How to Earn Certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry

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The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has a history that goes all the way back to 1935 and the formation of the “North East Roofing, Siding and Insulation Contractors Association,” part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s National Recovery Act. Several decades and a few name changes later, NERSICA became NARI, an organization with 44 nationwide chapters of remodeling professionals in the construction industry.

What does the NARI do?

NARI serves as a support system for remodeling professionals, providing members with business development resources, advocacy platforms, and connections to clients.

According to organization’s web site: “NARI is an organization of high-quality remodeling professionals. Its members are committed to integrity, high standards, professional education, ethics, and market recognition.”

What is NARI Certification?

NARI certification can mean many things. There are six types:

• Master Certified Remodeler;
• Certified Remodeler;
• Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler;
• Certified Remodeling Project Manager;
• Certified Lead Carpenter;
• Universal Design Certified Professional.

Each certification is designed for a specific type of remodeling professional, and some have more stringent requirements than others. For example, “Master Certified Remodeler” is the highest level of certification NARI offers and requires remodelers to have held the “Certified Remodeler” credentials for at least ten years before applying.

What Are the Benefits of NARI Certification?

NARI certification brings a few key benefits that make it a worthwhile endeavor for any remodeling professional.

Perhaps most importantly, NARI certification shows that a remodeling professional meets or exceeds a set standard within the industry. In a crowded marketplace, NARI certification can set a remodeling pro and their business apart from the rest of the pack. Modern consumers can be swayed by a single review on Yelp, and a nationally-recognized certification on a company website or business card could be a major boost for business.

How to Become NARI Certified

Here are the requirements for NARI certification according to the organization’s website:

• Candidates must demonstrate technical skill, business and project management expertise and tenure in the industry based on their selected certification’s specific and detailed requirements.

• Candidates are required to prove participation in education courses, meeting the minimum Continuing Education Units (CEU), as outlined by each specific certification

• All candidate applications are subjected to comprehensive review by NARI Certification staff to assure all program pre-requisites are met and the candidate is eligible for certification.

• Eligible candidates could chose to attend a preparatory course offered by their local NARI chapter (check with chapter for availability) attend the rigorous, multi-week preparatory courses provided by NARI, or self-study.

• All eligible certification candidates must undergo and pass a rigorous examination of up to 200 questions, overseen by an examination proctor adhering to strict integrity criteria.

Note that each kind of certification has its own “specific and detailed requirements.” The required fees will also vary depending on the certification type, and are lower for NARI members compared to non-members. For full details on the requirements and fees, go to the organization’s website.