Certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a staple of the restoration industry. Here’s everything restoration contractors need to know about getting and maintaining IICRC Certification from the experts at OCS.
The IICRC provides globally recognized standards, guidelines, and training for restoration professionals. To become certified in one of the 26 certifications offered by the IICRC, technicians have first to take a comprehensive course tailored to the certification subject matter.
The educational component is a big part of why most restoration professionals consider IICRC certification a must-have. “It’s essential,” Stephen Smith, OCS Contractor Success Manager, says. “Without [IICRC certification], not only are you behind the eight ball, but you just don’t know what you need to know.”
Within the industry, the IICRC is well-known. “My feeling is that being IICRC certified is more about the confidence that you have in the industry when you’re talking to peers, insurance carriers, [and] other contractors,” Stephen says. Being certified indicates a basic level of competency to other industry professionals.
The IICRC may not be well-known by customers, but being certified can still help build trust with them. When property owners see that a restoration business is certified by an independent expert authority, it tells them that the restorer they’re working with knows what they’re doing.
Here’s the process for becoming IICRC certified in a skill:
After you get certified the first time, you need to renew annually. Here’s what you need to do:
Stephen has experienced firsthand the importance of continuing education and revisiting industry standards like the S500. “You’re going to continue to find things that help you do your job better and help you understand what you’re trying to do as a mitigation company,” he says.
Continuing education courses are also an excellent opportunity to keep up with any new industry developments since your initial training.
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