RPA/ASSE Seek Input for Development of New Personnel Certification Standard

The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) and ASSE International are seeking professional input toward the development of an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recognized standard for hydronic and radiant heating/cooling designers and installers.

The standard will allow authorities to recommend certification as a minimum requirement to obtain a business license to practice hydronic heating and cooling within that jurisdiction.

“Smaller cities and townships rarely have a minimum certification requirement in order to design and install these systems,” said RPA Executive Director Mark Eatherton. “It’s our goal to provide a high degree of consumer confidence in the designers and contractors who have made the effort to become certified.”

The RPA will revise its current certification program so that it meets all the requirements of the newly developed standard. The training curriculum will assure that a professional contractor meets all of the testing requirements needed to achieve “ASSE Certified” status. This demonstrates a high level of knowledge and experience to the end user. Recertification would also be required at regular intervals. It’s a distinction that will significantly improve the RPA’s existing certification program.

Those interested in participating in the open consensus process in the development of this new standard should contact Eatherton at (877) 427-6601 or [email protected]. For more information on the RPA, visit www.radiantprofessionalsalliance.org.

The RPA’s mission is to provide superior leadership in the industry and foster the awareness of radiant and hydronic technologies in order to “Grow Radiant.” The RPA is a national chapter of IAPMO, representing the radiant and hydronic industry.

ASSE International is an ANSI-accredited standards developer and product certification body comprised of members representing all disciplines of the plumbing and mechanical industries. ASSE’s product performance standards, professional qualifications standards, professional certification and product listing programs aim to improve the performance and safety of plumbing and mechanical systems. Learn more about ASSE International at http://www.asse-plumbing.org.