IICRC who is a Certified?

**Jason Whaley** · 06-25-2009, 03:55 PM

How many of you guys are certified and what certifications do you hold?

I was once upon a time certified and so was my business but I let them lapse. I was certified in WRT and CCT for a couple of years.

**ACC** · 06-25-2009, 04:29 PM

I am not certified as of yet. I was considering going to some of the upcoming classes in July and August. So many people say "don't waste your money" blah blah.
I think its important when you are dealing with new customers, (not refferals) in gaining thier trust.

**Rob Allen** · 06-25-2009, 04:46 PM

WRT here.

**cosway-canada** · 06-25-2009, 04:53 PM

I took the carpet class twice but did not write the exam. (I was hosting the class)
Took WRT once and got the diploma

**Scott W** · 06-25-2009, 05:07 PM

I had IICRC carpet certification plus all the cleaning related categories except health and safety (which I took outside of IICRC). My firm was also certified.

They have lapsed since I no longer work day to day in the field but sit at a desk most of the time.

I still support the IICRC and work on a couple of committees.

**Classicboss** · 06-25-2009, 06:02 PM

I am a iicrc certified cct. I am in the process now to get certified firm status. My son will be going to class this fall for cct and I will be going for wrt, uct, lct, oct, as soon as possible.

**wandwizard** · 06-25-2009, 06:41 PM

I became IICRC certified after over 20 years in the business for one reason and one reason only. Carpet manufacturers are demanding that IICRC certified techs clean their carpets while under warranty. It is my understanding, tell me if I'm wrong, that if someone cleans a carpet while under warranty who is not certified then the warranty is voided whether or not it was the owner of the carpet using a store rental or a Bissel, Hoover, etc. Or even if they hire a professional who is not certified it could void their warranty. The certification does have some advantage, because I can tell a customer, and be completely honest, that they should have their carpets professionally cleaned by an IICRC certified tech at least every 18 months or they can void their warranty. Has it helped me since I've been certified? Nope, not a bit. I did it for my customer's benefit. I have declined to become a certified firm because I don't think I should have to shell out 125. a year just to be able to mention the IICRC in my advertizing which I have very serious doubts anyone would even notice or care if they did notice. For that matter I think over 90% of the public has no idea about the IICRC and would not understand it if it were in my advertizing. Let's be perfectly real, say you were able to ask 100,000 people if they ever heard of the IICRC and if they know what it is. My bet would be you would be very lucky to find 1% that have a clue in most areas of the United States. To be completely forthright, I think the IICRC class had a lot of useless technical info that will help no one with cleaning carpets, but there were the basics of cleaning carpet which everyone needs to know. I really found, perhaps 25 % of the information helpful. The rest was fluff to fill up time. If anyone sees anything wrong with anything I said here please chime in. I think if you pay to go to the class, pay to take the test, pass the test, and keep up continuing credits, then at the very least you should be allowed to use the certification for that course in your advertising. To me, firm certification reminds me of a union I used to be a member of which I had to pay dues to, but got no benefits for doing so whatsoever. Please note that I'm not against the classes, but it's the firm certification I have a problem with. I think anyone starting out in this business would do well to take courses ASAP for any services they offer whether it be carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, water damage, etc. I plan on taking more courses myself, but I need more evidence that being certified as a firm is beneficial to me as far as getting new customers.

**Classicboss** · 06-25-2009, 08:07 PM

Randy, you pretty much summed it up, however with certified firm any consumer that does knows about the IICRC can excess their website and see what cleaner in there area is a certified firm and also when emailing and calling the IICRC they can recommend a certified firm in there zip code area or a three zip code area at no extra cost, will this help you... maybe.... the client that knows about the IICRC or what a certified cleaner is is most likely 1. intelligent 2. a consumer that knows and cares about the value of having a schooled and certified cleaner and 3. most likely has a large amount of carpet or upholstery and has the $$$ to spend maintaining them. I am no way implying a certified cleaner is any better than a non- certified cleaner... Heck I have only been certified going on two years and I had the same thoughts as you about my clients warranty on their carpets. I think the classes to be beneficial to some one that has never even seen how to professionally clean carpets. standards in cleaning a carpet from start to finish is important, also burn test's too, PH balances, fiber types and how they are produced, the dying process.... its all fundamental things a carpet cleaner should know. How many performs a burn test on carpet fibers in a home? probably not many I bet. I am not for anybody being forced to join an organization if it doesn't feel right to them, but... I like the classes even though I have been cleaning for several years. To each his own. I like to think I am a professional in this ever changing industry and I have a commitment to everyone in this industry to set a good example and to promote professionalism in our industry, If one of my clients move to another state or across country I hope the next carpet company extends them the professionalism, honesty and integrity that I have showed them, there are companies that care. One more thing I should add is... If you show your client or potential client your certification card and wear your patches, it ensures your client you are in it for the long haul and your committed to excellence. This is just my personal opinion.

**locko-fabara** · 06-25-2009, 08:25 PM

after sept 2 i will be certified.

**steam king** · 06-25-2009, 09:31 PM

I am planning to be certified in August

**chewbaco** · 06-25-2009, 09:41 PM

Cert. in:
carpet
upholstery
leather
tile & grout
water damage

Don't let them lapse because now the water class is 3 days.

I was certified in more areas when I worked for someone else, but let them lapse and had to start all over again.
This time with my own money.

**Rob Lyon** · 06-25-2009, 09:48 PM

CCT,WRT,ASD,AMRT some have run out, but I still feel certification is important to our industry!!

**SeriousHeat** · 06-26-2009, 12:24 AM

Certified as a Carpet Cleaning Tech.

Matt

**Richard Baldwin** · 06-26-2009, 12:25 AM

Gained Certification when I first started years ago, then it lapsed as I left that company and did other work for a number of years. Then starting my own bizz I had to go back and re-take all the courses to get certified again, and also certify the company.

We have been IICRC certified for five years now.

Besides, I like taking the courses. Its fun.

**ACC** · 06-26-2009, 08:35 AM

Once you are certified, your cert should be good for 10-15 yrs imo. The insdustry isnt make huge leaps and bounds to cleaning carpet that warrants renewing your cert so often. That part of certification is a money making gimmic and a waste of valuable time.

**SCrosby** · 06-26-2009, 05:01 PM

Certified in CCT. Just turned in the paper work (and a check)for my certified firm status. I hope to get my uphostery and odor control by the end of the year.

I was just wondering, do insurance adjusters require anyone doing work for them to be certified in either ASD or WRT?

**markp** · 06-26-2009, 07:14 PM

Dan, I like your style and I couldn't have said it any better. I think that perception is everything, look the part and you won't have Mrs, Jones wondering if she can leave the house while you are cleaning her Grandmother's priceless love seat! CCT,OCT,UFT,SMTand WRT
PS: I would like to see the IICRC come up with some nicer looking patches.

**Scott W** · 06-26-2009, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Crosby Interior Services

Certified in CCT. Just turned in the paper work (and a check)for my certified firm status. I hope to get my uphostery and odor control by the end of the year.

I was just wondering, do insurance adjusters require anyone doing work for them to be certified in either ASD or WRT?

IICRC spends a lot of time and money to market to the insurance industry, goes to all their conventions and has a booth, etc.

Some companies and many adjusters have learned about IICRC certification. They ask for it. But not all adjusters are aware.

06-27-2009, 12:05 AM

I am glad I got certified and learned a lot in the classes, but I don't think I'll do the certified firm, because I've heard too many people say it has done nothing for their business. I think they should mostly concentrate on the education, I am planning on taking their new online courses, not for the credits, but just to expand upon my knowledge of areas I'm not that comfortable with.

**jim1of6** · 06-28-2009, 12:33 AM

CCT and WRT

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