AWCI - Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry
Doing It Right Education Programs





EIFS navigation EIFS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About AWCI's EIFS Education and Certificate Program
 
Question 1. How would you briefly describe the EIFS—Doing It Right® program?
Answer The program is based on industry-accepted best practices and standards, primarily ASTM C1397, and refers the participant to manufacturer recommendations when appropriate. An AWCI certificate is awarded to those who have demonstrated essential knowledge by passing an objective written examination. The program is not intended to replace physical on-the-job training or wet wall instruction.
 
Question Who can become AWCI certified?
Answer With the three certificate categories, almost everyone working in the EIFS industry can apply. EIFS—Doing It Right® is an education and certificate program that requires participants to meet pre-qualifications for their category of certification in order to be accepted. Participants in the program can hold certification in only one category at any time. AWCI reserves the right to deny applications for and participation in the program. Discovery of false information may cause disqualification or later revocation of the certificate.
 
Question What distinction do I obtain by having this national certificate?
Answer Those who successfully complete the program and pass the exam are certified as knowing a specific body of knowledge: correct installation procedures according to national standards. Certificate holders are proud to have this sought after credential; in some instances, it is required. They receive a wallet card and wall certificate noting their qualification, and they are listed on the National Certification Roster on the internet. In addition, certificate holders have the right to use the following designations after their name: CEM for Certified EIFS Mechanic, CEP for Certified EIFS Industry Professional and CEI for Certified EIFS Inspector.
 
Question What is the difference between the instructor-led format and the self-study format?
Answer Most of the material presented during the instructor-led format serves as the basis for the self-study format. The self-study format addresses only installation of Class PB EIFS; the instructor-led format contains more material. Another difference lies in the format of the education. For example, the self-study version allows you to learn at your own pace by DVD and a workbook and is more economical. However, you will miss the informative interchange and networking with the participants and instructor that can be so beneficial during the two-day course. The exam is given as part of the instructor-led format; registration for the exam after the self-study format is separate and voluntary. Only the mechanics' exam is offered with the self-study format.
 
Question I have been working with EIFS for many years, so why should I participate in AWCI's EIFS program?
Answer There are a variety of methods and opinions in the field and sometimes conflicting information regarding EIFS. Knowing the best practices for installing EIFS can be difficult. Personnel might even learn unconfirmed ways with on-the-job training. Sometimes, even when proper methods were initially learned, they may become replaced over the years by shortcuts or experiments. AWCI's program is based on industry standards such as ASTM C1397, ASTM E2430, EIMA Guidelines and other standards. In addition, your certificate serves to confirm your knowledge and enables you to provide proof of your qualifications to others.
 
Question How is AWCI's EIFS Inspector program different from other organization's certification?
Answer AWCI's program is the most respected certificate in the EIFS industry. It is backed by the association's 90-year history of supporting the wall and ceiling industry. AWCI, as a non-profit organization, developed the program for the benefit of the industry; it is not a revenue producing method for individual or corporate gain. AWCI's program maintains a reputation of high integrity. The exam procedures add to the credibility that the certificate is a good measure of knowledge. Instruction for inspectors is instructor-led and interactive, providing participants the opportunity to ask questions and seek information pertinent to their work. The inspection component focuses on inspection of new commercial installations.
 
Question How long does the certificate last?
Answer The EIFS Mechanic and Industry Professional certificate must be renewed every five years, and the EIFS Inspector certificate renewed every three years. There are different requirements for recertification. Attendance at another seminar is not required.
 
Question Is the EIFSmart Contractor seal the same as AWCI certification?
Answer No. People are certified after completing the education and passing an objective examination. The EIFSmart Contractor seal is a recognition program for companies that have shown their commitment to quality EIFS installations and a skilled workforce by meeting certain criteria. The primary one is having 40 percent of their employees AWCI-certified. So, the EIFSmart Contractor seal certainly hinges on certification (of the company employees), but it is not a certification program itself. The EIFSmart Contractor seal can be viewed as a credential. It is increasingly being listed as a requirement in various specifications.
 
Question How is an AWCI certification different from a manufacturer's card/certification?
Answer AWCI’s education is "generic," which means participants learn about the commonalities of EIF systems rather than manufacturer specifics. AWCI's program addresses EIFS as the "system" that it is rather than proprietary specifics. The instruction begins with assessing the substrate, continues through the application process and finishes with assessment of the installation and design considerations. Unlike manufacturers' classes, AWCI's education concludes with an exam to measure learning. By contrast, the manufacturer's certificate is often required by that manufacturer before an applicator can purchase and install their product.
 
Question Who recognizes AWCI's certificate program?
Answer The program is nationally recognized. While it was initially designed to educate and certify EIFS installers and inspectors, EIFS manufacturers, unions, various specification writers, insurance companies, general contractors, testing/engineering companies, etc., recognize the program in some manner.
 
Question Does AWCI have any standards or requirements that better ensure the quality and integrity of its programs?
Answer Yes, in addition to renewal requirements, each certificate category has a Code of Conduct that is signed by each certificant. There is also a Process for the Resolution of Complaints. The EIFSmart Contractor seal has a Code of Ethics that is signed by a company official.
 
About the Instructor-Led Format
 
Question What certifications are available with the instructor-led format?
Answer The two-day course offers education leading to testing for national certification for the EIFS Mechanic, EIFS Industry Professional and EIFS Inspector categories.
 
Question How long is the instructor-led course?
Answer Two full days.
 
Question Where are the events held?
Answer Locations vary across the country. It is best to check AWCI's Web site for program locations.
 
Question How often are events held?
Answer The national courses are presented usually four times a year at various locations across the country during "non-peak" EIFS months (usually December through March). Other programs are offered as a "By Request" (see below).
 
Question What is the difference between the EIFS Industry Professional and EIFS Inspector categories?
Answer The differences are mostly the pre-qualifications for each, your role in the industry and your objectives for obtaining a certificate. You should choose the one that best fits how you intend to use the certification. One is not regarded more highly than the other. The EIFS Industry Professional category is designed for a variety of experienced EIFS personnel. The EIFS Inspector category is designed for two groups: 1) those who primarily perform inspections of EIFS installations, and 2) personnel very experienced in EIFS who have occasion to inspect and would not be in a conflict of interest situation (this alone will decide for most EIFS contractors). From an administrative perspective, inspectors must recertify every three years by taking the exam at a local testing center or at an EIFS course, and Industry Professionals must recertify every five years by mail and meeting different renewal requirements.
 
Question If I take the EIFS Inspector's program and pass the exam, am I an inspector?
Answer In most states anyone can call themselves an inspector. The purpose of the EIFS Inspector program is to award a certificate that states the holder demonstrated, through testing, an understanding of the specialized EIFS instruction according to industry standards. The program instructs on inspecting EIFS for correct commercial installations, not on how to become an inspector.
 
Question Could you bring an EIFS program to us? There are many of us who want to attend, and the dates and locations don't work for us.
Answer Yes. AWCI can bring the program to a location of your choosing if your group size makes the costs manageable for your group. We have held "By Request" programs for organizations such as EIFS distributors, general contractors, EIFS contractors, building teams, union locals, an engineering lab association and others. We want to make EIFS education and certification as cost effective and time efficient as possible for your group. With By Request programs, you save travel costs and travel time away from the job. Call the 703-538-1612 for more information on the "By Request" option.
 
About the Exam for the Instructor-Led Format
 
Question What do I need to know to pass the exam?
Answer 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 AWCI's program is to educate about correct EIFS procedures. To prepare for the exam, listen in class and review and preview the material in the EIFSummary manual before the exam. Even if you have been doing EIFS for years, we can't test your experience or intuition, so you will need to know the specifics contained in the program material.
 
Question How is the exam structured?
Answer You will have two hours to complete this paper and pencil exam. The EIFS mechanics' exam has 110 multiple-choice questions, and the EIFS Industry Professionals’ and EIFS Inspectors’ exams have 135 multiple-choice questions.
 
Question How do I know if I passed?
Answer Formal pass or fail notification will arrive by mail two to five weeks from the exam date. When you pass, AWCI will send you a wallet card, wall certificate, information about certification and recertification and other items.
 
Question What happens if I fail?
Answer If you fail the examination, you may retake it. An application to re-test must be submitted to AWCI no later than nine months after the date of the failed test. Re-tests must be taken within the six-month period stated on AWCI’s reply notice. AWCI requires a 30 day waiting period between tests. Deadlines may be waived in some circumstances. There are 250 testing centers located throughout the U.S. The retest fee is $80. You may take the test a maximum number of three times. After that, special conditions apply.
 
About the Self-Study Format
 
Question What is the EIFS—Doing It Right® self-study format?
Answer AWCI has developed a self-study format in English and Spanish as an alternative to the instructor-led format for EIFS mechanics to receive their AWCI certification. The format consists of a DVD and workbook, and the material is based on the core knowledge extracted from the instructor-led format. The mechanic's certification is the only certification awarded using the self-study format. After completing the self-study format and meeting the pre-qualifications, EIFS applicators may take a proctored exam in English or Spanish at any of the 250 test centers nationwide. Once the initial self-study set (DVD and the companion workbook) has been purchased, additional workbooks may be ordered as needed.
 
Question May I use the DVD and workbooks to earn an Industry Professional or EIFS Inspector certification?
Answer No, the only certification is the mechanics category. However, anyone may use the self-study set simply for the information, Certification for the other two categories requires attendance at an instructor-led program.
 
Question Once I've completed the self-study format, how do I register to take the EIFS mechanic exam for certification?
Answer Inside each workbook is a blue application to take the exam. Rip the application out of the workbook, fill it out completely and mail it to AWCI. Within two weeks, AWCI will send your exam authorization number so you can call the toll-free number to schedule an exam time and pay the fee. The notice will have detailed instructions for completing the registration process. NOTE: AWCI must receive an original application, complete with ragged edges, in order to process each application to take the exam.
 
Question How do I order the DVD and workbook(s)?
Answer To order, use our online secure ordering option.
 
About the Exam for the Self-Study Format
 
Question How do I prepare for the exam?
Answer To prepare for the exam, know and understand the information provided in the DVD and workbook. It is a good idea to review all the material a few times. Answer the questions the way you were shown on the DVD and in the workbook–not the way you may have been doing it, if there is a difference.

For practice with online testing, you may also take a practice test. The practice test questions are not EIFS related, but it is a good way to become used to the computer testing format.
 
Question What is the best way for Spanish speakers to prepare for the exam?
Answer The same as answered above. In addition, experience has shown that it is critical for Hispanics to view the DVD and to review the workbook several times. This is due primarily because there are more than 20 dialects to the Spanish language, and each user needs to become familiar with the terms selected. NOTE: The bilingual examinee would benefit by registering to take the exam in Spanish. (Be sure to check the correct box on the application to test.) An added benefit to taking the exam in Spanish is the ability to switch back and forth between Spanish and English for better understanding of the exam questions.
 
Question Is the exam paper and pencil or computer-based?
Answer The exam is computer-based and is available at more than 250 proctored locations nationwide. However, only basic computer skills are needed for this simple format. If you are not familiar with computers, find someone to walk you through the online practice exam before the day of the exam.
 
Question Why should I take the practice exam?
Answer It is important that you spend some time with the practice exam to become familiar with the exam process and format. Becoming familiar with the computer process will allow for easier testing and reduced test anxiety.
 
Question How is the exam structured?
Answer After checking in, you will be seated at a monitored 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 DVD and workbook. You will have up to three hours to complete it.
 
Question How do I know if I passed?
Answer Notice of pass or fail (not the actual score) is given immediately upon completion and an AWCI formal notification will follow by mail. This is also the time to get the report on how you performed by topic category.
 
Question I passed the exam! What happens now?
Answer After passing the exam, AWCI will mail a wallet ID card, wall certificate and other items to you and place your name on the National Certification Roster. You will also receive information about keeping your certification current. NOTE: The AWCI certification is issued in your name and is carried with you from one employer to the next. To continue your certification, you must renew it before the expiration date every five years.
 
Question What happens if I fail?
Answer In the event that you fail the exam, you need to wait at least one month before retaking it. You will be required to pay the registration fee each time you register to take the exam. It is best not to delay too long before retaking the exam. You may take the exam a maximum of three times. After that, special conditions apply.
 
About the EIFSmart Contractor seal
 
Question What's the difference between the EIFSmart Contractor seal and the AWCI certification awarded to individuals?
Answer They are definitely different - but completely linked. The EIFSmart Contractor seal is awarded to companies that have met the requirements and completed the application to become an EIFSmart Contractor. One of those requirements is that 40 percent or more of a company’s EIFS work force must hold a current AWCI certification. An AWCI certification is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed the education program and passed an objective examination. The individual certifications come in three categories: Certified EIFS Mechanic (CEM); Certified EIFS Inspector (CEI); and, Certified EIFS Professional (CEP).
 
Question I am a small EIFS contractor. Can I qualify for the EIFSmart Contractor seal if just two of my employees are AWCI certified?
Answer Yes, so long as those two employees equate to 40 percent of your EIFS workforce. The minimum requirement for even the smallest company is that two individuals be certified -- and one must be in a decision making capacity.
 
Question What is the value of being awarded the EIFSmart Contractor seal?
Answer The EIFSmart Contractor seal is a distinction recognized nationally. Your company will be listed on the National EIFSmart Contractor Registry so customers, colleagues, and other trade factors can locate EIFSmart Contractors or verify your company's seal. Some specifications require the EIFS work be performed by an EIFSmart Contractor. In addition to your seal, AWCI will send your company a media kit and logo items for use in spreading the word about your commitment to performing quality EIFS installations.
 
Question How do I get my employees certified so I can meet the EIFSmart requirements?
Answer Mechanics (applicators, foreman, and anyone meeting the pre-qualifications) can get their education through one of two methods - attendance at an instructor-led program or by using the self-study format. Testing for certification follows both of these methods. Individuals interested in the EIFS Industry Professional certificate category (general contractor, EIFS contractor, project manager, etc.) or the EIFS Inspector certificate category must attend and test at an instructor-led format.
 
Question I don't have a lot of money to get my field employees certified. What’s the quickest and least expensive route to certification?
Answer For the Mechanic category (only), the self-study format is definitely the quickest and least expensive route to certification. Once the participant has completed the self-study format, the application form to take the exam should be completed and mailed to AWCI. Applicants must meet the pre-qualifications.
 
About Personnel Information
 
Question What does AWCI do with my name, phone number and address?
Answer Your personal information is used by AWCI primarily to remind you when it is time to renew your certification. It is also used to keep you informed about the program and current industry issues. We do not sell mailing lists. However, if you are listed on the Web site's National Certification Roster, it is possible that someone could copy your information for their own use.
 
Question What if I want to change my information on the National Certification Roster?
Answer Please call (703) 538-1612 or e-mail your changes to staff.
 
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