The IICRC continues to grow and expand its relationships with industry related groups. Recently, work was completed on consumer publications, working with the Maryland Attorney General’s office; presentations were given at the CRI Cleaning & Maintenance Committee meeting and the Inspector Symposium, and there was representation was at the Surfaces Convention.
In the coming months, the IICRC will also have representation at Connections and the PLRB trade shows. In the area of standards and reference guides, the IICRC continues to move forward with all materially interested parties in development of the S600 Carpet Installation Standard, the R800 Carpet Inspection Reference guide, and the next revision of the S500 Water Damage Restoration Standard. The revised S100 Carpet Cleaning Standard has gone through the peer and industry public review process and is in the final editing stages before publication.
Every year the IICRC has all financial records audited by independent third-party accountants. The recent “clean” and favorable audit report was received and approved by the Executive Committee at their recent meeting. IICRC continues to be solid financially.
Following a comprehensive RFP (Request for Proposal) and interview process, the IICRC recently contracted the public relations and marketing firm of Edelman out of Atlanta to work with the IICRC in developing a comprehensive marketing and PR program. This will involve promotion both within the industry as well as outside to related groups such as insurance companies and government agencies, as well as the general public.
Water-damage restoration continues to be the most popular certification class. This class serves as entry-level training for literally thousands of restoration technicians, and is a prerequisite for attending more advanced training in structural drying, microbial remediation, and the new Commercial Drying Specialist designation. Several insurance companies and some government agencies are recognizing IICRC certification as major criteria for restoration work being performed on insurance claims.
We get a lot of inquiries about how certified technicians can achieve Continuing Education Credits (CECs) in order to maintain their certifications. There are hundreds of CEC opportunities listed on the IICRC web site at www.iicrc.org/ceccourses.shtml. They range from equipment maintenance training and technical updates to specialty classes. Certified technicians are required to earn 2 CECs every 4 years (every 2 years for Master Level).
There are also many distance learning opportunities available if you don’t have time to travel to a live training. They are listed on the web site at www.iicrc.org/onlinecec.shtml.
2010 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for IICRC certification programs. Recognition from major industry players and governmental agencies is at an all time high. The number of available certification classes is up and the average attendance id also climbing. New certification categories are being requested every meeting. New standards and reference guides are in the works. The IICRC is moving forward at record speed working to build a better more professional inspection, cleaning and restoration Industry.
