What RETA does

RETA (Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional association founded in 1910 and headquartered in Albany, Oregon. The organization provides education, training, and certification for individuals and companies involved in the design, operation, and service of industrial refrigeration systems, primarily serving ammonia-based food processing, cold storage, and protein processing facilities. RETA's core product is a portfolio of five certification programs: CARO, CIRO, and CRST, which are ANAB-accredited under ANSI 17024 Standards and represent the sole such accredited certifications in industrial refrigeration globally, plus the non-accredited CRES and RAI credentials. These are supported by a proprietary content library of study textbooks (Industrial Refrigeration I-IV, Basic Electricity I-II, CO2 Handbook, Ammonia Compliance Guideline) and an online training subscription platform delivering OSHA-compliant documentation.

The organization operates a hybrid community-led and event-driven go-to-market model. It monetizes through individual and corporate membership dues ($170-$885/year), certification exam fees ($570-$865), online training bundle subscriptions ($270-$2,000), annual national conference revenue (1,000+ attendees, 100+ sponsors), and merchandise. Distribution occurs through a self-serve e-commerce website, 27 authorized training providers, 24 RETA Authorized Instructor organizations, and 50 local chapters across 28 states, with international members in 29 countries. In April 2026, RETA completed a historic merger with the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) to form RETA-RSES, consolidating the two principal U.S. industrial refrigeration professional associations under unified executive leadership while preserving a 115-year brand and ANAB-exclusive accreditation position.

Name

RETA

Legal name

Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association

Website

https://reta.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1910

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RETA is a 115-year-old non-profit professional association that provides the world's only ANAB-accredited certifications and training for industrial refrigeration operators and technicians, serving 6,843 members across 29 countries via a chapter network, online platform, and annual conference.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Certification and Training Services

NAICS

Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (811210), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)

SIC

Refrigeration & Service Industry Machinery (3580), Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)

akta.pro primary industry

Refrigeration & Cold Storage (Commercial/Industrial) (EDAOACAD)

Keywords

• Industrial refrigeration certification
• Professional training association
• Membership education services
• Ammonia refrigeration training
• Refrigeration operator certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Albany

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from individual members ($195 new / $170 renewing), corporate members ($885 new / $785 renewing with 5 seats included), retiree members ($55), and student members. Additional seats for corporate members at $165 each.
2. Certification Fees: RETA offers ANAB-accredited certification programs (CARO, CIRO, CRST) at $570 for members and $865 for non-members. CRES certification at $550 for members and $855 for non-members. Retest fees available at discounted rates.
3. Training Materials and Courseware: Sale of study course workbooks, electronic book tests, practice exams, and reference materials through the online store. Books provide 20 PDH each upon completion with corresponding tests.
4. Online Training Subscriptions: Annual subscriptions for online training bundles: Complete bundle at $1,375 for members / $2,000 non-members; CARO prep bundle at $270/$400; CIRO prep bundle at $715/$1,060; CRST prep bundle at $1,225/$1,775.
5. Annual Conference Revenue: Revenue from annual national conference including registration fees, sponsor exhibitor fees, and booth rentals. 2026 conference in Orlando, FL expected to host 1,000+ attendees with 25,000 sq ft exhibit hall and 100+ sponsors.
6. Branded Apparel: Sale of RETA-RSES branded apparel through Merchology Solutions platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

RETA provides professional development, certification, and training services for the industrial refrigeration industry. Its core offerings are five certification programs (CARO, CIRO, CRST accredited by ANAB under ANSI 17024; CRES and RAI non-accredited), a textbook series (Industrial Refrigeration I-IV, Basic Electricity I-II, CO2 Handbook, Ammonia Compliance Guideline), online training subscriptions, and an annual National Conference. These are delivered alongside individual, corporate, retiree, and student memberships through a 50-chapter network spanning 28 U.S. states and members in 29 countries.

Product overview

RETA (Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association) offers a comprehensive portfolio centered on industrial refrigeration professional development. The core offering consists of five certification programs (CARO, CIRO, CRST, CRES, and RAI), with three accredited by ANAB under ANSI 17024 standards. These certifications are complemented by a complete study course textbook series covering Industrial Refrigeration I-IV, Basic Electricity I-II, CO2 Handbook, and Ammonia Compliance Guidelines. RETA provides online training subscriptions with bundled courses, an annual National Conference with education sessions and certification reviews, and workforce development initiatives through the RETA-Training Institute and Apprenticeship Program. Additional services include the RETA Career Center job board, RETA Breeze Magazine publication, an online store for materials and apparel, and a Service Directory.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CARO - Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator ANAB-accredited (ANSI 17024) entry-level certification demonstrating that an operator has sufficient knowledge to work under supervision in industrial refrigeration engine rooms. Exam consists of 110 questions over 3 hours with a 70% passing score.
• CIRO - Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator ANAB-accredited (ANSI 17024) certification requiring 2+ years of experience, assessing advanced concepts required to supervise industrial refrigeration operations. Exam: 135 questions over 3 hours.
• CRST - Certified Refrigeration Service Technician ANAB-accredited (ANSI 17024) certification for technicians and support personnel who troubleshoot and maintain industrial refrigeration plants. Requires CARO/CIRO or 4 years of experience. Exam: 150 questions over 3 hours.
• CRES - Certified Refrigeration Energy Specialist Non-ANAB certification assessing mastery of refrigeration system operations and energy management strategies. Exam: 135 questions plus documentation of energy savings activities. Added November 2013.
• RAI - RETA Authorized Instructor Non-ANAB certification for instructors who assist candidates preparing for CARO, CIRO, CRST, and CRES credentials. Requires teaching experience and knowledge of all RETA publications. Exam: 85 questions.
• RETA Online Training Web-based training platform meeting OSHA documentation requirements. Offers bundled courses for CARO, CIRO, CRST credential preparation with automatic documentation and immediate feedback, available via annual subscription.
• Industrial Refrigeration Study Course Series (Books I-IV) Foundational textbook series covering refrigeration cycles, compressors, system components, liquid feed systems, evaporators, pressure-enthalpy diagrams, defrost, plant operation and safety. Each book provides 20 Professional Development Hours (PDH).
• Basic Electricity I & II Study Courses Two-book set covering electricity fundamentals (BE I: electron theory, circuits, Ohm's Law for DC/AC) and ladder diagram fundamentals for control circuits (BE II: switches, timers, alarm circuits, troubleshooting). Each provides 20 PDH.
• CO2 Handbook Study course on carbon dioxide as a refrigerant covering safety, properties, cascade and transcritical systems, components, installation, and commissioning. 20 PDH.
• Ammonia Refrigeration Compliance Guideline Guidance for developing and maintaining required programs, training, and documentation for ammonia refrigeration compliance. 20 PDH upon completion.
• RETA National Conference Annual premier event for the refrigeration industry featuring 50+ education sessions, 25,000 sq ft exhibit hall, 100+ sponsors, networking opportunities, and certification reviews. Expected to host 1,000+ attendees.
• Refrigeration Mechanic/Technician Apprenticeship Program 3-year apprenticeship with 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related instruction. Collaborates with business, industry, and government organizations via Fastport.
• Train the Trainer Course 3-day course for workplace trainers covering adult learning principles, training design, delivery, assessment, and evaluation techniques. Held at the annual RETA National Conference.
• RETA-Training Institute (RETA-TI) 501(c)(3) workforce development organization founded 2019 targeting veterans, transitioning service members, students, and women for industrial refrigeration careers.
• RETA Membership (Individual, Corporate, Retiree, Student) Annual membership program with four tiers: Individual USA/International ($195 new/$170 renewing), Corporate USA ($885 new/$785 renewing with 5 included seats, additional seats $165 each, max 25), Retiree ($55), and Student (application required with proof of accredited Ammonia program enrollment).
• RETA Career Center Job board platform where employers post jobs and job-seekers find opportunities in the industrial refrigeration industry. Offers free resume review, interview preparation, and social networking tips.
• RETA Online Store E-commerce platform selling study courses, reference materials, electronic book tests, certification fees, practice exams, patches, and RETA-branded apparel.

Quantifiable outcome

• RETA is the sole provider of ANAB-accredited certification in industrial refrigeration worldwide
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 April 2026Historic merger between RETA and RSES completed in April 2026 with unveiling of new combined logo. RSES is a complementary organization providing testing, certification, and the RSES Journal. Combined entity serves both organizations' members under unified leadership including Lori Schiavo as Associate Executive Director.
• YourMembership (Association Management Software)supportingTechnology or IntegrationYourMembership provides the membership management software platform powering RETA's website, member login, online store, event registration, and member communications.
• NASRC (North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to develop CO2 Study Course as carbon dioxide gains market share as a refrigerant. Jointly developed training materials for CO2 refrigeration systems.
• Cascade Energy EngineeringsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCascade Energy published the Industrial Refrigeration Best Practices Guide used as course content for RETA's CRES certification and energy efficiency training.
• Industrial Refrigeration Consortium, University of Wisconsin-MadisonsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Wisconsin's Industrial Refrigeration Consortium published the Energy Conservation Manual used as course material for RETA's energy efficiency programs and CRES certification.
• WebAssessor (Testing Platform)supportingTechnology or IntegrationWebAssessor platform used for scheduling and administering RETA certification exams including CARO, CIRO, CRST, and practice tests.
• Merchology SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party merchandise platform providing RETA-RSES branded apparel through integrated storefront.
• Fastport (Apprenticeship Program)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Fastport to connect apprenticeship applicants with refrigeration companies. Dave Harrison at Fastport manages the application matching process for RETA's Ammonia Technician Apprenticeship Program.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• HVAC Excellence: Non-profit HVACR education and accreditation organization offering technician certifications, school/programmatic accreditation, and continuing education. Directly comparable in mission and delivery model to RETA.
• RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society): Recently merged with RETA in April 2026. RSES served as a directly comparable peer providing testing, certification, and technical education for HVACR professionals, particularly on the commercial refrigeration side.
• IIAR (International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration): Industry association focused specifically on ammonia refrigeration, which is the core domain of RETA's training and certifications. IIAR develops standards (IIAR-2, IIAR-6) that complement RETA's operator training and co-developed the Ammonia Refrigeration Training Guideline.
• NATE (North American Technician Excellence): Industry-recognized certification body for HVACR technicians. NATE offers certifications similar in structure to RETA's CARO/CIRO/CRST, serving a comparable technician workforce with a similar testing and continuing education model.
• ESCO Group (ESCO Institute): Provider of HVACR education, certification, and technical training materials, including the well-known EPA 608 certification. Competes with RETA in the same technician training and certification market.

Broad incumbents

• AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute): Major industry trade association representing HVACR equipment manufacturers. AHRI operates more broadly across heating and cooling but overlaps with RETA in refrigeration standards and workforce development.
• ASHRAE: Global professional society for HVACR engineers, offering continuing education, certifications (HBDP, HFDP, etc.), and standards. ASHRAE is a broader, more engineering-focused peer that competes for the same professional development wallet share.

Regional players

• IARW (International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses): Now part of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), IARW serves the cold storage industry that depends on RETA-certified operators. Adjacent industry association that overlaps in workforce development concerns.

Emerging players

• NASRC (North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council): Non-profit promoting natural refrigerants (CO2, ammonia, hydrocarbons). NASRC is a partner of RETA on CO2 content but also a potential peer in the refrigerant-transition training market.
• Refrigeration School (RSI): For-profit vocational school focused on HVACR training, offering diploma programs. RSI competes in workforce pipeline development but as a for-profit educational institution rather than a member association.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/RETAHQ
• Xx.com/reta_hq

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RETA