Why should I pursue a certificate?
IIAR is recognized as the world's leading advocate for the safe, reliable and efficient use of ammonia and other natural refrigerants. We are committed to sharing our collective knowledge and experience to produce consensus documents that address various aspects of the natural and industrial refrigeration industry.

IIAR is further committed to developing educational programs that highlight the most up-to-date information for the ammonia and natural refrigeration community.

Our certificate programs help professionals develop their skills and further their careers by offering specialized training that sets them apart from their peers.

Certificate holders may use proof of their status to help consumers, employers, government agencies, and others who rely on a skilled workforce distinguish between qualified workers and those with fraudulent or less-than-quality credentials.

Design/Build Contractors and PSM/RMP Specialists
* Maintain advanced knowledge of safe design and process safety
* Ensure training of engineers involved with safe design of closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems
* Provide documentation of appropriate training for regulators and inspectors

Engineers, Consultants
* Signify advanced training in safe design of closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems
* Ensure that your skill set includes up-to-date knowledge of the latest ammonia refrigeration design safety standard
* Demonstrate high level of professionalism to clients and customers

Refrigeration Technicians
* Indicate advanced training in safe and efficient operation of closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems
* Ensure that your skill set includes up-to-date knowledge of the latest ammonia refrigeration standards
* Demonstrate high level of professionalism

Manufacturers
* Keep up with current standards that guide application of your company’s products
* Demonstrate subject matter expertise to potential customers

Regulators
* Understand the latest thinking of nationally recognized standard setters, IIAR and ANSI
* Identify current good engineering practices used in the safe design of closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems

Academics and Trainers
* Stay up-to-date on current good practices that your students will encounter outside the learning environment
* A must-have for refrigeration professionals who oversee installation training programs

Others
* Establish your credentials as a natural refrigeration professional

How will people know that I am a certificate holder?
The name and location of each active certificate holder is posted on the IIAR website. The list is updated regularly to reflect new awardees. In addition, successful participants will be provided with an ANR/IIAR-branded certificate which they may provide to any party requesting verification of certificate status.

IIAR also has a procedure in place where we will, at the certificate holder’s request, confirm your status to any employer, customer, government agency, or education provider who requires official notification from the certificate issuer. Please contact the [email protected] for details or to initiate the confirmation process.

What is involved in the ANR/IIAR certificate program process?
Applicants must register for their selected program, pay the registration fee, successfully participate in all modules included in their program (including attainment of an 80% score on Quick Check quizzes at the end of each module), and – after completion of all modules -- pass a comprehensive final examination.

Where can I register?
Online registration for each certificate program is available on the IIAR website. You may also send an email to [email protected] to begin the registration process.

Where and when can I take the final exam?
The final course exam will be administered online and in multiple locations, sites and dates TBA. Qualified registrants MUST have paid their Certificate Course tuition and MUST have successfully completed all Quick Check Quizzes associated with their course (at least 80% correct on all course quizzes).

What is tested on the final exam?
The final exam will assess participants’ attainment of the program learning objectives as well as their competence in relevant aspects of the safe, reliable and efficient operation of commercial refrigeration systems.

What is the final exam format?
Each Certificate Course final assessment consists of multiple-choice questions. Non-native English speakers may request additional testing time.

How can I request an accommodation for testing?
ANR complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, striving to ensure that no individual with a disability is deprived of the opportunity to take the examination solely by reason of that disability. To request an accommodation for testing, please submit a completed “Request for Special Accommodations Form” immediately following registration. Please note that up to 30 days will be needed to evaluate the request. It is the ANR/IIAR policy to maintain strict confidentiality of all information pertaining to an individual's participation in a certificate program.

What score do I need to pass my exam?
Candidates will receive a result of "pass" or "fail," as well as a numerical score. A minimum score of 80% is required to earn a certificate.

What can I bring to the examination?
The only items that a candidate may bring into the examination room are a pen/pencil and their own personal copies of the relevant standards on which they are being tested (handwritten notes in the book are OK; loose leaf notes are NOT allowed). Exam candidates may not bring any other items with them. Use of mobile phones and other digital devices are expressly forbidden during administration of the final exam. The examination center will provide scratch paper and additional writing utensils.

If I fail the exam, can I reapply to take it?
Candidates who do not receive a passing grade on the final exam may, after 45 days, re-take the final exam at no additional charge. Candidates who do not receive a passing grade on the second attempt may again, after 45 days, re-take the exam at no additional charge. Candidates who are unsuccessful in all three attempts will be required to re-register for the course at a 50% discount from the appropriate registration fee.

For how long will my certificate be valid?
Certificates will be valid for five (5) years from the date which they are issued. Certificate holders may use proof of their status to help consumers, employers, government agencies, and others who rely on a skilled workforce distinguish between qualified workers and those with fraudulent or less-than-quality credentials.

Why is there an expiration date on the validity of my certificate?
Over time, the critical tasks of a job and its related knowledge, skills and abilities, evolve, as do the standards that govern safe installation and operation of refrigerated systems. In fact, ANSI and IIAR are charged with reviewing these standards every five years.

The purpose of a five-year term of certificate validity is to ensure that Certificate Holders maintain an acceptable level of competence by demonstrating their continued mastery of existing learning objectives as well as gain an understanding of relevant new developments in the field, as determined by the IIAR Board of Directors, the IIAR Education Committee, and the ANR Certificate Program Subcommittee.

What if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions, please contact the IIAR Director of Education at (703) 312-4200 or [email protected].