Certified Thermal Professionals

This certification program encourages and recognizes development and excellence in insulated shipping container (ISC), thermal packaging laboratory testing professionals. Thermal packaging suppliers and third-party independent testing laboratories who are certified as ISTA Standard 20 test labs and conduct 7E tests must have CTP Level I and II people achieve this unique training and certification. CTP certification enhances the credibility of people involved with ISTA 7E testing and ISTA Standard 20 certified laboratory operations.

There are two levels of certification: Level I and Level II. Both levels require the study of on-line materials, the passage of a multiple-choice examination and then a practical exam.

Eligibility

Only ISTA members may take the exams and be CTP-certified.

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Course Options & Registration

Level I

Certification only $425

Re-certification only $425

Includes convenient navigation, enhanced graphics, and a slideshow review to reinforce the material. On-line exams are electronically graded for fast response. To begin, choose the link below, login and access the Resources Folder in the Member Area to view the Online Learning options.

Get certifiedGet re-certified

Level II

Certification only $450

Re-certification only $450

Includes convenient navigation, enhanced graphics, and a slideshow review to reinforce the material. On-line exams are electronically graded for fast response. To begin, choose the link below, login and access the Resources Folder in the Member Area to view the Online Learning options.

Get certifiedGet re-certified

Level I

A CTP Level I individual is a lab technician with demonstrated competence to perform Standard 20 testing procedures under the direction of a CTP II. CTP I personnel know and understand the basics of document preparation (including reporting of exceptions), basic numeric procedures for completion of forms, and a general understanding of authorities and signatures required for attesting to document completion.

CTP Level I Requirements & Process:
1) Certification is subject to a renewal every three (3) years by multiple-choice test and practical exam. The practical exam maybe waived through evidence of practice.

2) Certification is acquired by a two-step process. The first step is passing a 60 question multiple choice exam. Applicants must have access to a purchased Standard 20 copy and may obtain a copy of the training manual (CTP I) for advance study.

  • Applicant has 120 days from the date the application fee is paid to complete the exam.
  • Test period is two hours.
  • Test is "open book" with Standard 20 as the book. The training manual is not allowed at the testing session.
  • Passing grade is 80%
  • Online exam is graded electronically for fast response.

3) Step Two is a Practical exam where the applicant will be required to build a Design Qualification Data Package. The Practical exam will apply everything learned by reading ISTA Standard 20, APPX-0049 Data Package Manual, CTP I Training Manual, and all other ISTA Standard 20 documents. 
  • There is a total possible 125 points available for the proper assembly of the Design Qualification Data Package.
  • The time limit for completion of the practical test is one week from receipt of CTP Level I Practical Exam documents.
  • The Practical is "open book" with Standard 20 as the book. The training manual is not allowed at the testing session.
  • Passing grade is 80%

Level II

A CTP II certified thermal professional has a comprehensive working knowledge of all of the documents contained in Standard 20, and is capable of running a lab performing the tests specified by Standard 20. CTP II personnel understand the entire process from design to final certification of an ISC. They are capable of creating compliant, accurate and properly attested documentary packages.

CTP II personnel have exhibited a conceptual grasp of laboratory procedures that are relevant to Standard 20 protocols and are competent to maintain a laboratory to certification standards set forth by ISTA.

CTP Level II Requirements & Process:

  1. Each CTP II must have first passed CTP I.
  2. Certification is subject to a renewal every three (3) years by test and practical exam.
  3. Certification is acquired by a two-step process. First, an online multiple-choice exam is administered by a proctor, who must be a job peer or superior. Applicant may obtain a copy of the training manual (CTP II) for advance study. The training manual is useful for preparation for the Step One.
  • Applicant has 120 days from the date the application fee is paid to complete the exam.
  • Exam period is two hours.
  • Exam is "open book" with Standard 20 as the book. The training manual is not allowed at the testing session.
  • Passing grade is 80%
  • CTP II test is graded and certified by ISTA.
    4. Step Two consists of a Practical Test with the applicant will be required to write a Design Qualification Protocol and Report from a supplied User Requirements. Specification (URS), a Data Package and Protocol & Report Templates in conjunction with all the supporting Standard 20 documents.
  • There is a total possible 129 points available for the proper writing of a Design Qualification Protocol and Report.
  • The time limit for completion of the practical test is one week from receipt of CTP Level II Practical Exam documents.
  • The Practical is "open book" with Standard 20 as the book. The training manual is not allowed at the testing session.
  • Passing grade is 80%