Clearing up confusion

As more roofing professionals participate in NRCA ProCertification, the industry’s first national worker certification initiative, it has become evident there are some common questions they share.

In fact, during NRCA’s Midyear Meetings in July, NRCA’s board of directors spent time discussing NRCA ProCertification and had some common questions about the initiative, some of which follow:

• Is NRCA ProCertification for new hires? No. The certification is meant for experienced roofing workers. The certification requirements vary, but generally, 18 to 24 months of hands-on experience is required.
• Does NRCA offer training to prepare for NRCA ProCertification? No. However, NRCA offers study guides and a readiness checklist to help you determine whether an employee is ready. And to help applicants prepare for the exams, NRCA will release a practice test soon.
• I told my employees I want them to become NRCA ProCertified, but they are nervous about taking an online exam. How do I put them at ease? The online exam is designed to be easy to follow with visual and oral prompts. Applicants can choose an audio version of the exam if they are concerned about literacy, and the exams are offered in English and Spanish.
• I don’t install asphalt shingle or thermoplastic roof systems. When will other certifications be available? NRCA currently is working on the EPDM certification.
• I have received information and promotions about NRCA’s Qualified Trainer Conference. How is that related to NRCA ProCertification? NRCA’s Qualified Trainer Conference and NRCA ProCertification are independent of each other. NRCA’s Qualified Trainer Conference gives your trainer(s) the knowledge and skills to be exceptional trainers for your team. Upon completion, your trainer(s) will earn NRCA’s Qualified Trainer designation. NRCA Qualified Trainers will be able to assist installers and foremen within your company to become NRCA ProCertified, but NRCA’s Qualified Trainer Conference is not a prerequisite for installer or foreman certification. Separately, NRCA ProCertification allows experienced workers to earn national, professional recognition for their skills and knowledge.

If you have additional questions about NRCA ProCertification, please contact NRCA’s Customer Service Department at (866) ASK-NRCA (275-6722) or go to www.nrca.net/procertification.

Ambika Puniani Reid is editor of Professional Roofing and NRCA's vice president of communications and production.