Seminar Dates & Locations

A two-day seminar leading to national certification. Instruction focuses on generic EIFS installations according to industry standards. EIFS Education and Certificate Programs for Mechanics, Industry Professionals and EIFS Inspectors. Stand Out from the Crowd with an EIFS Credential.

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• Industry Standards and Specifications.
• Material Storage and Temporary Protection.
• Substrates and Efflorescence.
• Drainage and Flashing.
• EPS Boards, Mesh, Base Coat and Finish Coat.
• Adhesive and Mechanical Attachment.
• Joints, Sealants and Repairs.
• Inspection: Philosophy, Scheduling & Methodology, Reports.
• Design Considerations.

• Competitive Advantage
• Fewer Callbacks
• Improve EIFS Insurance Negotiations
• Better Quality of Work
• Save on Management Time
• Legal Protection
• Eligible for the EIFSmart Contractor Distinction

• The instructors were chosen based on the breadth of their experience and the depth of their knowledge. Contact the AWCI office to learn which instructor is presenting at each site and his credentials.
  
• The IRS allows an income tax deduction for educational expenses, cost of travel, meals and lodging if the purpose is to maintain or improve skills required for employment, trade or business.
  
• AWCI will bring the education and certificate program to the location and date you choose if you have a large group, and you may reduce the registration fees. You certainly will reduce travel and hotel fees. Call and ask about the "By-Request" option.
  
• Click here for assistance in making your travel plans at a good price.
• For sponsorship opportunities promoting your organization during a program, contact Nancy at 703-538-1608.

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The program consists of two days of classroom instruction, given in a format that promotes interaction between the participants and instructor. The AWCI program offers generic EIFS education, which is not product specific; referral to the manufacturer is advised as tasks and situations dictate. Slides, video clips, graphic animation and real-life scenarios portray the range of material.

Participants will benefit from the instruction, learn the theory behind the process and gain contacts and information from networking. The instructional material is based on industry-recognized documents and was carefully reviewed by a variety of experts in the EIFS industry. A handbook is distributed on site. This is a narrative style summary of the entire presentation and supplemental material. Participants are expected to study the handbook in preparation for the exam. Also, this text serves as a good reference resource.

At the conclusion of the educational portion of the programs, an examination is given to objectively test the participants’ knowledge considered necessary to properly apply and/or evaluate exterior insulation and finish systems. Participants who meet the established criteria for experience and education and successfully pass the exams will be awarded certification from AWCI stating that adequate knowledge was attained and demonstrated through testing. Certificate holders are then expected to comply with AWCI's "Codes of Conduct." One of the requirements pertains to conflict of interest situations.

• have the credential recognized in the EIFS industry and the associated benefits.
  
• be mailed an ID card, wall certificate, logo cap and other recognition items.
  
• be listed on the Certification Roster, which is the listing of EIFS professionals, EIFS inspectors and EIFS mechanics who successfully complete the respective programs. The listing can be found on AWCI’s Web site at www.awci.org/eifs.shtml.

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The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry has an 87-year heritage of supporting the wall and ceiling industry. AWCI has advanced the EIFS industry since the introduction of EIFS to the United States over 30 years ago. The association has developed and published application practices, articles and technical documents and has conducted seminars for the EIFS industry nationally and internationally for three decades.

Certificate holders for any of the three categories can be proud that their credential is awarded by an organization like AWCI. AWCI certification is the highest regarded credential in the industry for integrity and credibility. Not only can they have confidence that the association and its recognition will continue for years to come, certificate holders are authorized to use designations after their name to recognize their achievement and communicate their credential to others. CEM is for Certified EIFS Mechanic, CEP is the designation for Certified EIFS Professional, and CEI is for Certified EIFS Inspector.

September 2003 was the program’s five-year anniversary. Much growth and industry recognition have occurred in this short time. The credential is becoming essential, showing up in specifications and bidding requirements. More than 4,000 EIFS personnel have sought the certificate, and countless others have been educated either by seminar or by video format.

Endorsements of the EIFS Certificate Programs

These nationally offered educational and certificate programs are sponsored and produced by the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry. Commercial insurance carriers, the EIFS Industry Members Association and major EIFS manufacturers are among those that support the concept of voluntary certifications for EIFS personnel. EIMA and other professional organizations advise and consult with AWCI to develop and maintain the programs.

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1. The video and companion workbook series, EIFS—Doing It Right, is specifically geared for the mechanic and supervisor (see above). The set is also available in Spanish. The flexible format can be adjusted to the workplace environment and schedule. Testing for the certificate is available at 300 locations around the country. Contact AWCI at (703) 538-1612 for more information on the self-study format and group testing close to you.
   
2. Mechanics and supervisors may still attend the instructor-presented courses. The same information, and more, in EIFS—Doing It Right is presented within the two-day time frame. While the mechanic has the option to sit in on the additional inspection instruction presented to the industry professionals and inspectors attending, he will not be tested on inspection particulars.

The educational program in both formats will improve the understanding and knowledge of EIFS mechanics. It will teach the tried and true techniques or remind them of the right ways so as to reduce problems. Those who successfully complete the course will have a greater perspective and more pride and confidence in their work. As a result, the building owner gets an EIFS installation made with a trained work force, and the contracting company gains from an informed employee and an improved bottom line.

Target Participant

Mechanics, foremen and superintendents who already have skills and experience applying EIFS and who want to expand their knowledge are prime targets for the AWCI Education and Certificate Program.

• Five-year certificate upon passing.
  
• Improve application quality.
  
• Reduce callbacks.
  
• Improve EIFS insurance negotiations.
  
• Satisfy qualification requirements.
  
• Increase the employers’ competitive edge.
  
• Learn what doesn’t work and the negative consequences.
  
• Manage risk by reducing exposure and liability.
  
• Ensure consistency of standards in job performance.
  
• Eligible for the EIFSmart Contractor distinction.

1. Minimum of one year of application experience applying EIFS, OR completion of at least one year of a qualified apprenticeship program.
   
2. Ability to read and understand English at a sixth grade level. (It is preferred that participants also have the ability to read blueprints.)

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This program is for those who want to learn more about proper EIFS application and inspection techniques, methods and procedures to better perform their job. The overview of the process is helpful for those who have not experienced the varied aspects of EIFS construction.

Target Participants

This category is for those in the EIFS delivery system who want to learn other aspects of EIFS to supplement their areas of expertise and to reinforce and expand their knowledge base. These include EIFS distributor and manufacturer personnel, contractor supervisory personnel, estimators, design professionals, engineers and industry educators. Experienced distributors, manufacturers and EIFS contractors may also apply for the EIFS Inspection category. However, experienced personnel may elect the Industry Professional category by personal choice.

• Five-year certificate upon passing.
  
• Learn the common elements of materials and techniques.
  
• Understand EIFS properties and application techniques important for consideration during the design process.
  
• Learn or relearn application techniques that work and what doesn’t and their consequences.
  
• Reduce exposure and liability.
  
• Restore confidence in the product for future business.
  
• Improve EIFS insurance negotiations.
  
• Satisfy qualification requirements.
  
• Enhance competitive advantage.
  
• Learn the differences among system types.
  
• Network with various levels of the EIFS delivery chain.
  
• Eligible for the EIFSmart Contractor distinction.

1. Ability to read blueprints.
   
2. High school diploma, GED or higher.
   
3. Have one of the following:
   
   1. Three or more years of experience as an EIFS distributor, manufacturer or EIFS contractor, OR
      
   2. Five or more years of related general construction experience, OR
      
   3. Two or more years of experience as an apprenticeship instructor in an EIFS-related trade, OR
      
   4. Architecture, engineering or EIT credentials.

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The EIFS Inspection Education and Certificate Program teaches correct application procedures, how to examine EIFS applications for conformance with contract documents and how to evaluate compliance with recognized industry standards and specifications. The program focus is on EIFS applications for new construction. Although this course does not specifically deal with EIFS on existing buildings, a review of typical installation and design deficiencies is provided as part of the curriculum. Knowledge of proper system installation is crucial to understanding EIFS, be it during installation or review thereafter.

Target Participants

The program was designed for building officials and established independent third party inspectors who want to learn more about EIFS. Also eligible for the EIFS inspection certificate is the experienced industry professional who is proficient with EIFS. While learning proper application procedures, the inspector will also learn how to better monitor installation of exterior insulation and finish systems. Successful participants of the EIFS Inspection Program will be certified as having learned and demonstrated their knowledge of EIFS. This is not a training class to become a third-party inspector or EIFS residential inspector, nor does it certify one as such.

• Tap into the deman for this specialized and high-profile market.
  
• Satisfy the growing requirements for inspection credentials such as IBC.
  
• Three-year certificate upon passing.
  
• Add EIFS inspection to your inspection business.
  
• Learn proper application techniques to hone the inspection process.
  
• Tap into the demand for this specialized and high-profile market.
  
• Learn about relevant industry standards.
  
• Provide a credential for code officials to recognize independent inspectors.
  
• Provide an inspection credential for accomplished EIFS professionals.
  
• Restore confidence in the building system.
  

1. Only those who meet the following criteria may apply for the EIFS Inspection Program:
   
2. Ability to read blueprints.
   
3. High school diploma, GED or higher.
   
4. Physical ability to observe work in progress from the ground, on scaffolding and on swing stage.
   
5. Have one of the following:
   
   1. More than one year of documented prior inspection experience or inspection license and be employed by a firm that is regularly engaged in independent inspections, OR
      
   2. More than five years of jobsite installation and/or inspection experience in EIFS distribution or manufacturing or as an EIFS contractor.

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Further inquiries may be made to the registrar at: Phone: (703) 538-1612 • Fax: (703) 534-8307 • eMail: Sue Dolan or visit our Frequenty Asked Questions page.