Reprinted from Western Roofing magazine Nov/Dec 2007.

Contractor Certification

National Program to Reach Both Entry Level Installers, Business Owners & Inspectors

by Richard K. Olson, technical director, TRI

(Editor’s Note: Richard K. Olson is technical director for the TRI. The association represents industry professionals involved in the manufacturing and installation of concrete and clay tile roofs in the U.S. and Canada, and works with national, state, and local building officials to develop installation techniques, codes, and standards for better roofing systems. Olson can be reached at rolson@tileroofing.org.)

Since the TRI launched its Installer Certification Program in April 2006, nearly 500 contractors, consultants, manufacturers, and owners are now empowered to build and expand their businesses with proper tile roof installation knowledge. The TRI certification programs address broad-based tile roofing practices and techniques that impact estimating, planning, and execution of commercial and residential projects. The courses also address regional practices in each market where the training is being conducted.

Beginning in 2008 TRI will expand its certification efforts by offering two programs designed to meet the specific educational and professional development needs of its audience.

Certification Available

TRI will continue to offer its Installer Certification program, a one-day course designed to provide training on how to install tile roofs in compliance with current code requirements. The course is based on the ICC-ES approved Installation Manual for Moderate Climate Regions. The TRI Certified Installer designation is targeted to entry-level and experienced roof installers who want to expand their skill into tile.

In addition, TRI will offer a second one-day certification course designed to provide a broader, more detailed knowledge of tile, including tile markets, design features and benefits, materials specifications, code regulations, estimating, ordering and improved management of roof tile jobs.

The TRI Certified Specialist designation will target contractor/owners, team leaders, estimators, inspectors, consultants, designers, and any building professional interested in expanding into the rapidly growing tile market. This course can also be used as a refresher for consultants and inspectors that want to stay up-to-date on codes and proper procedures.

Contractors who successfully complete either one the courses will receive the title of, Certified Tile Roofing Installer or Specialist. TRI will also help companies promote the fact that they have certified installers and specialists on staff by providing certification logos for use on company marketing materials, including print ads and promotional literature. In addition each company’s website listing will be highlighted on TRI’s “Find a Contractor” database.

Those roofing contractors who were certified in the original TRI 2006-07 two-day program will receive both the Installer and Specialist certifications once they renew and are tested and trained on the information added to the Specialist designation. The renewal process will be available online for quick and easy access.

Contractor Involvement

TRI will continue to seek contractor feedback to improve its training curriculum, including the decision to cut back its certification courses to one day sessions and targeting lesson content to specific roles in tile roof installation assure efficient resources are used for the right audience.

After each program attendees are surveyed on course content, structure, trainer quality, and future programming needs. These surveys played a vital role in the development of the next phase of certification launching in 2008. Future programming includes online courses and modules for high wind, cool roofing, and cold climate.

2008 Calendar of Training Opportunities in the West
1/29/2008	Installer Certification	Southern Cal, Calif.
2/5/2008	Installer Certification	Dallas, Texas
3/6/2008	Installer Certification	Denver, Colo.
5/20/2008	Installer Certification	Seattle, Wash.
6/8/2008	Specialist Certification	Las Vegas, Nevada
7/15/2008	Specialist Certification	Chandler, Ariz.
9/23/2008	Specialist Certification	Dallas, Texas
10/9/2008	Specialist Certification	Denver, Colo.

If you are a roofing professional and are interested in learning more about the TRI Installer Certification or Specialist Certification, visit the Tile Roofing Institute website at www.tileroofing.org for the latest in registration materials.

Top 10 Reasons for TRI Certification

1. Learn how to meet or exceed industry guidelines.

2. What you learn will help you reduce or eliminate costly call backs.

3. TRI promotes certified tile roofing installers in its literature, website and videos.

4. Many TRI manufacturer members promote using a certified installer to the general public.

5. Today’s consumers are more sophisticated and demanding. They expect trades people, including tile roofing installers, to have trade certification.

6. Design professionals specify installation by TRI certified tile roofing installers.

7. Professional instructors will show you how to increase your bottom line through greater efficiency.

8. TRI developed guidelines to help installers rate their company's performance in all areas such as workmanship, efficiency, best practices, and code compliance.

9. Adherence to TRI guidelines means you have the weight of industry-based recommendations on your side in the event of a dispute.

10. Demonstrate to your customers that you are installing tile roofing systems consistent with industry guidelines to support your pricing and explain why it may be slightly higher than your competition. •••