Certification of a profession refers to a generally voluntary process in which the certifying organization formally grants recognition to those who meet certain predetermined standards or qualifications. It usually includes an examination of some kind to assess the candidates’ qualifications. Certification offers the public a high degree of protection because practitioners have to meet standards or qualifications and pass an exam, and they do so voluntarily. Developing a certification is a complex and time-consuming process and requires a strong administrative organization in order to maintain its quality. This process has been developed and designed carefully, following professional credentialing guidelines. Standards, developed by subject matter experts, have been set and the eligibility requirements are reasonably achievable being based on extensive input from stakeholders and deliberation among installers.
 
Voluntary certification programs accomplish three important goals:
 
• They provide a measure of protection to the public by giving them a credential for judging the competency of practitioners;
• They provide practitioners with a way to distinguish themselves from their competition; and
• By potentially improving quality, they improve the public perception of the given occupation, helping increase the industry’s prominence.
 
Benefits of certification exist for both Installers and Consumers:
 
For Installers:
 
• Identifies installers as professionals, instilling consumer confidence in their work
• Validates extra resources spent on training and gaining experience
• Allows for installer mobility as the market moves from state to state
• Allows installers to distinguish their skills and experience in the field
 
For Consumers:
• Provides a means to identify qualified installers, promoting confidence in the work performed
• Preserves consumer choice, maintaining access to both certified and uncertified installers