The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a nonprofit organization that sets health and safety standards for the cleaning and restoration industry.
The organization is made up of a 15-member board that meets 4 times a year to discuss improvements and ethics standards for industry professionals.
The IICRC headquarters is located in Las Vegas, Nevada and has helped to shape cleaning standards around the world.
IICRC Standards
The IICRC is not a government organization but works closely with a larger umbrella group known as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), that monitors associations involved in standards.
Professionals that hold IICRC certifications demonstrate a high understanding of their trade.
The IICRC develops procedures, industry accepted terminology and education around health and safety.
Areas of cleaning and restoration that are covered include:
- Textile Floor Coverings
- Stone Maintenance and restoration
- Hard Surface Floor Covering
- Upholstery Cleaning
- Water Damage Restoration
- Trauma and Crime Scene Clean up
- Environmental Assessment for Mold Contamination
- HVAC Cleaning and Decontamination
- Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration
Standards are set by the IICRC
Developing standard procedures and educational resources around restoration and cleaning are critical to public health.
Furthermore, the cleaning industry deals directly with the public, so establishing safe practices are a critical part of what the IICRC does.
How to get IICRC Certified
There are several areas of expertise within the cleaning and restoration industry that offer certifications.
Most employers and large clients will want to see some type of accreditation and are probably aware of IICRC standards.
This industry is well established and provides services which are often in high demand following natural disasters.
The Institute of Inspection cleaning and restoration certification has a list of approved courses and schools which offer the following certifications.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
IICRC Certified carpet cleaners often use a variety of products and industrial grade equipment
- An essential certification in the carpet cleaning business. Most professionals operating in this industry hold this essential carpet cleaning certification.
- This 16-hour course is generally taught with a live instructor and covers every facet of rug cleaning, public health, and common legal issues you may encounter.
- Carpet fibers
- Removing spots and stains
- Cleaning methods
- Basic chemistry
- Cleaning stain-resistant carpets
- Chemicals, protectors, solutions, and deodorizers
- Protecting yourself from legal claims that may arise
To find an approved school and course in your area, you can click here
IICRC Water Damage Technician
- Having a basic understanding of water damage and its adverse health effects is critical for anyone running a business in this renovation industry.
- Typically, this basic 24 hour course is required for anyone seeking employment with a company that offers water damage clean up or mitigation services.
IICRC approved courses cover:
- Understanding the principals of drying science
- Chemicals, Microorganisms, and fibers
- The effects of water on materials and structures
- Executing a proper inspection
- The difference between sanitary and unsanitary water
- Water mitigation
- Basic water damage clean up
Applied Structural Drying Technician:
- Anyone engaging in professional water damage restoration or structural drying will need to have this certification.
- The course is 16 hours and is an advanced course for professionals who already have a basic understanding of water damage.
- Some of the topics covered in a course offering this certification include:
- Understanding indoor environmental quality issues
- Property restoration
- Engaging in enhanced drying systems
- Operating power distribution panels
- Structural drying Tools, equipment and technology
- Protective equipment
- Understanding basic chemistry and microfibers
- Public health and safety
To find an approved school and course in your area, you can click here
Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
- A certification that focuses on sewage and mold remediation techniques.
- Property managers and property restoration professionals are encouraged to take this 32 hour course.
- As these are essential skills for remediation technicians, it is fundamental for anyone working in or around black mold or microbial growth.
- An IICRC Approved class will cover:
- Applied Microbial Remediation Technician Regulations
- Understanding Indoor Environmental Air Quality
- Containment and setups
- A review of pressure differentials
- Safe demolition and cleaning practices
- Protective equipment
- Property management and restoration
- Understanding the adverse effects of mold and sewer
Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
Cleaning fire and disaster sites is a critical aspect of this IICRC certification
- This is a critical certification for all professionals offering fire damage services.
- The IICRC has developed industry standards that professionals are expected to adhere to when engaging in disaster restoration.
- This 8 Hour course covers the essential techniques and practices for fire & smoke restoration technicians looking to get employed in the industry or build a business.
- Approved classes will cover the following topics:
- Emergency Cleaning
- Manipulation, Structural and Contents cleaning practices
- Personal Safety Equipment
- Deodorization techniques
- Understanding proper procedures, chemical, and microfibers
- Job site safety
- Safe disposal practices
- A review of how smoke can affect electronics, structures, artwork, books and more
IICRC Certification costs and renewal Information
After completing an approved course, you will be issued a technician card number.
Certified technicians must earn 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEU) every 4 years.
Registration Fees (not including the cost of training course):
- Applied Microbial Remediation Technician: $150
- All other technician exams: $65
- Retesting: $25
Annual Registration Fee- Once you are certified, you are required to pay a yearly registration fee to maintain your active certification.
- For two certifications: $36
- For three or four certifications: $48
- For five or more certifications: $60
- Applied microbial remediation technicians: $72
IICRC Firm Certifications:
IICRC Certifications are Reputable
If you are a business owner and are looking to have your company IICRC Certified, you can apply for what is called a Firm Certification.
Companies that hold the firm certification may use the clean trust logo for advertising purposes and be listed as a certified professional on the IICRC’s website.
Firm certification requires an annual $125 fee.
Becoming a professional in any field requires continuing education and an investment in your knowledge and skill set.
The Cleaning and Restoration business is only going to grow and become more lucrative. Let this article be a reference to you, going forward in your career.
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