Content Summary
- The Master Water Restorer Certification is the most advanced certification you can get as a professional/business specializing in restoring properties after they have faced water damage.
- In a few states, it is a legal requirement for technical professionals (such as water restoration experts) to have the necessary training and certification.
- However, this is a great certification to get if you want to advance your business/career.
- You first have to complete the prerequisites and then apply for this program.
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) awards different certificates to professionals in the cleaning and restoration industry. The Master Water Restorer Certification is the most advanced certification you can get as a professional/business specializing in restoring properties after they have faced water damage.
Do You Need One?
In a few states, it is a legal requirement for technical professionals (such as water restoration experts) to have the necessary training and certification. In most states, however, this is not a requirement, and you can still work as a professional or even a water damage restoration business without this certification. However, this is a great certification to get if you want to advance your business/career.
If you are a business owner and want to take on contracts from larger companies, banks, or the state or federal government, then being certified will help, as certifications are nearly always necessary with such clients. With a business, you don’t need to be qualified, but having staff with the right certification is important.
How Can You Get This Certification
The master Water Restorer Certification is the highest-tier certification in the water damage restoration category. An applicant cannot directly apply for this certification. You first have to complete the prerequisites and then apply for this program.
In the past, there was a physical examination for this certification. However, as things have evolved all around the world, the IICRC now also offers a remote/online version of the examination.
The exam is only one aspect of the process, as the certification relies heavily on industry experience.
Prerequisites
The Master Water Restorer Certification requires a minimum of three years of identifiable experience after the initial certification.
In addition, you are also required to take several courses/certifications before applying for this certification. These courses/certifications include:
- CCMT (Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician) OR CCT (Carpet Cleaning Technician)
- RRT (Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician)
- WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician)
- ASD (Applied Structural Drying)
- AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)
- HST (Health and Safety Technician)
With these certifications and sufficient work experience, you can apply for the Master Water Restorer Certification.
To prepare for this certification, there is a range of schools and training centers that you can work with. These facilities will have experienced instructors and all the necessary resources to ensure you get the Master’s certification.
Benefits
Getting this certification is an investment of both time and money, but it can open up quite a few doors for you or your business.
More Visibility
Employers and clients alike are always looking for qualified professionals to work with. In fact, many employers and clients look specifically for individuals with the relevant certification. No matter how experienced and big of a portfolio a technician has, if they don’t have the certification, they simply won’t be hired for the job.
Better Credibility
After completing this certification, you will know all the fine details about how to restore a property or belongings properly. This formal training adds credibility to your skills and/or your business. If you want to negotiate less rates and more time making money, definitely consider getting this certification.
Better Pay
People with better credentials get better/higher-paying jobs in every industry, and the water restoration space is no different. Without formal certifications, your earning potential is limited. With this certification, you will bid and work on much larger projects.
This is a great certification because you do it once, and it will last you a lifetime. You also get connected to a much larger technical network, and there is an immense learning process that comes with it. If you have the time and money to invest in this certification, it will be well worth it from every angle.