RVDA/RVIA RV SERVICE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Purpose Certification Testing Information The RV Service Technician Certification Program is designed to assist the RV industry and the public in identifying those professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and ability to satisfy established standards on RV diagnostic and repair procedures, as adopted by the RVDA/RVIA RV Service Technician Certification Governing Board. The program tests and certifies individual technicians; not dealerships, companies, or other types of business entities. Objectives To continually improve the level of technical competency of RV service personnel. To verify the criteria by which RV service personnel can be measured for proficiency. To create an incentive for continued personal and professional development in the RV service field. The RV Service Technician Career Ladder The RV Service Technician Career Ladder was launched October 2011. Before the Career Ladder, there was only one way to become a Certified RV Technician and that was to take and pass a comprehensive certification test. With the launch of the Career Ladder there are now two paths to certification. There is the traditional path of one comprehensive certification test or the specialty path breaking the testing into individual specialties. Appliance Body Chassis Electrical Systems Plumbing The body of knowledge being tested in either path is the same. The addition of the specialty path has given flexibility to technicians seeking certification. Previously, when there was only one Page 1 of 13
comprehensive test, technicians that worked in only specific areas of RV repair did not pursue certification because they did not have the knowledge to perform well in all areas of the one test. Now they can pursue certification in their area(s) of expertise. In addition, those individuals seeking Master Certification have the option of following the Specialty path and focusing their training and testing into smaller segments, one specialty at a time. The certification process begins with the Technician Certification Candidate level that provides a basic orientation to the RV Service Technician career. Next is the Registered Technician level where the core knowledge areas such as propane, basic electrical, fire & life safety, weight knowledge, and other technical skills are tested. The technician then moves on to one of the two paths. RVST Standard/DACUM All of the RVDA/RVIA Certification tests are developed to measure the technical competency of RV Service Technicians as it relates to the standards of knowledge and performance outlined in the RVST Standard/DACUM. The RVST Standard/DACUM outlines the 12 duties and 75 tasks deemed necessary by the Industry to be a Certified Technician. A copy of the RVST Standard/DACUM may be purchased from RVIA s Education Department by calling 703-620- 6003 ext. 355. Technician Certification Candidate Test The Technician Certification Candidate test is the first rung on the RV Service Technician Career Ladder. This is a mandatory test for any individual having never held an RVDA/RVIA certification. NOTE: Those currently certified or those with an expired certification are exempt from the Technician Certification Candidate test. The Candidate test is a basic orientation to the RV Service technician career. The training and subsequent testing is available at no cost and is located at the following web-site: http://www.rvst.org/candidate/ The tests consists of 36 multiple choice questions. There is no time limit and the test can be taken as many times as necessary to achieve a passing score. The passing score for the Candidate test is 97.2% or 35/36 correct answers. Upon completion of the test, the results appear on screen. If a passing score is achieved an email will go to the email address provided, stating the individual has successfully passed. Page 2 of 13
NOTE: Please allow 24 hours for notification of eligibility to be distributed to the proper RVDA and RVIA staffs. Registered Technician Test The Registered Technician test is the second rung on the RV Service Technician Career Ladder. This is a mandatory test for any individual having never held an RVDA/RVIA certification. NOTE: Those currently certified or those with an expired certification are exempt from the Registered Technician test. The Registered test establishes that the technician is proficient in core knowledge areas such as propane, basic electricity and other skills. The following chart indicates the duties and the number of questions for each duty from the RVST Standard/DACUM are being tested at this level: Propane Systems 36 DC Electrical Systems 20 AC Electrical Systems 23 Interior Components 5 Technical Skills 20 Total 105 The test consists of 105 multiple choice questions. The technician has 95 minutes in which to complete the test. The passing score for the Registered test is 81.9% or 86/105 correct answers. The Registered test is mainly delivered on-line via a Windows capability computer with internet access. The on-line test can be taken anywhere at any time with the proper equipment. Please see the instructions at the end of this document to verify your computer is ready to take the test. Written tests are only administered at specified RVDA/RVIA scheduled events. Requirements Advance registration and payment of $150/individual is required for the Registered test. The technician is also required to complete the 4-task sign off sheets and indicate their completion on their application and to have successfully passed the Technician Certification Candidate test. Upon receipt and acceptance of the completed application, the technician will be given a user ID and passcode to take the test on-line. Upon completion of the test, a preliminary score will appear on the computer screen that can be printed for your records. Page 3 of 13
NOTE: In all cases, results are not final until notified in writing by RVDA. Under no circumstances will test results be released by any means other than written notification. Official results will follow in the mail in approximately 3-6 weeks. The results will contain a Prescriptive Training Report. The report will list the duties of the test. Three scores for each duty are listed; the number of questions the technician answered correctly for that duty, the individual s percentage score for that duty, and the national average percentage score for everyone that has taken that version and form of the test. A technician can quickly evaluate their knowledge or ability by comparing the individual percentage score with the national average percentage score for each duty and for the overall test. Re-test Technicians unsuccessful in achieving a passing score on the Registered test have the ability to re-test one time for a reduced fee of $25.00. To be eligible for this reduced fee, the test must be retaken within 90 days of the original test date. Recertification There are no recertification requirements for the Registered Technician designation. Upon successfully passing the Registered Technician test, the technician will be award the designation of Registered Technician for a period of 5 years beginning on the date the test was taken. At the end of the 5 year period the technician either needs to retake the Registered test or have moved up on the career ladder to another certification designation. Certified Technician Test The Certified Technician test is the left path on the RV Service Technician Career Ladder. The Certified test is a comprehensive test designed to evaluate both general and specific knowledge outlined in the RVST Standard/DACUM. The following chart indicates the duties and the number of questions for each duty from the RVST Standard/DACUM that are being tested: Propane Systems 14 DC Electrical Systems 20 AC Electrical Systems 16 Plumbing Systems 19 Brake, Suspension and Towing Systems 18 Appliances 57 Generators 14 Hydraulic Systems 5 Page 4 of 13
Exterior/Coach Body 7 Interior Components 15 Slideout Room Systems 12 Technical Skills 3 Total 200 The test consists of 200 multiple choice questions. The technician has 3 hours (180 minutes) in which to complete the test. The passing score for the Certified test is 76.5% or 153/200 correct answers. The Certified test is mainly delivered on-line via a Windows compatible computer with internet access. The on-line test can be taken anywhere at any time with the proper equipment. Please see the instructions at the end of this document to verify your computer is ready to take the test. Written tests are only administered at specified RVDA/RVIA scheduled events. Advance registration and payment of $325.00 is required for the Certified test. The technician is also required to complete the 10 task sign-off sheets and indicate their completion on their application and to have successfully passed the Technician Certification Candidate and Registered Technician tests. Upon receipt and acceptance of the completed application, the technician will be given a user ID and passcode to take the test on-line. Upon completion of the test, a preliminary score will appear on the computer screen that can be printed for your records. NOTE: In all cases, results are not final until notified in writing by RVDA. Under no circumstances will test results be released by any means other than written notification. Official results will follow in the mail in approximately 3-6 weeks. The results will contain a Prescriptive Training Report. The report will list the duties of the test. Three scores for each duty are listed; the number of questions the technician answered correctly for that duty, the individual s percentage score for that duty, and the national average percentage score for everyone that has taken that version and form of the test. A technician can quickly evaluate their knowledge or ability by comparing the individual percentage score with the national average percentage score for each duty and for the overall test. Re-test Technicians unsuccessful in achieving a passing score on the Certified test have the ability to re-test one time for a reduced fee of $25.00. To be eligible for this reduced fee, the test must be retaken within 90 days of the original test date. Page 5 of 13
Recertification All Certified Technicians must recertify every 5 years. Upon successfully passing the Certified Technician test, the technician will be award the designation of Certified Technician for a period of 5 years beginning on the date the test was taken. Certified Technicians seeking recertification must meet the following requirements: prove continuous (less than 1 year off) employment in the industry since the previous certification date. have proof of continuing education consisting of 40 hours of industry related training over the five year period with at least 24 hours occurring over the last three years. Submittal of the recertification application, payment of $100.00, and copies of employment and training documents is required prior to the expiration of current certification. NOTE: Technicians that cannot meet the recertification requirements outlined above will be required to test at the current test cost. The technician must pass the test to be recertified. When the test alternative is used for recertification, the technician must achieve the appropriate score to retain the previous certification level. A technician who fails the test will lose their certification. Certified Specialist There are five Certified Specialists that make up the right path on the RV Service Technician Career Ladder: Body, Chassis, Electrical Systems, Appliances and Plumbing. Each test focuses on the area of the RVST Standard/DACUM related to the specialty area. Certified Body Specialist Test The following chart indicates the duties and the number of questions for each duty from the RVST Standard/DACUM that are being tested: Exterior/Coach Body 29 Interior Components 37 Technical Skills 9 Total 75 This test consists of 75 multiple choice questions. The technician has 70 minutes in which to complete the test. The passing score for the Certified Body Specialist test is 82.7% or 62/75 correct answers. There are currently no task sign-off sheets associated with the Body Specialty. Page 6 of 13
Certified Chassis Specialist Test The following chart indicates the duties and the number of questions for each duty from the RVST Standard/DACUM that are being tested: Brake, Suspension and Towing Systems 41 Hydraulic Systems 12 Slideout Room Systems 18 Technical Skills 4 Total 75 This test consists of 75 multiple choice questions. The technician has 70 minutes in which to complete the test. The passing score for the Certified Chassis Specialist test is 85.3% or 69/75 correct answers. There are currently no task sign-off sheets associated with the Chassis Specialty. Certified Electrical Systems Specialist Test The following chart indicates the duties and the number of questions for each duty from the RVST Standard/DACUM that are being tested: DC Electrical Systems 25 AC Electrical Systems 23 Brake, Suspension & Towing 5 Technical Skills 4 Generators 24 Total 81 This test consists of 81 multiple choice questions. The technician has 75 minutes in which to complete the test. The passing score for the Certified Electrical Systems Specialist test is 85.2% or 69/81 correct answers. There are currently 3 task sign-off sheets associated with the Electrical Systems Specialty. Page 7 of 13
Certified Appliance Specialist Test The following chart indicates the duties and the number of questions for each duty from the RVST Standard/DACUM that are being tested: Propane Systems 12 Air Conditioning 15 Water Heaters 24 Furnaces 28 Refrigerators 18 Ranges and Cooktops 8 General 6 Total 110 This test consists of 110 multiple choice questions. The technician has 100 minutes in which to complete the test. The passing score for the Certified Appliance Specialist test is 83.6% or 92/110 correct answers. There are currently 7 task sign-off sheets associated with the Appliance Specialty. Certified Plumbing Specialist Test The following chart indicates the duties and the number of questions for each duty from the RVST Standard/DACUM that are being tested: Propane Systems Piping 19 Plumbing Fresh Water Systems 23 Plumbing Waste Water Systems 16 Total 58 This test consists of 58 multiple choice questions. The technician has 55 minutes in which to complete the test. The passing score for the Certified Appliance Specialist test is 79.3% or 46/58 correct answers. There are currently no task sign-off sheets associated with the Plumbing Specialty. Testing The Specialty tests are mainly delivered on-line via a Windows capability computer with internet access. The on-line test can be taken anywhere at any time with the proper equipment. Please see the instructions at the end of this document to verify your computer is ready to take the test. Written tests are only administered at specified RVDA/RVIA scheduled events. Advance registration and payment of $165.00 is required for the Specialty tests. The technician is also required to complete the appropriate task sign-off sheets and indicate their Page 8 of 13
completion on their application and to have successfully passed the Technician Certification Candidate and Registered Technician tests. Upon receipt and acceptance of the completed application, the technician will be given a user ID and passcode to take the test on-line. Upon completion of the test, a preliminary score will appear on the computer screen that can be printed for your records. NOTE: In all cases, results are not final until notified in writing by RVDA. Under no circumstances will test results be released by any means other than written notification. Official results will follow in the mail in approximately 3-6 weeks. The results will contain a Prescriptive Training Report. The report will list the duties of the test. Three scores for each duty are listed; the number of questions the technician answered correctly for that duty, the individual s percentage score for that duty, and the national average percentage score for everyone that has taken that version and form of the test. A technician can quickly evaluate their knowledge or ability by comparing the individual percentage score with the national average percentage score for each duty and for the overall test. Re-test Technicians unsuccessful in achieving a passing score on any of the Specialty tests have the ability to re-test one time for a reduced fee of $25.00. To be eligible for this reduced fee, the test must be retaken within 90 days of the original test date. Recertification All Certified Specialists must recertify every 5 years. Upon successfully passing the Specialty test, the technician will be awarded the appropriate designation for a period of 5 years beginning on the date the test was taken (Certified Body Specialist, Certified Chassis Specialist, Certified Electrical Systems Specialist, Certified Appliance Specialist, and Certified Plumbing Specialist). Certified Specialists seeking recertification must meet the following requirements: prove continuous (less than 1 year off) employment in the industry since the previous certification date. have proof of continuing education consisting of 8 hours of specialty related training over the five year period. Submittal of the recertification application, payment of $50/individual, and copies of employment and training documents is required prior to the expiration of current certification. NOTE: Technicians that cannot meet the recertification requirements outlined above will be required to test at the current test cost. The technician must pass the test to be recertified. When Page 9 of 13
the test alternative is used for recertification, the technician must achieve the appropriate score to retain the previous certification level. A technician who fails the test will lose their certification. Master Certified Technician There are two methods of achieving the Master Certified Technician designation. Method 1 Traditional - have five years of documented experience as an RV Service Technician - take the Certified Technician test and achieve score of 90.0% or higher (180/200 correct answers) In the event a technician with less than five years experience achieves the 90% or higher on the test, he/she will be designated a Certified Technician and will be automatically upgraded to Master Certified Technician upon completion of the five year documentable experience requirements. Recertification requirements will be from the original certification date. Method 2 Specialty - have five years of documented experience as an RV Service Technician - hold current certifications in all 5 specialty areas (master awarded upon completion of LAST specialty) In the event a technician with less than five years experience holds current certifications in all 5 specialty areas, he/she will be designated a Certified Specialist and will be automatically upgraded to Master Certified Technician upon completion of the five year documentable experience requirements. Recertification requirements will be from the completion of the LAST specialty. Recertification All Master Certified Technicians must recertify every 5 years, determined by the date Master was awarded. The requirements are the same as for a Certified Technician (see page 6). Appeal Process A technician may appeal his/her test results. Appeals must be submitted in writing, within 30 days of receipt of the official test results and shall be addressed to the RVDA/RVIA RV Service Technician Certification Test Governing Board, at the address below. The appeal must contain the date of the test, the test site, and specific explanations as to why the appeal is being submitted. The Governing Board does not accept appeals from candidates that do not meet the determined score for each certification level. RVDA/RVIA staff will review the appeal and submit a written report to the Governing Board for review at is next scheduled meeting. The Page 10 of 13
technician will be informed of the Governing Board s decision in writing. The decision of the Governing Board is final. The address to submit appeals is: RVDA/RVIA RV Service Technician Certification Governing Board 3930 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030-2515 Fax: (703) 359-0152 Email: techcert@rvda.org Page 11 of 13
Verifying Computer is Capable of Administer ring the Tests It is highly recommended that the following steps to verify your computer is capable of administering the assessments be done beforee you register to take a test and that it be done during the hours that NOCTI technical support is available to assist you if needed. NOCTI technical support 1-800-278-8506 is available Monday-Friday 8:00 am 5:00 pm (EST) unless otherwisee posted. 1. Click on the following link to download the testing tool: http://testing.noctibusiness.com/utilities/ /DesktopDownload.aspx 2. Click on Check My Computer button in the on-line instruction step #2. Note: The assessment tool only operates on the Windows platform and is not currently available for Apple systems. 3. If your computer meets the pre-requisites (Notification will appear on the screen), Click on the Download the Utility button in the on-line instruction step #3. 4. Save the program to your desktop when promptedd to run orr save the program. 5. Double-click on the OnlineTestNBS.exe file onn your desktop and choose run when prompted. 6. Click on the Take an Assessment button. 7. If the test screen loads and asks for your user code, password, and last name; your computer is ready to take any assessment. Page 12 of 13
8. Once you are registered to take the test and have received your user code and password, you only have to double-click on the OnlineTestNBS.exe file on your desktop and choose run when prompted. You may take the test at any time of day or night. Please note that if you encounter problems during the test, NOCTI technical support 1-800-278-8506 is only available Monday-Friday 8:00 am 5:00 pm (EST) unless otherwise posted. Page 13 of 13