submitting it in your CERTA Instructors Guide.

Q8: Now that I have submitted the Training Session Roster form to NRCA, what else do I need to do?

A8: You must submit payment of the certification fees to NRCA for each trainee you wish to certify. Roofing workers who have completed training are not considered certified until the fee is paid. Instructions for submitting payment are in your Instructors Guide.

Q9: I am an authorized CERTA trainer who also wants to be a certified torch applicator. How do I get certified?

A9: Your employer must complete and submit the Employer Verification form that you received during your CERTA Authorized Train-the-trainer class. The employer also must pay a fee for your torch applicator certification. This form contains instructions for submittal to NRCA. If you do not have this form, you can request a copy by contacting Mary Ann Evanoff, NRCA's CERTA program assistant, at (847) 299-9070, Ext. 7533, or mevanoff@nrca.net.

Q10: My CERTA Authorized Trainer status will expire soon. How do I renew it?

A10: Click here to read the instructions provided in the "Renewal policies and procedures" section of NRCA's Web site.

Q11: Where can I find additional information about the NRCA/MRCA CERTA program?

A11: For more information, click here, or contact Mary Ann Evanoff, NRCA's CERTA program assistant, at (847) 299-9070, Ext. 7533, or mevanoff@nrca.net.

Q12: Can I give you a five-day window and have the class on the next day it rains?

A12: No. This issue is discussed specifically during the train-the-trainer class. CERTA applicator training requires a commitment and, therefore, never is dependent on waiting for a rainy day. A committed class date is the only way quality-control can be monitored. Trainers simply need to schedule the training and do it without waiting for a rainy day.

Q13: If a student fails the written test, can he take the test again or does he have to take the entire class over again?

A13: If a student fails the written test, he has to sit through the classroom portion of another registered training session and then retake the written exam. He does not have to participate in the hands-on portion of the class again. Trainers should not include their names on the class roster.

Q14: Who can sign the Employer Verification of CERTA Trainer/Applicator Torching Experience form if the trainer is the boss or owner?

A14: If the trainer is the boss or owner, NRCA needs a reference (name and contact information) of someone outside the company who can attest to them having a minimum of three years' torching experience. NRCA will call the reference to verify a trainer's experience.

Q15: Can a trainer have more than 20 students in a class?

A15: Yes, a trainer can have more than 20 students in the classroom, however, not in the hands-on portion. A ratio of 20 students per authorized trainer must be maintained for the hands-on portion of a registered applicator training session.

Q16: Does a person have to know how to use a torch to attend the train-the-trainer class?

A16: Yes, otherwise, he will not pass the hands-on part of the class. If he does not possess torching skills, he should spend time before the class with a roofing crew to learn how to handle a torch, set it up, break it down and practice using it.


For more information, contact Janice Davis, NRCA's manager of education and risk management, at (847) 299-9070, ext. 7505 or jdavis@nrca.net.