The educational component instructs on correct EIFS installation processes. The generic instruction is based on industry accepted material and refers the participant to manufacturer recommendations when appropriate. The certificate is awarded to those who have demonstrated acquired knowledge by passing an objective written examination.

The programs are nationally recognized. While they were designed to educate and certify individuals and company employees, many EIFS manufacturers, unions, colleges and job corps use them in some manner.

Those who successfully complete the program and pass the exam receive a wallet certificate noting their qualification, and they are listed on AWCI's National Certification Roster on the Web. In addition, certificate holders have the right to use letter designations after their name: CEM stands for Certified EIFS Mechanic, CEP is for Certified EIFS Professional and CEI stands for Certified EIFS Inspector.

AWCI's EIFS programs are backed by the association's 80-year history of supporting the wall and ceiling industry. Our seminar instruction for inspectors is instructor-led and interactive, providing inspectors the opportunity to ask questions and seek information pertinent to their work. Our inspection component focuses on inspection of new commercial installations.

Our education is "generic", which means you learn about the commonalities of systems rather than manufacturer specifics. AWCI's programs concentrate on the entire EIF system from installation to inspection and, unlike manufacturer's programs, AWCI's education concludes with a test to measure learning. The manufacturer's certificate is often required by the manufacturer before an applicator can install with their product.

The material presented during the instructor led mechanic's program serves as the basis for the self-study education and the instructor led programs. The difference lies in the format of the education. For example, the self-study version allows for learning at your own pace by video and a workbook and is more economical. However, you miss the informative interchange and networking with the participants and instructor that can be so beneficial during the two-day seminar.

There is so much conflicting information out there; knowing best practices for installing EIFS can be difficult. AWCI's programs are based on industry standards such as ASTM C1397, ANSI/EIMA 99-A and other guidelines. In addition, your certificate serves to confirm your knowledge and enables you to provide proof of your qualifications to others.

No. Individuals are certified after completing the education and passing an objective examination. The EIFSmart Contractor distinction is a recognition program for companies that have shown their commitment to quality EIFS installations and the education and certification program by having a certain minimum percentage of their employees AWCI certified. So EIFSmart Contractor recognition certainly hinges on certification (of the company employees), but it's not a certification program itself. Click here for more information on the EIFSmart Contractor Distinction.

The two-day seminar offers education leading to testing for the EIFS Mechanic, Industry Professional, and EIFS Inspector certificates.

Two full days.

As locations vary, it is best to check the website for seminar locations.

The seminars are presented three to four times per year in various locations across the US during "non-peak EIFS months." Generally, this means seminars are not held during the summer months. Unions, distributors, large companies or others with groups of more than 20 participants should call AWCI for information on "by request" seminars that can be conducted at your location

You should choose the one that best fits with how you intend to use the certification. Bear in mind that you must also meet the pre-qualifications in order to attend the course. Matching your experience with the pre-qualifications for each program will help you make the right choice. The industry professional program is for a variety of experienced EIFS personnel that adhere to best practices and want the corresponding credential. There are two ways to be eligible for the EIFS inspector category. It is designed for; 1) those who primarily perform inspection of EIFS installations and 2) personnel very experienced in EIFS who have occasion to inspect and are not in a conflict of interest situation. Click here for information on eligibility requirements.

In most states, anyone can call themselves an inspector. The purpose of the EIFS Inspector certification is to show that you have completed the program and understand industry accepted practices. The program instructs on monitoring correct EIFS installations, not on how to become an inspector.

In some cases. There are two tracks to the EIFS Inspector course. The independent inspector track is for building officials, home inspectors, and third party inspectors whose career is inspection. The proficient EIFS personnel track is for those with at least 5 years experience in an EIFS related trade. If you are applying as a proficient EIFS personnel for your EIFS Inspector certification, please be sure you meet the pre-qualifications for the inspection program.

Yes! AWCI can "bring EIFS to you" if your group size makes the costs manageable for your group. We've held "by request" seminars sponsored by a local EIFS distributor, a union local, an engineering lab association and others. We want to do our best to make EIFS education and certification as cost effective and time efficient as possible for your group. Call the AWCI staff at 703-538-1612 for more information on "by request" seminars.

You should have an understanding of everything presented in the material. No, you won't be tested on everything, only a representative sampling. The main purpose of the AWCI's programs is to educate on correct EIFS procedures. However, in preparation for the test, listen in class and review the material in the manual by yourself. If there is a topic, or facts you don't know well, "study" them because it will help you be successful on the exam.

You will have two hours to complete this paper and pencil test The mechanic's exam has 110 multiple choice questions and the industry professional's and EIFS inspector's exams are 135 multiple choice questions. Questions are based on the material covered during the seminar.

Formal pass or fail notification will arrive by mail two to five weeks from the exam date. If you pass, you will also receive a wallet certificate, wall certificate, information about certification and re-certification and other items.

In the event that you fail the examination, you may retake it. It is recommended that you retest and that you do it quickly while the information is still fresh in your mind. In addition, familiarity with the testing process can help to alleviate any test anxiety you may feel. Call (703) 538-1612 to schedule a time and place. The re-test fee is $80. Examinees failing the test may request performance feedback by topic category prior to re-taking the exam.

AWCI has developed an instructional video and workbook program to teach correct EIFS installations any time, any place. We offer a translated version for the Spanish-speaking workforce. The material was based on the core knowledge extracted from the instructor-led seminar. Only the Mechanic's certification, awarded after passing the proctored exam, is available with this format. You purchase the video and workbook as a set and then may order additional workbooks as needed.

To prepare for the exam, know and understand the information provided in the EIFS-Doing It Right videos and workbook. Answering the practice questions in the workbook is one way to reinforce the material covered. These practice questions are simple and a different type than the exam questions for the mechanics' certificate. Also remember that your answers should reflect the techniques and procedures outlined in "EIFS--Doing It Right", even if these differ from how you are used to doing things.

The test is available "on-demand" by computer at over 250 proctored locations nationwide. However, only basic computer skills are needed for this simple format. See the Practice Exam (turn off any popup blocker programs) on this web site to see how easy the computer method is. If you are not familiar with computers, find someone to walk you through the online practice exam before the day of the exam. If you are still uncomfortable with the idea of taking the test on a computer, arrangements can be made through AWCI to take a paper and pencil test at a proctored location.

It is very important that you spend some time with the practice test available on the web site to become familiar with the exam process and format. It is best to practice before arriving at the test location. Click here (turn off any popup blocker programs) to access the practice exam.

When you walk into the testing room, you will be seated at a computer terminal for the previously selected English or Spanish version of the exam. The exam has 110 multiple choice questions based on the material covered in the video or workbook, and you will have two hours to complete it.

Notice of pass or fail is given immediately at completion and formal notification will follow by mail.

After passing the test, you will receive the wallet certificate, wall certificate and information about certification and re-certification.

In the event that you fail the examination, you must wait one month before retaking it. After the waiting period, you may register again; however, you will be required to pay the registration fee each time you register. Examinees failing the test may request performance feedback by topic category immediately after they test.

The program was established in 2002 with eligibility requirements that ramped up over 4 years. The eligibility requirements were:

• July 2002-June 2003 - One management level employee and one field level employee must be AWCI EIFS certified.
• July 2003 -June 2004 - 10% of EIFS employees must be AWCI certified, including at least one management level employee - and that percentage must be maintained on all EIFS jobsites.
• July 2004 to June 2005 - 20% of EIFS employees must be AWCI certified, and the company must have an AWCI certified foreman on each EIFS job site.
• July 2005 to June 2006 and into the future - 40% of EIFS employees must have one of the three categories of EIFS certification and there must be an AWCI certified foreman on each EIFS job site.

Your personal information is used by AWCI to keep you informed about the program and current industry issues. We do not sell mailing lists or any other form of your information to anyone. However, if you are listed on the web site's Certification Roster, it is possible that someone could copy your information for their own use.

If your information is listed incorrectly on the Certification Roster, please call (703) 538-1612 or email your changes to Jennifer Heinz.