NRPP RMFT study plan

Define radon and describe its physical properties (colorless, odorless, radioactive noble gas; half-life of radon-222 at about 3.8 days) and explain the decay chain from uranium-238 through radium-226 to radon-222 and its short-lived progeny

List the major radon entry routes into a building (soil gas through foundation cracks, slab penetrations, sump pits, drain tiles, block-wall cavities, water supply, and building materials) and rank them by typical contribution

Explain how pressure-driven soil gas movement (stack effect, HVAC depressurization, wind) drives indoor radon concentrations and how seasonal and daily variation affects sampling decisions

Describe the health basis for testing: radon as a leading environmental cause of lung cancer, the synergistic risk with smoking, and the difference between occupational and residential exposure contexts

Identify the major measurement device categories (passive: charcoal adsorption, charcoal liquid scintillation, alpha track, electret ion chamber; active: continuous radon monitor, continuous working-level monitor, grab-sample scintillation) and state what each measures (radon gas vs. progeny working level)

Match each device type to its typical deployment duration, sensitivity, and appropriate use case (short-term screening vs. long-term annual average)

Explain the difference between a screening measurement and a follow-up measurement and when each is required

Describe how device placement, interference from occupants, and ventilation status influence measurement validity

State the standard closed-house conditions used for short-term tests (doors and windows closed, external doors only for momentary entry, no fans or whole-house ventilation during the test period) and explain the rationale for each

Describe correct detector placement rules: lowest livable level, occupied rooms, away from drafts, heat sources, exterior walls, and high humidity, and at least 20 inches above the floor where applicable

Outline proper handling, chain-of-custody, and shipping requirements for passive devices so results are defensible

Explain what constitutes an invalid or compromised test and how to document it

Interpret radon results against the action level of 4 pCi/L (about 148 Bq/m3) and explain the recommendation to consider mitigation between 2 and 4 pCi/L

Distinguish between short-term and long-term result interpretation and describe when a follow-up long-term test is advised

Explain measurement uncertainty, device precision, and why a single result near the action level warrants confirmation testing

Describe how to communicate results to a client in plain language without overstating or dismissing risk

Describe quality assurance and quality control requirements for radon measurement, including device calibration, duplicate measurements, blank/spike devices, and routine performance tests

Explain the roles and responsibilities of the measurement professional versus the mitigation professional, and the conflict-of-interest concern when one party performs both on the same property

Outline recordkeeping expectations: test documentation, device logs, calibration records, and retention periods

Describe the ethical obligations of a field technician, including honest reporting, client confidentiality, and avoiding misleading marketing claims

Explain the purpose and typical components of a radon mitigation system (sub-slab depressurization, drain tile suction, block-wall depressurization, sub-membrane depressurization, and pressurization or ventilation alternatives) at a level a measurement technician must understand to answer client questions

Describe how a measurement technician verifies system operation after mitigation (post-mitigation retest timing, fan operation, system labeling, and communication of results)

Identify common reasons a post-mitigation test fails to show expected reduction and what the technician should and should not do about it

Explain the role of radon-resistant new construction features and how their presence affects testing decisions

Describe radon in water: sources, the contribution of waterborne radon to indoor air, and the circumstances that justify water testing

Explain measurement of radon in water and the general distinction between aeration and granular activated carbon treatment approaches

Outline radon measurement in schools and large buildings, including the multi-room sampling strategy and why testing every frequently occupied ground-contact room matters

Describe radon measurement in real estate transactions, including timing constraints, disclosure obligations, and independence of the tester

Complete a full timed practice exam under test conditions and record the score by topic area

Review every missed item and write a corrected explanation citing the underlying principle rather than memorizing the answer

Re-drill the three weakest topic areas identified in earlier self-quizzes until you can explain each concept without notes

Consolidate a final one-page reference sheet of action levels, closed-house conditions, placement rules, device characteristics, and QA/QC checks