If you are a certified tester, have you ever thought about putting yourself in the instructor’s shoes during a recertification session? If not, let’s get started with a brief example.

“Good morning everyone. Welcome to the recertification session. I’m glad you were able to make it through the weather.”

A hand goes up in the back row. The instructor calls on John, a long-time tester. John asks, ‘This is my fourth recertification class. I’ve been testing for about 12 years. When are they going to start grandfathering testers with years of experience? You know, I’ve been a licensed plumber for 25 years and I’ve never had to retest for my license.’

John that is a good question that frequently comes up. There are several reasons for the recertification class requirement. The biggest reason is testers need to be reminded of what they’ve forgotten during the last three years. For example, the instructor might ask how many here today have actually tested a spill-resistant vacuum breaker since their last test, and more importantly do you remember how to test it?

Another reason for the recertification class is that codes are published every three years. The class is an opportunity for tester to be made aware of changes to the codes and regulations.

The class begins. It covers a review of industry terminology, basic hydraulics, codes and regulations, backflow preventer operation and application, and most importantly how to test the assemblies. During this time, the instructor notes that John’s phone regularly buzzes, and he steps out of the class to take care of business.

The class then migrates to the lab area so everyone can polish their testing techniques for the practical test. After 10-15 minutes in the lab area, John approaches the instructor and asks, ‘You know I’ve been doing this for about 12 years on a daily basis, I think my time would be better served if I went back to the office and went through the book a couple of times. Is it okay to leave?’ The instructor knows that a fair amount of class time was forfeited because of phone calls, and now John is asking to leave early because he wants to read the book? ‘Well, John you know what’s best for you in order to be successful.’ John leaves to go study.

Now John arrives for the 25-question exam that’s done online. He uses nearly the allotted time of one hour. When finished, he raises his hand and waits for the proctor to obtain his score. Wow. A 68. A part of me feels pain for anyone who fails an exam by 1 question. But it’s always interesting to hear the proctor feedback from John. He complained that much of the material on the exam was not covered in class. Was it the instructor’s fault?

Now John receives instruction on how to retake the exam for the second time. Once the second attempt is completed, John is advised that he received a 64. Now John starts to panic thinking about how important this certification is to his business. What is he to do now, because his certification expires in two weeks?

Although he is allowed a third attempt at the recertification exam without having to take the 40-hour tester class again, should this individual be working in an industry that has an important role in protecting the public’s health and safety?

For the next installment, let’s consider the recertification tester that received a 72, and others in the class had an average score of 88 or even 92. What must the proctor think when the examinee turns to them and says, ‘my card looks just like theirs?’