Authorized trainer FAQs
Q1: Is there data to support reduced fire losses in the roofing industry directly
attributable to the CERTA program?
A1: Yes. The number of serious roofing torch-related fire incidents has decreased
significantly since 2004 when the 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 CERTA program implementation, the same insurance company paid 13
losses of more than $1000, including only two of more than $500,000. The 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 will need to register each training session in advance. NRCA will register
and confirm your session by providing you with a session number. Once registered,
you may conduct the training at anytime within seven business days after receiving
a valid training session number from NRCA. Do not proceed with a training session
unless you have received a session registration number. Training sessions conducted
without first being registered will not be recognized.
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 website 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 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: If a student fails the written test, can he take the test again or does he have
to take the entire class over again?
A12: 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.
Q13: Who can sign the Employer Verification of CERTA Trainer/Applicator Torching
Experience form if the trainer is the boss or owner?
A13: 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.
Q14: Can a trainer have more than 20 students in a class?
A14: 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.
Q15: Does a person have to know how to use a torch to attend the train-the-trainer
class?
A15: 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.