Even in an emergency, you want to hire a trustworthy restoration company. One of the easiest ways to do this is to hire a company certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Although many restoration companies are trained and IICRC certified, it is always worth checking. An IICRC-certified restoration company is trained in industry standards for cleaning and restoration. They also have a business license and insurance, which should give you extra peace of mind when cleaning up after a disaster.
What is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification?
Founded in 1972, the Institute For Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification is a non-profit organization that develops standards for technicians working in inspection, cleaning and restoration industries.
Better know as the IICRC, they are an accredited standards developer. They are also a member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
They create standards for the cleaning, repair, and restoration of water damage, smoke and fire damage, mold, and biohazard. Based in Las Vegas, NV, the IICRC represents more than 5700 firms and 54,000 technicians.
However, the IICRC is a certifying body, not an institution. While they do not have instructors on staff, they approve restoration and cleaning schools, instructors, and courses of instruction based on their standards.
For a brief period in the early 2010s, the IICRC changed its name to The Clean Trust. However, they have since switched back to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
Talk to a local pro now. Certified Restoration Local water cleanup specialists offer 24-hour service and fast, free quotes.
What are IICRC Certified Restoration Companies?
An IICRC certified restoration company has attended and passed a course offered by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC certifies both technicians and restoration companies.
What Is IICRC Certified?
For a technician or company to be IICRC certified, they need to attend training classes and pass a certification exam. Depending on the specific certification, most courses range from one to five days.
They include both classroom and hands-on training sessions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the material. Technicians are then required to pass an exam on the material covered in the course.
There are nearly 30 different IICRC certifications covering everything from water damage restoration to carpeting cleaning. These courses are among the most relevant to restoration companies:
- Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
- Applied Structural Drying Technician(ASD)
- Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
- Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
- Mold Removal Specialist (MRS)
- Odor Control Technician (OCT)
IICRC certifications also require continued education. The amount of continuing education credits (CECs) varies depending on the specific certification. CECs include both online training and in-class, hands-on courses.
For a restoration company to become an IICRC certified firm, they must have at least one certified technician on staff. That technician must keep up their certification with their continued education. Also, they must have proof of both a business license and insurance.
Every Restoration Local technician is licensed and insured and many of them are IICRC certified. If you have any questions about their certifications, just ask and they will gladly provide them.
If you need restoration services, call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free estimate from one of our licensed and certified technicians. They offer 24-hour emergency response and a 30-minute response to limit the damage and restore your life.
