The Stucco—Doing It Right educational program will be available this July.
The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) is excited to introduce the latest advancement in its highly regarded Stucco—Doing It Right® educational program. Now available for the first time as a fully online, self-paced course in both English and Spanish, the program offers greater flexibility and accessibility for contractors, superintendents, estimators, code officials and other construction professionals to build essential skills—anytime, anywhere.
Available this July, this new format delivers trusted, industry-standard stucco training directly to jobsite trailers, classrooms, home offices and mobile devices—removing travel barriers and fitting seamlessly into busy schedules. With the addition of a Spanish-language option, the program now reaches an even wider audience, helping to empower a key segment of the construction workforce.
Collaborating with Industry
The Stucco—Doing It Right program has its origins in 2007, when a need was identified for consistent, technical instruction in stucco practices. At the time, construction defects related to stucco installation were surfacing across the country, often stemming from poor detailing, inconsistent training, and a lack of understanding around drainage and code compliance.
To address this, AWCI assembled an oversight group comprised of technical consultants, contractors, manufacturers, and code experts, who collectively developed a structured curriculum grounded in best practices and relevant codes. The first in-person course launched in September 2008 with 70 attendees, and it quickly gained traction as a trusted education platform for professionals at all levels of the stucco trade.
Since its launch, the Stucco—Doing It Right program has been completed by hundreds of industry professionals, including architects, inspectors, field superintendents, project managers, forepersons and estimators. Many participants have credited the program with enhancing jobsite quality, minimizing callbacks and helping them navigate code compliance and legal responsibilities more confidently.
Here is what some past attendees had to say:
“The program presented valuable information on preventative thinking and management of stucco systems in relation to the entire project and long-term performance. The instructor was very knowledgeable and easy to follow.”
— Craig H.
“The program put things from the back of my mind to the front. I’ll make sure my forepersons participate.”
— Rick W.
Getting Comprehensive Content
The program content is built on the framework of ASTM C926 (Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster) and ASTM C1063 (Installation of Lathing and Furring to Receive Interior and Exterior Portland Cement-Based Plaster). It covers installation over both metal lath and solid bases and incorporates critical design and building science elements related to moisture management, thermal performance, and continuous insulation (CI) systems.
Stucco remains one of the most popular cladding systems for commercial and residential buildings, prized for its design flexibility, resilience, fire resistance, and affordability. But while stucco is naturally water-resistant, it is not waterproof and must be installed as part of a properly detailed drainage system to perform reliably over time.
Participants of the course are taught how to evaluate system design from both a technical and constructability standpoint, addressing real-world challenges like transitions, terminations, and maintaining continuity in water-resistive barriers (WRBs). Emerging code requirements related to energy performance and drainage planes are also integrated throughout the training, ensuring that the course remains relevant to modern code cycles.
Making the Program Accessible
Construction schedules are tighter than ever. Travel budgets are limited. And the workforce is increasingly diverse. The move to an online, on-demand format is a natural next step for AWCI and its commitment to jobsite-ready education.
“Making this course available online in both English and Spanish allows us to meet learners where they are—whether that’s a foreman on their tablet in a trailer or a superintendent reviewing installation details after hours,” said Don Pilz, AWCI’s director of technical services. “The content is the same high-quality material that has made this course a national benchmark—it’s just more accessible now.”
This format also enables companies to train entire teams, helping to standardize practices across crews and project sites. For firms working across multiple jurisdictions, the course can serve as a common reference point for interpreting local variations in code enforcement and inspection practices.
Aligning Practice with Code and Standards
While regional practices and preferences may vary, stucco installations must align with national codes and ASTM standards. The International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) both provide guidance, though the IBC governs most commercial and multifamily construction, while the IRC applies to one- and two-family dwellings.
The course emphasizes that compliance with ASTM standards like C926 and C1063 is not optional—they are the foundation of most evaluation reports, specifications, and inspection checklists. Failure to comply jeopardizes project performance, complicates warranty claims, and exposes contractors to legal liability.
For this reason, the course is also a valuable risk management tool. Participants learn how to document their work, understand how assemblies are evaluated in the field, and implement quality control measures that can serve as a first line of defense in the event of a dispute or claim.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Stucco—Doing It Right course, participants will be able to:
Identify key components of different stucco assemblies, including traditional three-coat systems, one-coat systems and detailing with drainage planes.
Understand how ASTM standards and building codes apply to various substrates and environmental conditions.
Demonstrate proper lath installation, embedment, thickness requirements, curing practices and finish options in accordance with code.
Apply principles of moisture management, including WRBs, drainage planes, flashing and weep screeds.
Reduce risk by applying consistent quality control practices and understanding common causes of litigation in stucco-related claims.
Participants also walk away with an improved ability to read and interpret construction documents, identify red flags during preconstruction reviews, and communicate effectively with inspectors and design teams.
Supporting the Future of the Industry
As building codes grow increasingly rigorous—particularly around energy performance, drainage planes and moisture management—the stucco trade must evolve. At the same time, a new generation of craftworkers and field leaders is entering the workforce. Ensuring these professionals are equipped with the right tools, training and foundational knowledge is essential for long-term durability, industry reputation and consumer trust.
AWCI’s Stucco—Doing It Right program is designed to meet these evolving needs head-on. As Albert Carrillo, chief executive officer at the Western Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association and subject-matter expert noted: “Stucco claddings themselves have remained relatively unchanged in their composite of materials and application. Construction has moved from a functional basic design to today’s engineered structures addressing energy efficiency, moisture management and new aesthetic styling, requiring a more thorough understanding of the exterior stucco cladding.
Updates to the course address the nuances of current exterior cladding requirements. This program provides clarity to the successful time-honored practices and offers considerations to he applicators of key must-dos.
Some key features include implementation of new insulating products, new code changes affecting the stucco assembly, and a look into the ‘who’s responsible for…’ conditions to consider before application. If you are a seasoned applicator, the new information provided will bring you current with today’s requirements. If you are newer to the industry, this program is a must-attend.”
Subject-Matter Experts
Don Allen, PE, SE, LEED AP, Executive Director, Steel Framing Industry Association
Mike Boyd, CEI, Boyd Consulting Group
Albert Carrillo, Chief Executive Officer, Western Wall & Ceiling Contractors Association
Darin Coats, Technical Director, Technical Services Information Bureau
Chris Little, Senior Product Manager, ClarkDietrich
Flavio Ronzani, Owner, Ronzani Inc. dba RONPARCO
Texas Lath & Plastering Contractors Association
AWCI Staff
Thao Nguyen, Project Manager
Don Pilz, Director of Technical Services
Annemarie Selvitelli, Director of Education and Member Services
We would like to thank the following volunteers for assisting us with the Spanish translation:
Rafael Chavez, J & J Acoustics, Inc.
Fernando Faustino, Ronzani, Inc. dba RONPARCO
Jesse Ontiveros, Anning-Johnson
Juan M. Landeros and Team, Nicolson Construction, Inc.
Summing It Up
“The evolution of Stucco—Doing It Right into an online, on-demand format marks a significant milestone in AWCI’s mission to elevate the wall and ceiling industry through education and workforce development.
By making this trusted training program more accessible—regardless of location, schedule or language—AWCI is equipping today’s professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to meet modern construction demands, reduce risk, and build with confidence,” said AWCI CEO Mike Stark.
As the industry faces growing complexity in codes, materials, and performance expectations, staying current is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you are new to stucco or a veteran seeking to sharpen your expertise, this program offers a comprehensive path to mastering stucco best practices. CD
Annemarie Selvitelli is AWCI’s director of education and member services. Don Pilz is AWCI’s director of technical services.
