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Certificate Member Specialist (CMS)

Certificate Member Specialist (CMS) is a classification of RSES membership.  Exclusive to RSES Members, this designation is earned after successfully passing one (or more) rigorous written examinations.

There are currently eight exams, each focusing on a specialized area of expertise.  Click on the exam title below to view the exam categories:

 

The RSES Commercial Air Conditioning Specialist examination is 100 questions and requires a score of 80% or better to pass.
Categories on the examination include:

  • Air Conditioning Principles
  • Air Distribution
  • Fans
  • Filters
  • Cooling Towers & Condensers
  • Refrigerants
  • Instruments
  • Controls
  • Electrical
  • Compressors
  • Absorption Machines
  • Chilled Water Systems & Reciprocating Chillers
  • Using the Pressure Temperature Chart
  • Service and Troubleshooting
  • Using the Psychrometric Chart

The RSES Commercial Refrigeration Specialist examination is 100 questions and requires a score of 80% or better to pass.
Categories on the examination include:

  • Refrigeration Principles
  • Trade Tools & Test Instruments
  • Piping
  • Refrigerants & Oils
  • Safety
  • Compressors
  • Condensers and Cooling Towers
  • Evaporators & Defrost
  • Metering Devices
  • Systems
  • Accessories
  • Electrical
  • Controls
  • Installation, Service and Troubleshooting
  • Pressure Enthalpy Chart

The RSES Controls Specialist examination is 100 questions and requires a score of 80% or better to pass.
Categories on the examination include:

  • General Control Theory
  • Control Design Criteria
  • Safety Controls
  • Control Wiring
  • Pneumatic Controls
  • Electro-Mechanical Controls
  • Solid-State Controls

The RSES Domestic Service Specialist examination is 100 questions and requires a score of 80% or better to pass.
Categories on the examination include:

  • Principles of Refrigeration
  • Electrical
  • Air Conditioning
  • Refrigerators & Freezers
  • Safety
  • Ice Makers/Machines
  • Defrost
  • Humidifiers
  • Soldering & Brazing

The RSES Dynamic Compression Specialist examination is 100 questions and requires a score of 80% or better to pass.
Categories on the examination include:

  • Rotary Compressors
  • Scroll Compressors
  • Screw Compressors
  • Centrifugal Compressors
  • Absorption Units
  • General Accepted Practices

The RSES Heating Specialist examination is 100 questions and requires a score of 80% or better to pass.
Categories on the examination include:

  • General
  • Oil
  • L.P. (Propane)
  • Instruments
  • Electric Heat
  • Heat Pump
  • Natural Gas
  • Hydronics
  • Controls

The RSES Heat Pump Specialist examination is 100 questions and requires a score of 80% or better to pass.
Categories on the examination include:

  • Basic Refrigeration
  • Heat Pump Components
  • Motors
  • Electrical
  • Miscellaneous
  • Evacuation and Charging
  • Duct Systems
  • Air-to-Air Heat Pump Systems
  • Air-to-Air Heat Pump Defrost
  • Supplemental Heat
  • Water-Source Heat Pumps
  • Safety

The RSES HVACR Electrical Specialist examination is 100 questions and requires a score of 80% or better to pass.
Categories on the examination include:

  • Fundamental Concepts of Electricity
  • Basic Principles of Direct Current
  • Basic Principles of Alternating Current
  • Series and Parallel Circuits
  • Electrical Symbols and Schematic Diagrams
  • Electrical Safety
  • Resistors and Resistance
  • Capacitors and Capacitance
  • Transformers/Power Supplies
  • Relays, Contactors, Starters
  • Motors/Compressors
  • Conductors
  • Solid-State Components
  • Miscellaneous Components

Who Can Take the CMS Exam?

Any RSES Certificate Member (CM) who is in good standing may take the exam.

 

What is the Cost to Take the CMS Exam?

The cost for a CMS exam is $35 per test.

 

What Does RSES do to Promote my Achievements?

All successful CMS candidates receive two personalized wall certificates; one indicating their new status in the organization as a Certificate Member Specialist (CMS)  and the other an RSES Technical Institute Level 5 certificate suitable for framing along with a patch promoting their new status.

In addition, all future correspondence includes the CMS designation with the member's name - and the member is encouraged to do the same. With the member's permission, his or her employer is automatically notified of successful passing. Further, the names of successful candidates are included in each month's RSES Journal, as well as listed in press releases and broadcast e-mail sent to industry peers and publications.

In each Specialist category, the Imperial Award is granted to the member with the highest score. Members who earn five of the eight currently available Specialist categories earn the Wayburn Wilson Award. Both awards are presented at the RSES Annual Conference. In addition, CMS members can add diamonds for each Specialty exam passed to the exclusive RSES CM ring and handsome walnut plaques are available for purchase in all CMS categories.

 

Where Can I Take the Exam?

Certificate Member Specialist (CMS) examinations may be offered at State or Regional training events, through a local Chapter designated test day, at International Seminars or the Annual RSES Conference.

View the RSES Events Calendar to find scheduled exams in your area or contact your local Chapter to obtain testing date and location information in your area. 

 

Need More Information?

For more information on the Active Specialized Member (SM) examination, please call RSES at 800/297-5660 or 847/297-6464, or e-mail us at certification@rses.org.
 

PO Box 248
Arlington Heights, IL 60006-0248

Toll Free: 800.297.5660
P. 847.297.6464
F: 847.297.5038

RSES is the leading education, training and certification preparation organization for HVACR professionals.