NAARSO Certification Rules

1.1 Issuance of a certification signifies that the holder has met certain requirements as set forth in the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) rules. The certification only recognizes that the individual possesses a certain level of knowledge required to perform an amusement ride inspection, it does not certify any inspection performed by an individual holding a NAARSO certification. NAARSO neither employs nor supervises the certificate holder. Proper performance of the inspection duties assigned to an inspector is the responsibility of the inspector and the inspector's employer.

2.1 There shall be a Certification and Examination Board (the Board) to create, supervise, and administer an Amusement Ride and Device Inspector Certification Accreditation Program. The Board shall consist of not less than nine (9) members of NAARSO who shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Directors. The current President and Executive Director of NAARSO shall be included as additional non-voting members of the Board. The Current President shall appoint a Chairman who will serve at the discretion of the President and the Board of Directors.

2.1.1 At least one (1) member shall be Jurisdictional Authorities, one (1) member shall be a representative of the Insurance Industry, one (1) member shall be a representative of the Carnival Ride Industry, one (1) member shall be a representative of the Amusement Park Industry, and one (1) member shall represent the Private Consultants whose primary interest is the inspection of amusement rides and devices, and four (4) Members at Large. Each new member must have attained a Level II (Advanced) Certificate prior to appointment.

2.2 The Board shall develop a uniform standard for administering the examination and make the examination available at least once each year.

2.3 The members of the Board shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending meetings or in performing their duties as a member of the Board.

Examination, Certification, and renewal fee (Level I and II)	$160.00
(NAARSO members receive $105.00 discount)	$55.00
Level III Certification application fee	$100.00
Level III Certification renewal fee	$55.00
Endorsement Application and Renewal Fee (each)	$15.00
Certificate Replacement Fee	$20.00
Certification Card Changes/Replacement Fee	$20.00

2.5 The Board shall meet no less than twice each year. Once during the annual Safety Forum and once at a time and location to be announced by the chairman with adequate notice. A quorum for the conduct of all business of the Board shall consist of two-thirds (2/3) of the minimum number of members. Members of the Board unable to attend meeting may vote in absentia by mail, fax, or email allowing adequate time for receipt.

3.1 The examination shall be in writing and shall be conducted by members of the Board, with at least two (2) members present at all times during the examination. The examination shall be confined to questions which will aid in determining the applicant's basic knowledge of the amusement industry and inspection fundamentals. The examination shall be prepared and administered by the Board.

3.2 The various examination levels shall cover general, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, ride safety knowledge, and advanced knowledge. The advanced knowledge shall be appropriate to the level of examination and may include operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of amusement rides and devices.

3.3 The examination will only be given on dates and at locations approved by the Board.

3.4 Results of the examination shall be confidential and conveyed to applicants within sixty (60) days of the examination. Notification of results will indicate only PASS or FAIL. Results are available only to Board members and individual applicants. Unsuccessful applicants may not be retested for at least one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of examination.

3.5 Applicants must be able to read, write, and comprehend the English language. Applicants with special needs must request accommodations, in writing, to the Board no less than thirty (30) days prior to the examination date.

4.1 Successful applicants will be issued a certificate as an amusement ride and device inspector by the Executive Director or his designate. A NAARSO certificate and/or endorsement is valid for two (2) years and will expire on March 31. If certificate is issued after March 31, it will be valid until March 31 of the 2nd. year. An expired certificate may be renewed within one(1) year of expiration for the balance of the two (2) year term ending March 31 provided training requirements specified in 5.1.4 have been met. Certificates expired beyond one (1) year shall not be reinstated without successful retesting.

4.2 The certified inspector shall submit evidence of the appropriate hours of training or continuing education units (CEUs) applicable to their level of certification prior to March 31 of the year of certificate expiration. All training and documentation shall be submitted to the Board for approval.
Failure to submit required evidence could result in the delay or revocation of a certificate. Formal training shall consist of amusement ride seminars, conferences, and/or local training on related subjects such as welding, NDT, hydraulic, electrical or mechanical systems. NAARSO shall maintain a file on each member and retain copies of all training documentation.

5. REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION AS AN INSPECTOR OF AMUSEMENT RIDES AND DEVICES

5.1.1 Applicants for certification shall satisfy the requirements of this section.

5.1.2 In order to take the NAARSO Certification Examination, the applicant shall meet the following qualifications:

(1) A high school diploma, GED, or the equivalent, plus one (1) year employment within the past three (3) years in the design, manufacture, maintenance, repair, operation, or inspection of amusement rides and devices.

(2) Three (3) years of employment within the past five (5) years in the design, manufacture, maintenance, repair, operation, or inspection of amusement rides and devices.

(3) Provide verification from employer, or qualified sponsor, that all information provided on application is true and correct.
(4) Read, write, and comprehend the English language.

5.1.4 All Level I (basic) inspectors must obtain at least 3.2 continuing education units (CEUs) during their certification period (two (2) years) to retain a basic inspector certification, or 32 hours of formal training as referenced in 4.2. Examination may not be retaken to circumvent the training requirement within three (3) years of issuance of certification.

5.2 Requirements for a Level II (Advanced) Certification. This level is obtained through a combination of testing and experience. The following requirements must be met:

(2) Verifiable documentation of five (5) years of employment and current employment in the design, manufacture, maintenance, repair, operation,

or inspection of amusement rides and devices.
(3) Pass a written test, which covers advanced topics in areas such as, but not limited to welding, electrical, hydraulics, pneumatics, or nondestructive

testing of amusement rides and devices.
(4) Read, write, and comprehend the English language.

(5) All applicants must provide proof of successful completion of at least 3.2 continuing education units (CEU's) or 32 hours of formal training as referenced

5.2.1 All Level II inspectors must obtain at least 3.2 continuing education units (CEU's) during their certification period (two (2) years) to retain the Level II (Advanced) certification, or 32 hours of formal training as referenced in 4.2.

5.3 Requirements for a Level III (Senior) Certification. The senior level is obtained through a combination of experience and training beyond the Level II (Advanced) certification. All of the following requirements must be met:

(1) Must hold current Level II (Advanced) certification.
(2) Have ten (10) years of experience in the design, manufacture, maintenance, repair, operation, or the inspection of amusement rides and devices.
(3) Worked in the amusement ride and device inspection field a minimum of three (3) years out of the past five (5) years.
(4) Be currently employed primarily in the amusement ride and device inspection field.
(5) Have a high level of knowledge, education and experience related to the amusement ride and device industry which may be verified by testing.
(6) Be approved by no less than 2/3 of the voting members of the Board.
(7) Have a High School diploma or the equivalent.
(8) Have eighty (80) hours of formal accredited amusement ride safety training within the past five (5) years.

5.3.1 All Level III (Senior) inspectors must obtain at least 3.2 CEUs in the amusement ride safety field during the certification period (two (2) years) to retain the Level III (Senior) Certification.

(1) Hold a Level II (Advanced) or Level III (Senior) Certification.
(2) A minimum of sixteen (16) hours of formal education on how to conduct training or provide a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of formal instruction at an accredited amusement ride safety training program.
(3) Be approved by the Examination Board.

(1) Must hold a Level II (Advanced) or Level III (Senior) certification.
(2) Must have supervisory responsibilities for amusement ride inspectors.
(3) A minimum of twenty four (24) hours of formal education on management or management related issues.
(4) Be approved by the Examination Board.

7.1 A certification file shall be maintained on each inspector. It will include, but not be limited to the following:

7.1.1 Examination Certification: Level II and Level III requires current resume.

Pre-Application: An applicant may pre-apply for the examination by completing the appropriate application provided by NAARSO and prepaying the appropriate fee. Applicants will receive an "Admittance Card" at the exam site. The "Admittance Card" must be presented when entering the examination room.

On Site Application: An applicant may apply for the examination on the day of the examination. Applicant must complete the application form and pay the appropriate fee. Applicant will then receive an "Admittance Card".

Admittance: All applicants must present their "Admittance Card" and one additional photo I.D. Card indicating applicants Social Security Number to the Administrator at the exam site registration desk. (A photo I.D. card along with a social security card may substitute).

The administrator will process the "Admittance Card" and identification, and provide the applicant with the appropriate identification to enter the examination room. This identification must be displayed at all times during the examination.

It will be the responsibility of the examination proctors to prepare the room for the examination. In addition, examination proctors will be responsible for the security of the examination room during the entire examination period. At least two proctors must be present at the examination location at all times during the entire examination period.

Properly registered applicants and proctors will be the only individuals permitted in the examination room during the examination period.

No books, manuals, tablets, briefcases, calculators, etc will be permitted in the examination room. You will be provided with pencils and scratch paper.

Once an applicant has entered the examination room, the applicant will only be permitted to leave the room one (1) time during the examination period. Test booklet(s), answer sheets, and scratch paper must remain in the examination room. An applicant may leave the examination room upon completion of the examination. The applicant must present the test booklets, answer sheets, and all scratch paper to the proctor in the examination room before leaving. All appropriate information must be provided on test booklet(s) and answer sheets. Failure to provide required information may result in failure. Once an applicant has exited the examination room, the applicant will not be permitted to re-enter until the end of the examination period.

At the end of the specified examination period, the proctors will collect the remaining test booklets, answer sheets, scratch paper and clear the room.

Applicants with questions or problems shall raise their hand to signal a proctor for aid. Proctors are only permitted to discuss the mechanics of the examination process or rules/directions imposed by the Examination Board. Applicant questions regarding specific examination questions will not be answered or discussed. Should a problem, regarding a specific question, arise (typo, etc.), the proctors will discuss the problem and make an announcement if needed to clarify the issue.

No talking during the examination; No smoking, eating, or drinking in the examination room; Applicants to sit at designated seating only; Applicants must remain seated at all times, No wandering around the room; Accepted academic decorum is expected of all applicants at all times. Failure of an applicant to follow any of the examination procedures/policies, or an applicant who conducts oneself in an inappropriate manner will be "excused from the examination, without completion". Any applicant so "excused" will forfeit all fees associated with the examination process, and be required to begin the process anew.

All completed examinations will be graded by the members of the examination board or their designee. The results of the examination, the completed answer sheets, the application form, and any other necessary documentation will be maintained in the applicants permanent file by NAARSO.

The applicant will be informed, in writing, of their success or failure of the examination. It will be the responsibility of each applicant to provide all additional information to NAARSO for completion of the applicant's certification file. Failure to provide required documentation may delay the receipt of examination results.

Unsuccessful applicants may not be retested for at least one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the examination.

Consists of two (2) parts, each of which must be passed by a score of at least 75% correct. The first part consists of 75 questions on general knowledge, mathematics, sciences, general practices, etc... The second part consists of 75 questions which specifically apply to amusement rides.

General Knowledge subjects may include, but are not limited to, questions relating to:

Word knowledge, the ability to read and understand instructions Basic mathematical calculations

Measurement conversions, US to Metric, etc. Electrical components and their function

Ride Inspection Knowledge subjects may include, but are not limited to, questions relating to:

Accepted Industry Practices Electrical systems (U.S. and European) Inspection practices/procedures, ride operations, signage

Consists of 150 mixed questions which must be passed by a score of at least 80% correct. Many of the questions are in the same categories as the Level I, but are considered more difficult by the Examination Board. Any particular examination will consist of most or all of the question categories.

Understanding Job Information - Inspectors have to read training material, ride manuals, ride bulletins, and information sheets all during their careers. It is very important for them to understand what they read. Some questions test your ability to read and understand job information.

Recall of Details - Some questions test your ability to recall details of a technical paper or manual you have just read.

Judgment and Reasoning - Some questions test judgment in a situation that an inspector may face on the job.

Understanding Mechanical Devices - Some questions test your ability to understand general mechanical devices. Other questions test your knowledge of tools and equipment an inspector may be called upon to use.

Deal with Other People - Inspectors must deal with the public during inspections, during administrative functions, and during investigations. As public servants, or representatives of other businesses, an inspector should treat people with courtesy and respect. Some questions present problem situations in which inspectors have to deal with other people.

Basic Mathematics and Science - Some questions test an inspectors understanding of basic mathematics and general science, and the ability to apply them to the typical inspection situation.

Ride Operations and General Ride Safety - Some questions test an inspectors understanding of proper ride operational procedures and general ride safety practices.

Foreign Rides and Metrics - Inspectors usually are required to work with rides manufactured outside the U.S. using metric measurements. Inspectors should understand the important difference between foreign and U.S. manufacturing practices and standards. The inspector should have a working ability to convert metric measurements to U.S. and vice-versa (given conversion formulas).

Codes and Standards - Inspectors are usually required to have a working knowledge and understanding of various published safety codes and standards. The inspector need not memorize any code, but needs to know which code to apply in each individual circumstance.

Specialized Areas - Amusement rides can be very complex, an inspector should have a basic understanding of several specialized area. The inspector need not be a fully trained specialist in any particular field, but needs a general working knowledge of procedures, practices, and terminologies in such diverse fields including:

The questions will be multiple choice with 4 possible answers. You will be asked to mark your answer by darkening the circle corresponding with your answer number and letter on your answer sheet.

Do not write your name on the answer sheets. You will be asked to write in the date, your I.D. Code, Social Security Number, etc. on the answer sheets. The members of the Examination Board who grade the exam will not know to whom answer sheets belong.

No questions will be asked regarding a specific amusement ride or manufacturer. Thus you need not have experience or knowledge of all the varied rides in use.

Although not impossible, it is impractical to "Study" or "Cram" for this test. Your general knowledge was gained through many years of "life" and "job" experience. Your ride inspection knowledge is gained through on the job training, self study with ride manuals and other ride information, and with training seminars such as those sponsored by NAARSO, AIMS and others.

These helpful hints and tips are provided to aid you in taking the Inspector Certification Examination.

Bring a watch to help you budget your time. Be certain you know the amount of time you have for the test.

Refrain from drinking excessive amounts of liquid before the test. Going to the restroom during the test wastes valuable time.

Be confident and calm. A certain amount of anxiety is not only normal but is highly desirable. You will not be at your best if you are completely relaxed. Check you watch and apportion your time intelligently. Give the test your complete attention. Concentrate solely on the task before you.

Listen carefully to all oral instructions. Read carefully the directions for taking the test and marking the answer sheets. If you don't understand the instructions or directions, raise your hand and ask the proctor for clarification. Failure to follow instructions or misreading directions can only result in a loss of points.

When the signal is given to begin the test, start with the first question. Don't jump to conclusions. CAREFULLY READ THE QUESTION AND ALL OF THE POSSIBLE ANSWERS BEFORE MAKING YOUR SELECTION. Work steadily and quickly but not carelessly.

Do not spend too much time on any one question. If you can't figure out the answer in a few seconds, go on to the next question. If you skip a question, be sure to skip the answer space for that question on the answer sheet. Continue in this fashion through the test, answering only those each questions that require little time and of which you are sure.

Make certain that the number of the question you are working on in the test booklet corresponds to the number of the questions you are marking on the answer sheet. It is a good idea to check the numbers of the questions and answers frequently. If you skip a question but fail to skip the corresponding answer blank for that question, all your answers after that will be in the wrong place.

After you have answered every question you know, go back to the more difficult questions you skipped and attempt to answer them. If you are still unsure of the correct answer, make an "educated guess", if time permits. If time remaining is short, guess "blindly", but, be sure to answer all questions in the test.

If time permits, recheck your answers for errors. If you find that your initial response is incorrect, change it to the correct answer, making sure to erase completely. IF YOU MARK MORE THAN ONE ANSWER, THAT QUESTION WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE WRONG.

THE EXAMINATION BOARD WISHES YOU SUCCESS ON YOUR AMUSEMENT RIDE INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION.