IICRC Certifications Explained: A Guide for New Restoration Contractors
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
Certification
What It Is & Why You Need It
WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician)
The mandatory starting point. This foundational course teaches the science of drying (psychrometry) and the IICRC S500 Standard of Care for water mitigation.
AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)
The essential certification for mold remediation. It covers containment, remediation protocols, and safety procedures for dealing with microbial growth.
ASD (Applied Structural Drying)
An advanced water damage certification that builds on WRT, teaching more complex drying scenarios and equipment usage.
FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician)
The foundational course for fire damage, covering techniques for cleaning smoke and soot from various materials.
In the restoration industry, your credibility is your most valuable asset. The single most powerful way to establish that credibility is through certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This isn't just about a logo on your van; it's about speaking the same language as insurance adjusters and proving to homeowners that you are a true professional. This guide breaks down the essential certifications you need as part of your restoration business plan from Real Time Lead Gen.
Why IICRC Certification is Non-Negotiable
The IICRC is the independent, non-profit body that sets the standards for the entire industry. The IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration is the document that insurance carriers use as the basis for approving and paying claims. If you are not following the S500, and cannot prove you are trained in it, you will have a very difficult time getting paid properly.
Being certified signals to all parties that you adhere to a professional standard of care, which is a critical piece of the puzzle we outlined in our 10-step restoration startup checklist.
The Foundational Certification: WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician)
This is your ticket to the game. You should not open your doors until you and your first technician have passed the WRT course. This multi-day class is an intensive dive into the science of drying.
Psychrometry: You will learn the relationship between temperature, humidity, and vapor pressure, which is the scientific foundation of structural drying.
The S500 Standard: You will learn the official procedures, safety protocols, and documentation requirements for water mitigation jobs.
Equipment Usage: You will learn how to properly use meters, extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to achieve a documented drying standard.
The Next Step: AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)
Once you are established in water mitigation, the next logical and profitable service line is mold remediation. To do this work safely and correctly, the AMRT certification is essential. This course builds on the WRT and teaches the IICRC S520 Standard for mold remediation.
Advanced & Specialized Certifications
Once your business is running smoothly, you and your key team members can pursue more advanced certifications to further differentiate your company and qualify for more complex, high-margin jobs. These include:
ASD (Applied Structural Drying): A hands-on course that is the unofficial "PhD" in water damage.
FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician): The entry-level course for fire damage restoration.
CCT (Carpet Cleaning Technician): A valuable add-on for water damage jobs involving carpet.
Justin Hess - Founder of Real Time Lead Gen - We'll Make Your Phone Ring! - Generating exclusive restoration leads since 2015...lifelong internet marketer. I AM The Google Alchemist.
P.S. Getting certified is a critical step to proving you're a professional. The next step is getting in front of customers. When you're ready for a steady stream of high-quality, exclusive calls from homeowners who need a certified pro, we're here to help.
