BECOMING AN IICRC CERTIFIED CARPET
INSPECTOR
The following is a summary of the requirements
and obligations of Certified Inspector after certification and also
the functions performed by a certified inspector. This sketch is
neither designed to be an extensive exposition on conducting
inspections, nor a complete analysis of "who a certified inspector
is."
The purpose of the Institute of Inspection
Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC) in certifying
inspectors is to insure that the inspector possesses the knowledge
and skills necessary in presenting all pertinent and necessary
information to the client/customer to reach a decision.
PREREQUISITES
In order for a person to take the IICRC Certified Inspector
certification program one must have completed the carpet cleaning
and Repair and Reinstallation technician courses Regardless if the
path to certification is through manufacturing, cleaning, retail or
installation, that person is required to complete these two courses.
REQUISITE
In order to become IICRC certified as a Certified Inspector one must
take the IICRC approved Certified Inspector course and pass test
#801. The course covers 6 days. Day one reviews the carpet cleaning
technician course and the sixth day consists of a review and an open
book, 1 hour exam.
The probationary period extends one year, during which time an
inspector must present 10 inspections to the IICRC for review. The
probationary period terminates upon reception of satisfactory notice
from the evaluation team of the IICRC. At that time the inspector
may proclaim himself as "Practicing" or " Credentialed." If
"Practicing," he pays $80.00 per year, and if "Credentialed" $40.00
per year. If "Practicing," one will be listed in the Official Green
Book Registry and on the 800 number Consumer Help Line. After the
probationary period you must continue with the continuing education
credits and pay annual dues to the IICRC in order to remain
certified. There is no longer a need to produce a specific, or for
that matter, any number of inspections, after the probationary
period unless requested by the IICRC.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CEC)
Certified Inspector, because of frequent changes and progress in
carpet fiber, yarn, dye, manufacturing, finishing and related
technologies, must attain 2 continuing education credits (CEC) every
two years.
That two year requirement commences after the probationary period.
The inspectors must re-attend one or more of the following IICRC
approved schools or workshops:
a) IICRC approved carpet inspector school. For this school you
receive 2 CEC'S.
b) "Inspector Update" workshop. For this school you receive 1 CEC.
A continuing education credit (CEC) is earned at the rate of 1 CEC
per seven hours of classroom instruction. A 1/2 credit may be earned
for half day workshops.
The following are areas of expertise in which an inspector ought to
be constantly increasing his knowledge and skill:
- Carpet construction
- Spinning, dyeing and heat setting of fibers
- Actual and potential defects
- Explicit and implicit warranties
- Padding performance
- Installation procedures
- Appropriate application of adhesives
- Correct cleaning and maintenance methods
- Laboratory testing procedures
- Investigation process that will determine
cause
- Problem analysis and solution
- Writing accurate, objective and informative reports
Additional reading of trade publications
and attending seminars should keep the independent inspector current
with industry trends and changes.
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ROLE AND FUNCTION OF THE
INSPECTOR
The role and function of the
carpet inspector is to investigate and determine the causes of a
complaint that has been filed. His role is to gather only the facts
surrounding the claim. He must be able to determine the specific
cause of the problem in each case.
Following inspection investigating, a report written in an accurate,
objective and informative manner is delivered to the commissioning
party. Credibility and integrity of the inspector inspires the
client to produce the final decision on the claim settlement.
This is the recommended report format advised by
the IICRC:
- Statement of the problem
- Detailed physical description
- Claims history
- Testing
- Applied industry standards
- Conclusions
- Identification of the responsible party
- Recommendation (* Summary of corrections)
- Confidential information
THE CURRENT SITUATION
Many carpet manufacturers do not
have enough claims personnel to actively inspect each complaint
received. Therefore, mills are turning to the independent inspector
to fill the void.
Frequently, neither dealers, distributors nor consumers are familiar
with the variety of defects, improper installation or warranties
involved in a claim. More and more these people are looking to the
expert witness - inspector - who can explain how and why.
As of March 31, 1996 in the United
States there were 271 IICRC Certified Inspectors. Of these there are
49 credentialed and 222 practicing. Canada has 9 IICRC Certified
Inspectors classified as practicing. There are several reasons for
this very low number, the following are but a few reasons:
- not passing the exam #801
- not presenting 10 inspections during the
probationary period
- presenting 1 0 inspections that when received
were graded unsatisfactory
- not continuing their CEC
Without question the need for Certified
Inspectors is enormous.
Most carpet problems occur within the first two years when carpet
value is highest.
*USAGE PERIOD
|
REMAINING VALUE
|
First 90 days
|
100 %
|
91 days to 1 year
|
80 %
|
within the 2nd year
|
60 %
|
within the 3nd year
|
40 %
|
within the 4nd year
|
20 %
|
within the 4nd year
|
10%
|
after 5 years
|
0 %
|
*published by Carpet Manufacturers
Association of the West (CMAW)
The need for inspectors is great, the number of
practicing inspectors is very low (222), the claim amounts are
substantial, they are about $300,000,000 a year. The possibility of
building a successful inspection business is very good.
The following is neither pro forma nor exact. It
is solely a general statement, a suggestion. Accept for the moment
that the average inspection would bring you $125.00 (exclude other
income from travel etc.)
INSPECTIONS
PER WEEK |
WEEKLY
INCOME |
MONTHLY
INCOME |
ANNUAL
INCOME |
3 |
$ 375.00 |
$ 1500.00 |
$ 18,000.00 |
(1 PER DAY) |
$ 625.00 |
$ 2,500.00 |
$ 30,000.00 |
10 (2 PER DAY) |
$ 1,500.00 |
$ 6,000.00 |
$ 72,000.00 |
15 (3 PER DAY) |
$ 1,875.00 |
$ 7,500.00 |
$ 90,000.00 |
The above 3 inspections per
week or 5 inspections per week could be added income to your current
salary until you successfully establish your inspection business on
a full time basis. When marketing your carpet inspection skills, as
a Certified Inspector, recall that the independent carpet inspector
is called upon by carpet mills, distributors, dealers, installation
companies, contractors and consumers. The professional, well
educated independent inspector provides an valuable service to the
floorcovering industry. The volume of carpet sales are increasing
yearly, the amount of carpet claims also are increasing. With their
impartial evaluations, independent carpet inspectors have the
possibility of building a very successful and lucrative business.
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Senior Inspector Course
Outline
Maintenance - One Day
This full day of study is designed to bring those not familiar with
cleaning technology on a par with those from the maintenance field.
Topics include pH and Polarity, Soil and Cleaning Theory, Chemistry
of Cleaning, Topical Treatments, Spotting Theory, Bleaches and
Strippers, Cleaning Systems and Methods.
Certified Inspector - Five Days
The IICRC Certification for Certified Inspector is internationally
respected and the IICRC Registry (Green Book) and 800 number are
promoted throughout the industry. This intense comprehensive seminar
leads to one of the most prestigious credentials in the industry.
You will leave this course prepared to handle any type of carpet
inspection. Includes all study materials and tours, the Academy of
Textiles and Flooring 400 plus page inspection and Claims Handling
Manual, 30 other books and publications and administration of the
IICRC tests.
Certified Update - Three Days
A must for Senior Inspectors who have not attended this school.
These three days go beyond your previous school experiences and
include the latest information on current inspection problems. There
is a major segment on inspection report writing along with the new
CRI responsibility guidelines, vinyl backings, adhesive technology,
and litigation preparation are just a few of the important new areas
covered. Senior update students will also take the mill and
laboratory tour and receive the 400 plus page Inspection and Claims
Handling Manual.
Mill and Laboratory Tour - One Day
After a briefing, students spend the morning in an NVLAP (National
Voluntary Laboratory Accredation Program) Certified laboratory
reviewing testing procedures. Actual samples of numerous carpet
problems and in-process test makes this one of the most popular
parts of the class. After a no host lunch we tour an integrated
carpet mill. Included are a number of the most sophisticated
computerized tufing machines and all types of dyeing.
After reviewing the days activities, study groups will be formed
to review reports.
You must take the CCT and RRT
classes prior to coming to the Certified Inspector Course