Last week we talked about the SPFA Professional Certification Program (PCP) and learned what it is, why get certified and how you can use the certification. This week we are going to discuss the SPFA Certification Levels available to spray foam personnel.
The PCP covers two categories, insulation and roofing, and offers multiple certification levels, Assistant, Installer, Master Installer, and Project Manager, to accommodate the various personnel involved in the spray foam industry. The PCP is a progressive program where each certification level is a prerequisite for moving on to the next level, starting with the Assistant Level.
Here is the information, direct from the SPFA website:
ALL INDIVIDUALS MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO BECOME CERTIFIED:
- Determine which certification you want to pursue – Roofing or Insulation.
- Successfully complete CPI On-line Health & Safety Course.
- Fill out and return SPFA Certification Program Registration Form with one-time fee.
- Sign and return the SPFA Professional Certification Program Certification Agreement.
- Fill out the Experience Declaration Project List (for Installer, Master Installer, and Project Management levels).
- Submit a digital color photo of yourself for your Certification ID card.
SPF Assistant
This certification is the first level for BOTH Insulation AND Roofing. Start here. The SPF Assistant certification is specifically designed for individuals involved in the assistance of the installation of spray polyurethane foam in thermal insulation or roofing installations. SPF Assistants duties may include assisting in equipment and job set-up, substrate preparation, material handling and staging, moving of hoses/scaffolding/ladders, masking, trimming, clean-up and other non-spraying tasks.
SPF Installer
This certification is specifically designed for individuals with limited experience in the installation of spray polyurethane foam. It is effectively similar to an apprentice level. The SPF Installer has some experience in spraying foam with the guidance of a more experienced Master Installer or Project Manager. The SPF Installer typically does not have the skills and abilities to install on his/her own. This person ideally needs to be supervised by a skilled Master Installer or Project Manager. The SPF Installers duties may include spraying SPF in different applications as well as equipment set-up/start-up/shut down.
SPF Master Installer
This certification is specifically designed for individuals experienced in the installation of SPF. The SPF Master Installer has extensive experience spraying SPF in various applications, and has demonstrated competence in SPF applications through a field examination. The SPF Master Installers duties may include all aspects of the installation of the SPF as well as equipment function/maintenance/repair, and an understanding of other systems as well as the proper installation of protective coatings.
SPF Project Manager
This certification is specifically designed for individuals involved in all aspects of the installation and project management of SPF. The SPF Project Manager has extensive Knowledge and Skills in all aspects of SPF in various installations. The SPF Project Manager’s duties may include managing all aspects of the project and installation of the SPF, as well as knowledge and skills in building science/design, material selection/estimating, and codes and standards compliance.
Note, there is not a requirement to take any specific courses or have a minimum number of instructional hours; however, you will have a much better chance of passing the certification exams if you study and take a prep course.
With this information, hopefully you understand the SPFA Professional Certification Program a little better and have an idea of where you fit in the program. Best of luck and stay tuned next week as we go back in time to discuss the History of Spray Foam.
Also, it’s not too late to get signed up and join us at the 2016 SPFA Convention in sunny Orlando, FL, February 8th – 11th. If you do, make sure to check out my seminar Thursday morning, Feb. 11th, as we discuss 3 Ways to Close More Sales with Building Science.
Keep in touch with Spray Foam Advisor and get your FREE copy of 25 Spray Foam Insulation Frequently Asked Questions here.
