Roof Cleaning Certification Test Questions ?

Apple Roof Cleaning

Apple Roof Cleaning

Roof Cleaning Instructor
Myself, and several others are working on test questions for RCIA roof cleaning certifification.
There has been some discussion as to a written vs a verbal test.
I am from the "keep it simple" school of thought.
How do you guys FEEL about a verbal vs a written test ?
I, and several other experienced roof cleaners feel we can tell by talking with someone IF they can clean a roof, or not ?
What do YOU think ?
 
Hey Chris

I think to give the certification any kind of credibility you have to have a written aspect to the test... granted, you guys will know by talking to someone if they know what they are doing - but to ensure that everyone is 'graded' against the same criteria I think there would need to be an element of standardization.

In my opinion, you run the risk of the certification just being a 'piece of paper' that some may try to discredit as being gained through a chat about roof cleaning with Chris Tucker. I don't personally believe that this would be the case, but I just want to highlight what may be a potential problem.

Furthermore, as with the majority of respected industry certifications/qualifications there are often different sections of testing - ie. Knowledge & Understanding, Theory, Application, Case Studies, Interviews, Open/Closed Book Tests, Practical Experience, Use of Approved Methods/Equipment, etc, etc.

I wish you success with RCIA certification process... I hope it helps to raise standards and provide opportunities for professional roof cleaning contractors.

:D
 
I would agree that speaking to someone can tell you alot about that person. That is why I do not like text mess. on cells because you can't get a real feel of that person or their tone. I do text, but it is truly teaching our youth how to hide behind a key pad, an example is our babysitter recently quit by text. That is our future.LOL Bottom line chris, YOU will know in 1 min if a person is RCIA capable.
 
I agree.. You should keep it on paper. You will need proof of the certification. Go with a paper test. Although when I went for my Airframes and Powerplants test with the FAA I had both. 750 question written test, with 200 verbal in an interview, followed by 15 hours hands on! You might be able to do an verbal and written together.
 
A combination of written/verbal or just a written test would be most ideal IMO. There would be better documentation and a written test provides more tangiable proof of authentic knowledge.
 
BMC PRESSURE WASHING said:
If I were a newbee I would get most of my answers for the written on sites like these but a verbal you can literaly put them on the spot, so to speak.
Click to expand...


Really though if you think about it, that's what is really needed, we want everyone to pass a test like this,..it's a certification and to make sure those who clean roofs are prepared to do so. It's not a test to stump people. We want roof cleaners to come here and look for the answers to questions they think might be on the test, kind of like school books. Nothing wrong with doing your homework and learning.

Jeff
 
There is no better training then hands on..Some people can read something on paper and not have a clue as to what to do when they have to physically do the job.

That is why all major trades have an apprenticeship program before you actually get your BOOK (Fully Vested)..When i train someone new i take them out with us and have them watch everthing we do for the first night, then on the next night let them get their hands on the equipment.

And within a few hours you can tell if their going to work out or not, In 15 years i only had about 4 guys that picked it right up as if they were doing it all their life. Most wind up wrapped around a pole somewhere with the ball valve turned off, and they cant fiqure out why they have no pressure..LOL

So as far as I'm concerned, and this is only my opinion the paper it's all written down on dont mean nothing if you cant apply it....
 
The Cleaner said:
There is no better training then hands on..Some people can read something on paper and not have a clue as to what to do when they have to physically do the job.

That is why all major trades have an apprenticeship program before you actually get your BOOK (Fully Vested)..When i train someone new i take them out with us and have them watch everthing we do for the first night, then on the next night let them get their hands on the equipment.

And within a few hours you can tell if their going to work out or not, In 15 years i only had about 4 guys that picked it right up as if they were doing it all their life. Most wind up wrapped around a pole somewhere with the ball valve turned off, and they cant fiqure out why they have no pressure..LOL

So as far as I'm concerned, and this is only my opinion the paper it's all written down on dont mean nothing if you cant apply it....
Click to expand...

I agree with hands on,...but we also have to be practical. To try and have anyone interested in traveling for "hands on" will be very scattered as far as interest goes. It will never be a perfect world.

Jeff
 
Steve, you have a good point.
On the verbal, we were thinking about someone verbally passing 3 people before cert is granted.

You know as well as I that no matter WHAT we do, the dark side of the roof cleaning world will find flaws in it.
Look at the KEC guys ?
Seems like they have disagreements about training all the time too ?
 
Maybe have 2 different certs.? One for written and verbal only, and one for those who come down for hands on training in addition to verbal and written.
 
Apple Roof Cleaning said:
Chris Chappel just made a good point
What is to stop those we send test to from calling friends for the answers ?
Click to expand...

Learning is learning, most would actually refer to a site like this as mentioned in an earlier post, rather than getting on the phone and asking someone....( I'm glad they make calculators instead of working for the answer, but I do get the right answer)... I would say that most who take this test will have a handful of answers already from practical in the field experience. And lets be real here, the certification really can't be of content other than what is required to do a good job, not things like pump choices and set-ups. Results is what matters here. Even mixtures will be questionable as to what is the correct answer, will just have to have chlorine in it. Really how many questions can there be that will be across the board considering there are so many variables when it comes to different states.There are only a few steps that we parallel with each other to getting a roof done from start to finish, just to many individual variables concerning other parts of the job, even start time. Like I never do roofs here in Pa that don't have gutters, so any questions pertaining to that would be irrelevant to me, whether I knew the answer or not. Maybe the questions will be about material selection for different parts of the set-up, but again there are variables here. Gonna be alot of "what's right and what's wrong" Really the best certification you can probably get is from a few years worth of customers phone numbers as reference for new customers. Be interesting to see how this plays out. I think certification gives credibility and I'm all for it, but this isn't a big enough "school" that would make customers feel comfortable with your "degree" if they were to check into it. In fact it may seem to bogus to them and think you're just using it to try and sell work. The best part I guess would be if they Googled Apple, they would see that he's definitely a credible roof cleaner and does have the credentials to pass out a certification.

Jeff
 
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Maybe a written followed by a verbal Yahoo video conference exam? Chris could pick a couple of experienced guys to be like a board exam.
 
In my HUMBLE opinion, a written test will work out better with a multiple answer format.

My opinion is the Written test should also be password protected and be backed with an encryption lock so that the answers and the test can be controlled and no CHEAT SHEETS can be easily made or distributed.

I believe that some of the areas of coverage should consist of:

1. Aptitude- Do you know how to measure roof pitch? Do you or do you NOT use 3000 psi and a ZERO degree tip to clean a asphalt shingle roof? etc.

2. Right Equipment- What are the proper ways to couple two pieces of AG hose, what pumps, hoses, what flow rates, tip sizing

3. Fall Protection- What to use and why

4. Chemicals -Descibing what the main chemicals do and how to use them properly and why and in what scenarios
and what CHEMICALS to NOT mix together and why

5. Roll Out and Roll Up- Proper proceedures

6. Landscape and Foliage Protection-

What to protect and Why?

When to tarp and when NOT to?

What not to cover with tarps. Why spray clear water on plants before starting a job. When NOT to and WHY.

7. Runoff- What do do with excess unused chemical. Proper disposal techniques.

8. Licensing- Why be licensed and insured? Why is it important to obtain a business license? The pitfalls of "SHORTCUTS"

9. Basic Safety Equipment- Why use a Fall Protection System? What is a Fall Protection System? Do you have a CPR and First Aid Certification? Why is this important? Do you have the proper footwear? Eye protection. Hearing protection? What type of clothing to wear? What not to wear and why.

10.OSHA Guidelines- What is a MSDS? Why should you carry one for chemicals onboard your rig? Who may ask for them? Why must you comply? Various laws on chemical storage, labeling, handling, etc.

Just like a "real" test in a college or at the Motor Vehicles Division when getting your Drivers license. Lets make this test professional and THE STANDARD by which "OTHERS" will follow.

Better to put in the time now to get it right then bring it to the community "Half Baked" and it be considered a "joke" rather than a well deserved, testing credential that VALIDATES one's abilities, and aptitude to perform the required service of PROFESSIONAL ROOF CLEANING.

Make CERTIFICATION mean something. "If you can't STAND for something, you'll FALL for anything"

Just my .02 cents. :)
 
Dave, if they went with a password and encryption protected online written test, would that mean that RCIA would need a WebCT or Blackboard account?
 
Apple Roof Cleaning said:
Myself, and several others are working on test questions for RCIA roof cleaning certifification.
There has been some discussion as to a written vs a verbal test.
I am from the "keep it simple" school of thought.
How do you guys FEEL about a verbal vs a written test ?
I, and several other experienced roof cleaners feel we can tell by talking with someone IF they can clean a roof, or not ?
What do YOU think ?
Click to expand...

Oral test is fine.
RoofKleen
Roy Lawson
 
Atlas1,

No, I don't believe it would come down to that, but maybe.

I believe we may have a solution that would not require that.

I think it can be done in several different ways.

Possibly as simply as using Abobe Reader and its PARENT Program to author the test and for distribution control it with Lockout privileges and and a password. Send me a private mail and I will speak more about this.

Ultimately it will be Chris T. who decides and has final say and hopefully will require a formal member (Group Census) decision, I believe. Whats your take on this Chris? You told me to start doing some "headscratching" and this is only some of what I have spent most of my afternoon trying to do.

Come up with testing Q & A and a way for test takers to build a knowledge base so that they can study for the test before taking it so if they don't know this sstuff they will have a "Roof Cleaners Guidelines and Testing Workbook"

Lets hear some more on all these topics, this is Getting interesting! Participation and debate .......Cool

Bring it On and lets get the ball ROLLING!
 
Daves test is scaring me just like when I was in school....
I vote for multiple choice.
A
b
c
d
e- None of the above.:)
 
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