Become CP

BECOME A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL

The NWFA offers the following certifications through our Certification Program, developed to recognize and promote competence of wood flooring professionals throughout the industry.

Learn more about the requirements to become an NWFA Certified Professional:

Certified Sales Advisor

  • Be a member of NWFA in good standing.
  • Complete NWFA University Sales courses OR attend the NWFA Wood Floor Sales course, and pass the online exam ($300).
  • Sign Certified Sales Advisor Code of Conduct.

Certified Installer

  • Be a member of the NWFA in good standing.
  • 3 years on-the-job installation experience; OR 1 year on-the-job installation experience and attendance at qualifying classes*; OR completion of Wood Floor Specialist apprenticeship.
  • Attendance at NWFA Intermediate Installation course ($749).
  • Complete NWFA University Installation Courses; OR pass the online written exam ($400).
  • Sign Certified Installer Code of Conduct.

Certified Sand & Finisher

  • Be a member of the NWFA in good standing.
  • 3 years on-the-job installation experience; OR 1 year on-the-job sand/finish experience and attendance at qualifying classes*; OR completion of Wood Floor Specialist apprenticeship.
  • Attendance at NWFA Intermediate Sand/Finish course ($749).
  • Sign Certified Sand & Finisher Code of Conduct.

Certified Inspector

  • Be a member of the NWFA in good standing.
  • Attend these NWFA courses:
    • Basic Installation ($549 – can be bypassed with 3 years validated experience).
    • Basic Sand & Finish ($549 – can be bypassed with 3 years validated experience).
    • Intermediate Installation ($749).
    • Intermediate Sand & Finish ($749).
    • Inspector Certification School ($1,999).
  • Complete NWFA University Installation, Sand & Finish, and Manufacturing courses.
  • Complete and pass the Inspector Test with a score of 80 percent or better.
  • Complete and pass online inspector test.
  • Write and pass two in-class inspection scenario reports.
  • Sign NWFACP Inspector Code of Conduct Agreement.

Certified Craftsman

  • Must be a member of the NWFA in good standing.
  • 1 year of Certified Installer status.
  • 1 year of Certified Sand & Finisher status.
  • Complete and approval of four of the seven Master Skillsets: Circular/Curved Application, Color & Finish, Marquetry/Inlay, Medallions, Parquetry, Textured Wood, and Wood Bending.

Certified Master Craftsman

  • Must be a member of the NWFA in good standing.
  • Certified Craftsman status.
  • Completion and approval of all seven Master Skillsets: Circular/Curved Application, Color & Finish, Marquetry/Inlay, Medallions, Parquetry, Textured Wood, and Wood Bending.
  • Completion and approval of specialty Master Craftsman project.

MAINTAIN YOUR CERTIFICATION

Stay up to date with industry standards and continuing education to keep your status as an expert in your field. Each certification has annual maintenance requirements.

Learn more about the requirements specific to your certification:

Certified Sales Advisor

  • Company must maintain NWFA membership.
  • Pay annual Certified Sales Advisor (CSA) dues of $50.
  • Complete 24 Continuing Certification Units (CCUs) by June 30 of each year.

Certified Installer and/or Sand & Finisher

  • Company must maintain NWFA membership.
  • Pay annual Certified Installer (CI) and/or Certified Sand & Finisher (CSF) dues.
    • Installer or Sand & Finisher: $100 
    • Installer and Sand & Finisher: $175
  • Complete 24 Continuing Certification Units (CCUs) by June 30 of each year.

Certified Wood Flooring Inspector

  • Company must maintain NWFA membership.
  • Pay annual Certified Wood Flooring Inspector (CWFI) dues of $200.
  • Complete 24 Continuing Certification Units (CCUs) by June 30 of each year.

Certified Craftsman and/or Master Craftsman

  • Maintain Installer and Sand & Finisher certifications.