Why Certify?

What does NARI Certification mean to the homeowner?

For a homeowner, deciding to remodel your home is a big decision. Outside of buying the home, it may be the single biggest investment a homeowner makes. A consumer considering a major home improvement needs to know that the remodeling contractor he or she chooses is a full-time, dedicated remodeling professional. NARI's certification program offers this assurance through its extensive screening and testing process.

Only full-time, professional remodeling contractors are eligible for NARI certification. A homeowner who hires a home improvement contractor with a NARI certification is hiring an individual who has made a strong commitment to not only his or her own professionalism, but that of the remodeling industry and to his or her business. And because remodelers are not eligible for certification until they have been actively involved in the remodeling industry for at least five years, a homeowner knows that the NARI certified remodeling professional they hire has had a number of years to develop the experience and skills that can only be gained through extensive hands-on practice.

For the homeowner, it's comforting to know that their remodeling contractor has a long-term commitment to his or her profession and the home improvement industry.

For the remodeler, it sets them apart in the market and offers a unique selling proposition.

How does a remodeling contractor become certified?

NARI certification is a challenging process, requiring extensive knowledge of the remodeling industry and a commitment to professional conduct. Even highly experienced and skilled remodelers find the screening and testing process formidable.

A homeowner can gain a sense of security knowing that the NARI certified remodeling professional they hire has:

• Received an acceptable review by the NARI Certification Board by providing an outline detailing their hands-on experience, industry training, involvement in continuing education, technical skills, practices in business management, as well as association and community service.
• Committed to intensive study on a broad range of critical home improvement industry issues. Most certification candidates participate in a formal study group and spend eight to twelve weeks studying in preparation for a one day written exam.
• Successfully completed a comprehensive written examination covering critical subject areas such as sound business management practices, knowledge of building codes and construction law, plans and specification, proper and safe use of tools and equipment, safety, standards of practice, math, and several special skill areas. Once awarded their certification, NARI certified remodeling professionals must meet annual recertification requirements involving continuing education and participation in industry related programs.

Who are NARI Certified Remodeling Professionals?

Click here to view our brochure about the certifications we provide.

NARI's certification program recognizes the skills and achievements of five distinct groups of remodeling professionals of particular interest to homeowners:

Certified Remodeler (CR)

NARI Certified Remodelers (CRs) are professional remodelers who provide a full range of remodeling services. To become a CR, candidates must possess skill and knowledge in a broad range of business management and technical skill areas

To qualify for the CR designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Be employed by or own a firm that derives at least 90% of its sales volume through remodeling work
• Adhere to NARI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Have a minimum of five years continuous experience in the remodeling industry
• Completed 16 hours of continuing education
• Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
• Successfully complete a one-day written examination addressing 20 knowledge areas related to general remodeling practices and business
• Submit all required application materials and fees

Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS)

NARI Certified Remodeler Specialists (CRSs) are professional remodelers who focus on specific type of work and serve the needs of homeowners interested in their area of technical excellence, such as concrete and masonry work, electrical work, insulation, mechanical systems, plumbing systems, and roofing and siding.

To qualify for the CRS designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Be employed by or own a firm that derives at least 90% of its sales volume through remodeling work
• Adhere to NARI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Have a minimum of five years continuous experience in the remodeling industry
• Successfully complete a Qualification Matrix detailing their background and experience
• Completed 16 hours of continuing education
• Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
• Successfully complete a one-day written examination addressing knowledge areas related to general remodeling practices and business
• Submit all required application materials and fees

Certified Remodeler Associate (CRA)

NARI Certified Remodeler Associates (CRAs) actively support the remodeling industry in professions such as architects, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants

To qualify for the CRA designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Have a minimum of five years continuous service in support of the remodeling industry as an architect, designer, educator, manufacturer, publisher, supplier, or consultant
• Adhere to NARI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Completed 16 hours of continuing education
• Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
• Successfully complete a one-day written examination addressing knowledge areas related to general remodeling practices and business
• Submit all required application materials and fees

Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR)

NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers (CKBRs) provide remodeling services specific to kitchens and bathrooms. To become a CKBR, candidates must possess skills and knowledge focused on the requirement of materials, layout, and installation of kitchens and bathrooms.

To qualify for the CKBR designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Be employed by or own a firm engaged in remodeling kitchens and bathrooms
• Adhere to NARI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Have a minimum of five years continuous experience in the remodeling industry
• Have completed 4 kitchens and/or bathrooms per year
• Completed 16 hours of continuing education
• Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
• Successfully complete a one-day written examination on business, construction, and remodeling practices related to kitchen and bathrooms
• Submit all required application materials and fees

Green Certified Professional (GCP)

Designed to recognize and identify remodelers who apply green or sustainable principles to their remodeling projects.

To qualify for the GCP designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Be employed by or own a firm engaged in conducting green remodeling projects
• Adhere to NARI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Have a minimum of five years continuous full time experience in the remodeling industry
• Have 3 years experience conducting remodeling projects applying green principles and processes
• Have 3 years experience conducting green remodeling projects
• Completed 16 hours of continuing education
• Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
• Successfully complete a one-day written examination on building science, indoor air quality, resource conservation, renewable energy, and 12 trade related areas of green program application
• Submit all required application materials and fees

Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC)

NARI Certified Lead Carpenters (CLCs) are the hands-on field personnel who oversee every aspect of the project: customer satisfaction, personnel management, administration, etc. while working on the project.

To qualify for the CLC designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Have a minimum of five years continuous practice in the remodeling industry, with at least two of those years as a lead carpenter - defined as a remodeling professional who is involved in tasks and has responsibilities beyond the technical production aspects of a project; he or she is responsible for customer contact and communication, supervision of subcontractors and employees, managing the job site, scheduling, and safety issues
• Adhere to NARI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Successfully complete a Qualification Matrix detailing their background and experience
• Successfully complete a half-day written examination on pre-construction issues, technical knowledge, and special skills (people and job management)
• Submit all required application materials and fees

NARI certified remodeling professionals have pledged to abide by a strict Standards of Practice and NARI's Code of Ethics, which is as follows:

1. By promoting in good faith only those products and services which are known to be functionally and economically sound, and which are known to be consistent with objective standards of health and safety.
2. By making all advertising and sales promotion factually accurate, avoiding those practices which tend to mislead or deceive the customer.
3. By writing all contracts and warranties such that they comply with federal, state, and local laws.
4. By promptly acknowledging and taking appropriate action on all customer complaints.
5. By refraining from any act intended to restrain trade or suppress competition.
6. By attaining and retaining insurance as required by federal, state, and local authorities.
7. By attaining and retaining licensing and/or registration as required by federal, state, and local authorities.

It's no wonder homeowners feel more comfortable relying on remodeling contractors who have earned NARI certification.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only national association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. NARI's focus is on professional conduct, continuing education and training, and fair and ethical treatment within the home improvement industry. NARI certification of professional remodeling contractors serves as the association's recognition of remodeling professionals who have met stringent criteria for experience and pledged a commitment to the highest standards of practice and to NARI's Code of Ethics.

Among the factors NARI encourages homeowners to consider when selecting a remodeling contractor, in addition to NARI certification, is an assessment of and satisfaction with the remodeling contractor's workmanship, reputation and integrity, durability of materials used, and equipment. Before hiring any home improvement contractor, homeowners are urged to check references and if possible, visit and inspect similar projects that he or she has completed.

We invite you to contact us for more details at (215) 340-0279