Radon Reporter Dec 2024

16 | December 2024 THE RADON REPORTER | 17 PROFICIENCY PROFICIENCY NRPP Certification Exams 2025 Fee Radon Measurement Field Technician Exam (RMFT) $125 Radon Measurement Professional Exam (RMP) $175 Radon Mitigation Installer Exam (RMI) $125 Radon Mitigation Specialist Exam (RMS) $175 Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspector Exam (SGM-CI) $175 NRPP Initial Certification Radon Measurement Field Technician (RMFT) $250 Radon Measurement Professional with Standard services (RMP-S) $275 Radon Measurement Professional with Analytical services (RMP-A) $325 Radon Mitigation Installer Exam (RMI) $250 Radon Mitigation Specialist (RMS) $275 Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspector (SGM-CI) $250 NRPP Certification RENEWAL Radon Measurement Field Technician (RMFT) $250 Radon Measurement Professional with Standard services (RMP-S) $275 Radon Measurement Professional with Analytical services (RMP-A) $325 Radon Mitigation Installer Exam (RMI) $250 Radon Mitigation Specialist (RMS) $275 Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspector (SGM-CI) $250 SGM-CI Certification The National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) introduced the Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspector (SGM-CI) certification in October 2021, aimed particularly at home inspectors who want to assist clients in ensuring radon mitigation systems are installed correctly. This certification focuses on verifying that an installed radon mitigation system complies with the ANSI/AARST SGM-SF Soil Gas Mitigation Standards for Existing Homes. This inspection provides a critical checkpoint to ensure an already installed system is effective and safe. A key feature of this certification is secure and exclusive access to the SGM-CI Inspection App. Within the app, inspectors can upload photos and complete a checklist during the inspection. The app will generate a comprehensive PDF report that can be sent directly to the client and serve as a record of the inspection result. This convenient feature streamlines the process, allowing inspectors to provide immediate feedback to homebuyers, sellers, radon mitigation professionals, or other clients. NRPP-certified measurement professionals often find themselves conducting radon tests in homes that are being sold. In some cases, sellers seeking to reduce radon levels after an elevated test result hire mitigation contractors who offer the lowest price, often without regard for the effectiveness or safety of the installation. Unfortunately, the resultant systemmay not adequately reduce radon levels or may even pose other risks. Many homebuyers, preoccupied with the complexities of purchasing a home, may not give the radon system much thought after receiving the post-mitigation test results. NRPP frequently receives complaints about problems with radon mitigation installations that could have been avoided if a qualified inspector had evaluated the system and generated the app’s detailed report. The SGM-CI credential offers professionals an opportunity to step in and provide this critical service, ensuring that systems are not only effective but also meet the highest safety and compliance standards. For home inspectors who already perform radon tests as part of their service, adding the SGM-CI certification can enhance service to clients whose radon test reveals elevated levels by returning after a mitigation system is installed, to perform both the post-mitigation clearance test and the inspection to verify compliance with ANSI-AARST standards. This gives the buyer assurance that the system meets the necessary requirements before closing. The SGM-CI inspection can also help identify any deficiencies early, providing the mitigation contractor an opportunity to rectify them before the sale is finalized. From a broader perspective, the SGM-CI certification can also benefit mitigation contractors who strive to provide quality work. Contractors who take pride in their installations are often frustrated by competitors who cut corners to offer lower prices. An increased likelihood of post-installation inspections motivates all contractors to adhere to best practices, improving the overall quality of mitigation installations in the industry. To become an SGM-CI, professionals must be certified by NRPP as a Radon Measurement Professional or Mitigation Specialist. They are also required to complete an 8-hour SGM-CI Exam Prep Course approved by NRPP and pass a 125-question certification exam. Once certified, inspectors must adhere to the NRPP Code of Ethics and Certification Terms and complete four hours of continuing education every two years. SGM-CI inspectors play a variety of roles, from ensuring that systems installed during real estate transactions meet minimum standards, to helping resolve citizen complaints submitted to NRPP, to assisting state radon programs with compliance enforcement. Certified SGM-CIs may also be contracted by AARST/IEA to perform compliance inspections for state radon programs. This certification represents a significant opportunity for home inspectors and radon measurement professionals to expand their services and enhance public safety by ensuring that radon mitigation systems are installed properly and in compliance with the ANSI-AARST mitigation standard. The SGM-CI certification not only benefits the inspectors and their clients but also contributes to the broader goal of reducing radon exposure and preventing lung cancer. Investing in Excellence: Strengthening NRPP for the Future Effective January 1, 2025, the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) is implementing its first fee adjustment since 2020, reflecting the program’s commitment to maintaining high standards and improving services. • Achieving ANAB Accreditation under ISO 17024, a milestone reached in 2022, requires continuous maintenance of effort, annual assessments and associated fees, and a rigorous process to periodically refresh every certification scheme. • IEA has focused on having the right team in place for NRPP to fulfill the requirements of its accreditation while providing certified professionals, device manufacturers, labs, and training providers with effective support and oversight to support their success in meeting program standards. • In the last year, NRPP has made considerable investment in upgrading its exam proctoring platform to deliver a more secure and efficient system, resulting in increased costs. • NRPP has dedicated additional resources to refining its exams and ensuring their continued excellence. • IEA has experienced rising operational and personnel costs in the face of 22% inflation over the past five years. Starting January 1, 2025, NRPP fees for all Exams, Initial Certifications, and Renewals will increase. This fee adjustment will allow NRPP to sustain and expand its initiatives while continuing to serve radon professionals effectively and ensure that NRPP remains a trusted, globally recognized certification program. For specific rates, please visit our website here.