What a homeowner or business manager can expect from IICRC certified professionals are industry expertise, reliability and integrity. There is no higher standard to which cleaning and restoration technicians are held than the IICRC certification.

Developed to ensure consistently high-quality procedures in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry, IICRC certification should weigh heavily in a consumer’s choice of service providers. The benefits of hiring an IICRC certified technician or firm are abundant.

What does IICRC stand for?

IICRC officially stands for Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC is a nonprofit body widely recognized in the cleaning and restoration industry. A board of directors runs the organization, paving the way for advances and upholding industry standards.

With a headquarters based in Nevada, the nonprofit’s mission is to develop and upkeep standards across the global marketplace. Certified technicians are knowledgeable about best practices and stay up to date on advancements made in the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation field.

As of 2019, the IICRC boasts 63,314 certified technicians. Similar to members who are involved in the American Bar Association, IICRC certified technicians are the most highly skilled in the industry and display a high competency in the field. The 6,835 IICRC certified firms employ highly skilled labor.

The IICRC is an accredited part of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The ANSI oversees thousands of guidelines for best practices in use by private business and its various sectors in the economy, from energy distribution to construction equipment to dairy production.

How do courses advance technicians’ skill levels?

The IICRC is an accredited part of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Technicians with IICRC certification take multiple courses to develop expertise in the field. A certification as a Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS), for instance, requires training in the administration and technical practices of drying water-damaged commercial and residential structures, fixtures and equipment.

Among the many certification courses that address water damage is the Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT). Restoration professionals who successfully pass the course learn practical remediation procedures surrounding various types of water damage, such as sewer backflows and mold contamination.

The Odor Control Technician (OCT) course teaches fire and smoke damage restoration professionals how to properly handle odors that result from combustion sources. Technicians also learn to identify and address odors caused by various sources, like decomposition, mold and chemical spills.

Technicians are free to take multiple courses and earn certifications in various fields. When technicians accumulate several certifications, they are eligible for the advanced statuses of IICRC Journeyman (such as Journeyman Water Restorer or Journeyman Fire & Smoke Restorer) or the IICRC Master.

What do IICRC certified technicians bring to the table?

Water damage restoration technicians who are IICRC certified provide top-notch services. For example, IICRC certified water damage restoration technicians fully understand the health consequences associated with water damage; and, they are knowledgeable about its ruinous effects on building structures and the environment.

The IICRC certification ensures the water damage restoration professionals have key knowledge about chemicals and microorganisms either utilized or found during the water damage restoration processes. He understands the difference between sanitary and unsanitary water. Drying science is also studied.

Structural Drying Technician certification gives the professional expertise about structural drying when water damage is present. Indoor environmental quality issues and public safety are addressed in the course. Professionals receive an overview of the tools, equipment and technology necessary for water damage restoration.

Professionals who take courses in Applied Microbial Remediation learn concepts surrounding sewage and mold remediation methods. Technicians who encounter black mold or microbials especially benefit. These specialists bring their complete knowledge of safe cleaning practices to every water damage scenario.

Courses in fire and smoke damage restoration give technicians specialized skill in cleaning fire damaged and disaster sites. Technicians gain knowledge about how fire affects electronics, structures and artwork and learn to safely clean and handle fire damaged properties and goods.

Once technicians are IICRC certified, their learning does not stop there. Continuing education credits are mandated every four years. Similar to any other field, keeping up with advancements in the cleaning and restoration industry is critical to ensuring best practices are utilized when restoring a disaster site.

What type of workmanship is expected?

Property owners who enlist the services of a professional restorer have greater confidence in an IICRC certified technician. The IICRC certification is invaluable when it comes to consumer referrals. The consumer can expect that technicians with IICRC certification will deliver the highest skilled services.

Property managers, for example, rely on thorough mold remediation services. When improper techniques are utilized in mold remediation, serious liability issues can result. IICRC certified professionals possess the skill and training to correctly handle mold remediation the first time around.

Being IICRC certified requires that the professional present integrity and honesty in all business dealings with customers. In the event of disastrous fire damage, IICRC certified firms and technicians communicate accurate assessments and information to the homeowner or property manager.

IICRC certification is an important verification tool. Home and business owners who seek high quality contractors know that turning to an IICRC certified firm or technician will result in the best quality workmanship.

Before a disaster strikes your home or commercial property, keep on hand the contact information of a trusted disaster restoration professional. These professionals are IICRC certified and prepared to handle with speed various disaster situations.

Comprehensive restoration and cleaning services are provided by IICRC certified professionals. Among the areas these professionals specialize in are water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, hoarding cleaning and biohazard and trauma scene cleaning.

Disaster restoration technicians have proven expertise in and dedication to the cleaning and restoration industry. Their professionalism is boosted with their IICRC certification status.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.