Finally, spring is approaching so now is the time to start working on your certifications. The most popular for most cleaners is the IICRC certification process, and yes it’s a process. The Good news it’s not difficult at all. The IICRC, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, is a relatively obtainable. Easy as signing up, taking a class that teaches the student the basic to advanced methods for cleaning all types of carpets. At the end of the course, the student will then demonstrate their skills from theory and focusing on practical skills recently acquired from your IICRC course. Now you can register and claim the title of CST, which is the first requirement for most employment. Be prepared as most companies will just ask you if you have your IICRC, which is many different certificates. In theory, its a basic terminology before achieving carpet cleaning certification through the IICRC, the technician must first pass a course.

First, I would get familiar with the carpet, tile and grout and restoration cleaning tools on the market. A good source of information can be found at: www.kleenpro.comThe next step is look into a course as a CCT (Carpet Cleaning Technician). This approach is a great way to break into the industry. The CCT course focus is to teach the best methods used for treating carpets and will help the student learn how to handle multiple fabric materials and carpet terminology. During the class, the instructor will address the various tools and that a technician is likely to run into while on the job site, including fiber and yarn. Proper identification will allow the professional to select the right tools for the job. The student will need to know the methods of different soiling conditions, textile styles and finishes and the idea of treating the floor. Besides, you need to know the five principles of treating textile. These principles include; grooming, soil suspension, extraction methods, dry soil removal, and drying. All of these methods and the five principles of textile treatment and is the primary focus of the course and proven mastery is the requirement before receiving carpet cleaning certification through the IICRC.

The carpet cleaning service Technician (CCT) course is usually over two days for a total of 14 hours of instruction.Then the technician passes the exam and files for carpet cleaning certification through the IICRC, and now they are prepared to start working in the industry. Then after a year working in the field, the technician can obtain advancements through the IICRC agency. After your CCT, then you can look forward to journeyman status in textile treatment if you pass a couple more classes. These courses include upholstery and fabric treatment, an odor control, a color repair class or a flooring repair and re-installation class. Most cleaners will obtain the upholstery and fabric treatment and odor course which you would gain experience while on the job. To further your career, learning the color repair or flooring repair installation would be more beneficial. Technicians will experience earning more money, and full employment status, especially during the winter months when business usualy slows down.

During the long winter, months take the time and advance your career through IICRC. Here is the outline for your success.

A)CCT (Carpet Cleaning Technician)

1)Requires only CCT or CCMT course

B) JOURNEYMAN TEXTILE CLEANER (JTC) Requires the following

1) CCT or CCMT

2) UFT + OCT or CRT or RRT

Abbreviations

CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician

CCMT - Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician

UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

OCT - Odor Control Technician

CRT - Color Repair Technician

RRT - Carpet Repair & Re-installation Technician

Another topic we'll approach at a later is master status after three years of time in the industry. Another topic we’ll discuss at a later date. Enough for now. Don’t forget check back for more information about taking exams at www.examout.com Good luck and prosper!