1. Reducing Public Health Risk
The Need for Certification and Licensing

2. For the Purposes of This Talk
Terms: Radon Certification and Licensure are similar and related…
Certification – is usually done by a third party, non-profit organization, according to a set of consensus standards.
Licensure – is a function of government, certifying a profession according to regulatory authority granted by a state’s legislature

3. Professional Certification and Certificate Program
Professional certification is the voluntary process by which a non-governmental entity grants a time-limited recognition and use of a credential to an individual after verifying that he or she has attained requirement for proficiency
A certificate is the result of a training or education event on a specialized topic for which participants receive a certificate after completing the course.
Note: This is not to be confused with the commonly used "certificate of attendance" given at the completion of many continuing education courses to validate attendance.

4. 1986: USEPA Started the Radon Proficiency Program (RPP)
In 1989, EPA added the Radon Contractor Proficiency (RCP) Program, which had the required training and EPA examination.
Shortly thereafter, they opened the Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program for Individuals. The entry requirement was the EPA Measurement Exam.
1995 – One Handbook For The Entire RPP

5. RPP Set Requirements Basic Requirements for:
Entry Level Requirements for Mitigation and Measurement
Demonstrated Proficiency
In person proficiency – Measurement
Hand On Components – Mitigation
QA/QC – Calibration of Equipment

6. 1998: US EPA discontinued RPP
US EPA Established criteria to evaluate private certification.
CRCPD Evaluated 2 Programs
Deemed NRSB and NRPP equivalent to RPP
Since then, no programs have been evaluated
Today
14 – 17 States Have Licensing Programs
HUD requires NRSP or NRPP for MF FHA Financing
____ States rely on NRSB or NRPP for examinations

7. Why Certification/Licensing Needed
Uniform Requirements Protect U.S. Citizens from Radioactivity
Known Training and Standards of Practice
Third Party Examinations and Assessments
Proof of Calibration to a known radon reference
Ongoing Demonstrations of Proficiency

8. Certification vs. Certificate
Results from Education Program
Awarded by educators
Indicates completion of course or series of courses
Content may vary by instructor
Usually listed on resume
Snapshot in time
No Further Requirements
Is Not Revocable
Certification
Results from Assessment Process
Awarded by 3rd party
Indicates proficiency via known Assessment or examinations
Designation
Consensus standards or regulations
Ongoing requirements – C.E. – Other
Compliance/Oversight
Is Revocable for Failure to Adhere Standards/Rules
QuickBooks Certificate
NRPP/NRSB/State Programs

9. Why Should Everyone Care
On Line Courses and Stand Alone Courses
Take the Course
Pass our Quiz
Become Certified
Are being promoted as Equal to Original RPP Criteria
No Formal Independent Assessment
No Demonstrated Proficiency
No Requirements for Continuing Education
No Renewal Requirements
No Revocation Provision
34 States are Non-regulated

10. Every Radon Measurement Tied To a Known National Reference
Ongoing Certification QA requirements (whether Licensed or Agency based)
Require Annual Device Calibration Tied to a National Reference
Non-standard, fly by night certification programs devalue the profession’s reputation.

11. Credibility Tied To One Picture

12. Policy Vacuum No one is policing certification Needs list/Wish list:
Current radon proficiency program criteria
Definitive federal recognition of private proficiency programs consistent with the criteria (with authority to shut down rogue programs)
State licensing inclusive of proficiency criteria
All states require licensing/proficiency
EPA oversight of proficiency in non-regulatory states
Warning to the public about unqualified providers

13. Are We Serious About Radioactivity ?
Devaluing Radon Credentialing/Licensure
Is A Serious Threat to
Professional Standing
Public Health & Safety
The Risk Reduction Brand
Remember This Fact: A Majority of Radon related Lung Cancers Occur Between 2 and 4 pCi/L