Are you an HVAC technician and want to work in Ammonia Refrigeration? You are right on target! This guide has outlined all the information you need to know what it takes to work in ammonia refrigeration.
As an ammonia refrigeration technician, you have to inspect, maintain and operate ammonia refrigeration and freezer equipment. This includes systems like pumps, condensers, compressors, purgers, valves, evaporators, and other utility systems.
Now, becoming an ammonia refrigeration worker is not a walk in the park. Due to the nature of the equipment and systems you would be working closely with, it is pertinent for you to gain certain training and certifications.
Requirements to Become an Ammonia Refrigeration Technician
To be a certified technician for ammonia refrigeration, you must have at least three years of experience in industrial maintenance and experience with policies like OSHA and EPA. Most employers prefer you to either be a Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) or an Industrial Refrigeration Operator through RETA.
Other requirements for this position are;
- Troubleshoot electrical issues
- Write out Standard Operating Procedures, Lock-out Tagout procedures, and Pumpdown procedures
- You should know how to layout, assemble, install and maintain pipe systems.
- You should be able to replace bad parts like valves and gauges.
- Comfort working in a cold environment with temperatures around 32 Fahrenheit.
- Comfort working around industrial machinery.
About the RETA Certification
RETA is short for Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association. It was established in the year 1910. RETA has a mission to enhance the professional development of industrial refrigeration operators and technical engineers.
RETA’s policies and procedures are designed to assure that before a candidate is confirmed as a certified ammonia refrigerator expert, they must have a high performance in the examination and other certification-related activities. This automatically means that a RETA-certified technician is highly regarded. To achieve this, the certification programs have the best quality. The RETA certification is highly valued across the globe.
Here are some of the RETA certifications that are conducted:
1. CARO (Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator)
This is an entry-level credential. The program aims to ensure that the candidate has enough knowledge to work under supervision in the sector of industrial refrigeration. For the CARO certification, there is no minimum experience required.
The exam talks about mastery of concepts and principles in RETA’s industrial refrigeration 1 and the ammonia safety chapter in industrial refrigeration 4.
What to expect:
- 110 questions multiple choice
- 3-hour time limit
- Must get at least 70% in the examinations to pass.
- Comes with a supplement package.
2. CIRO (Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator)
To become CIRO certified, you need at least two years of experience. It is a certification program that is popular among refrigeration mechanics, refrigeration technicians, refrigeration operators, and repair supervisors. A professional that is CIRO-certified has more access to advanced concepts and principles that are needed to supervise industrial refrigeration operations.
CIRO measures mastery of applied refrigeration system operations and troubleshooting based on principles and knowledge that are discussed in the RETA books.
What to expect;
- 134 questions multiple choice
- 3-hour time limit
- Not less than 70% required to pass
- An operator’s exam
To pass this course, the recommended study materials are; Industrial refrigeration I, Industrial refrigeration II, Industrial refrigeration IV (plant operation and safety), Basic Electricity I, and Basic Electricity II.
3. CRST (Certified Refrigeration Service Technician)
This course became a part of the program in 2018. It is targeted at technicians and support personnel that troubleshoot and maintain industrial refrigeration plants and facilities. It discusses topics related to advanced levels of plant safety and operations and the basics of ammonia refrigeration compliance and PSM requirements.
What to expect;
- 150 questions multiple choice
- 3-hour time limit.
- At least 70% in passing.
To qualify for the CRST certification, you must have either a RETA CARO or a RETA CIRO credential that is current and still valid. Without this document, you will be unable to take the exam for the CRST. When submitting the exam application, you are mandated to submit it with a copy of either of these documents.
4. CRES (Certified Refrigeration Energy Specialist)
This certification has been here for a while. It was added to the curriculum in 2013. It focuses on the mastery of refrigeration systems operations and energy management strategies. For the CRES, you do not need to have any other RETA credentials. However, you still need to demonstrate that you have sufficient knowledge of refrigeration operations as it pertains to offering energy management strategies without compromising the safety or integrity of refrigeration systems.
What to expect;
- 135 questions multiple choice
- 3-hour completion time.
- At least 70% score mark.
Some of the best study materials to stand a high chance of getting good grades in the CRES examination include; IR I- specifically the operating concepts and principles addressed, and the Industrial Refrigeration Best Practices Guide published by Cascade Energy and the Energy Conservation Manual – Industrial Refrigeration Consortium published by the University of Wisconsin.
In addition to the exams, there is a performance aspect for CRES. Students are required to document three energy-saving activities related to refrigeration systems operations.
5. RAI (RETA Authorized Instructor)
The RAI exam is mainly focused on mastery of advanced refrigeration system concepts and operations at a level that qualifies a candidate to assist CARO, CIRO, CRST, and CRES candidates with their preparations and activities required to earn RETA credentials.
A candidate for RAI must have and demonstrate both teaching experience and knowledge of the content in RETA publications.
This exam has 85 questions and should be completed within 3 hours.
Validity of the RETA certificate
All RETA certificates are valid for three years. This starts counting from the day the test is passed for new candidates or the date of the last three-year renewal cycle for existing certificate holders.
Ammonia refrigeration is lucrative, and with the right knowledge and skill, you can get certified and start building a lifelong career. As an HVAC technician, there are lots of opportunities that you can explore with this certification.
