What is the Recognised Practitioners Programme (RPP)? Your Go-To Refresher Course for Hazardous Area Certification

If you’ve been working in hazardous areas, chances are you’ve come across the term “CompEx Refresher.” Since August 2022, however, this widely known course has been renamed the Recognised Practitioners Programme (RPP). Despite the new name, many still search for it under the familiar label of a “complex refresher course”, as it plays a vital role in keeping professionals certified and up to date with the latest safety standards.

At EPIT, we understand the importance of refresher training for those working in hazardous environments, which is why we offer the RPP, designed specifically for electrical and instrument technicians who need to maintain their CompEx certification.

What is a CompEx Refresher Course? The RPP Explained

The Recognised Practitioners Programme (RPP) serves as the updated version of the previous CompEx Refresher course, aimed at professionals who need to recertify every five years to demonstrate their competence in working with explosive atmospheres. This complex refresher training covers everything from installation to inspection of Ex equipment in hazardous areas, ensuring that technicians are up to date with current practices and regulations.

Why Take the RPP (CompEx Refresher) Course?

For professionals working in hazardous environments, regular refresher training is essential. The RPP offers numerous benefits, including:

• Keeping Skills Current: technology and safety standards evolve quickly. A complex refresher course like the RPP ensures you stay on top of these changes.
• Maintaining Certification: the RPP ensures that your CompEx certification remains valid for another five years, preventing costly gaps in certification.
• Advanced Refresher Training: the RPP provides a deeper dive into complex systems, focusing on gas and vapour hazards and incorporating hands-on practical assessments to reinforce your expertise.

Complex Refresher Training: What You’ll Learn in the RPP

The RPP is specifically designed for those who have already completed the full CompEx Ex01-Ex04 course and regularly work in hazardous areas. As a more concise and targeted version of the original certification, this refresher course is perfect for experienced professionals who need to renew their certification but don’t require the full five-day programme.

Here’s an overview of what the complex refresher training in the RPP covers:

• Cable Gland Installation: a practical exercise where you’ll correctly select and install cable glands, focusing on crimping and terminating cables into Ex equipment.
• Equipment Inspection: you’ll conduct hands-on inspections of Ex equipment with faults applied, testing your ability to troubleshoot and identify issues.
• Ex Equipment Selection: an online assessment requires you to select appropriate equipment, cable glands, and accessories for specific hazardous area locations.
• Theory Exam: you’ll take a 20-question online theory exam, covering the principles of explosion protection and hazardous area standards.

This complex refresher course is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the challenges of working in hazardous environments.

When Should You Take the RPP (CompEx Refresher)?

Your CompEx certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, you’ll need to complete the RPP before your certification expires. If you miss the deadline, you’ll need to re-take the full Ex01-Ex04 course, which involves more time and expense. Therefore, taking the RPP at the right time not only saves you time but also ensures you remain compliant with industry standards.

Preparing for the RPP at EPIT

At EPIT, we offer a comprehensive approach to refresher training for professionals. Our two-day RPP course in Aberdeen includes a full day of training, followed by assessments on the second day. To help you prepare, we provide access to E-learning modules on Explosion Protection Awareness (Electrical) and https://www.epitgroup.com/product/ex-equipment-selection/Ex Equipment Selection.

These modules are designed to give you a solid foundation before you attend the in-person training. With interactive quizzes and multimedia content, the modules allow you to learn at your own pace and ensure you’re well-prepared for the practical and theory exams.

CompEx Refresher Course Benefits

Taking the RPP (CompEx Refresher) course offers several key advantages:

• Flexibility: the course is concise and targeted, making it ideal for busy professionals who already have practical experience but need to refresh their skills.
• Industry Relevance: the RPP is updated regularly to reflect the latest safety standards and industry practices, ensuring you’re always working to the most current guidelines.
• Practical Application: with hands-on assessments and real-world scenarios, the RPP ensures that your skills aren’t just theoretical but also applicable in day-to-day hazardous area operations.

The Recognised Practitioners Programme (RPP), still commonly referred to as the CompEx Refresher, remains a critical step for maintaining your CompEx certification and ensuring your skills and knowledge are up to date. This complex refresher training is essential for anyone working in hazardous environments, offering practical assessments and the latest insights into industry safety standards.

At EPIT, we’re dedicated to helping you stay compliant and competent. Whether you’re preparing for the RPP or looking to refresh your knowledge through our E-learning modules, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

For more information on the Recognised Practitioners Programme (RPP) or to enroll, visit the course booking page or contact us at info@epitgroup.com.