RIA Advanced Certification

This handbook contains all the policies and procedures related to application, candidacy, and renewal for the RIA Advanced Certification Program. It is the responsibility of each applicant, candidate and certificant to be aware of these guidelines and to meet all required deadlines. This version of the RIA Advanced Certification Handbook was released on July 1, 2018. It supersedes all previous versions.

• RIA Certification Code of Conduct
• Maintaining Your Contact Information
• Restoration Industry Association Advanced Certification Programs
• Gaining an RIA Pillar Designation - WLS, CLS, FLS, ERS
• Mapping your path to CR
• Gain the Master Certification - Certified Restorer (CR)
• Maintaining Your RIA Advanced Designations
• RIA Advanced Certification Reinstatement Requirements

 

RIA Certification Code of Conduct

RIA Advanced Certificants are the premier providers of property and content damage restoration, remediation, reconstruction, and specialty cleaning services to the public. These professionals adhere to the following principles in their relationships with customers clients, employees, sub-contractors and related parties:

• Treat clients, their property and environment with care and respect
• Provide professional service according to industry best practices. 
• Operate with ethical principles and sound business practices.
• Maintain proficiency in work through continuing education and training
• Provide a safe environment for employees and clients.

I, as an RIA Certificant, agree to:

1. Ensure that I engender trust with those I work for and with
2. Conduct myself in a respectful, courteous, responsible and professional manner. 
3. Provide impartial opinions and accurate information concerning the scope of work required and costs.
4. Disclose in the opening statement any estimate that has been prepared without direct inspection.
5. Assure that Labor and Material contracts are based on actual costs incurred or according to the previously agreed upon rate schedule. 
6. Provide supporting documentation when requested by those responsible for payment. 
7. Deliver on commitments, while ensuring estimates and contract provisions are performed and documented completely and accurately. 
8. Ensure personal client information remains strictly confidential.
9. Disclose any conflict of interest that may exist with all involved parties.
10. Adhere to all contract, licensing, safety and environmental requirements of the jurisdiction where the projects are completed. 

*Approved by RIA Board of Directors, March 2013

 

Maintaining Your Contact Information

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) makes every effort to keep the most current contact information for applicants, candidates, and certificants. If you get married, move or change jobs, let us know! You can update your contact information at any time through your online account at www.restorationindustry.org. 

Questions and inquiries can be mailed to: certification@restorationindustry.org

 

Restoration Industry Association Advanced Certification Programs

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is the oldest and largest trade association representing the restoration and reconstruction industry with over 1,000 member firms worldwide. RIA serves and represents the interests of its members by promoting the highest ethical standards; providing education, professional qualification and certification opportunities; positively influencing regulations and governmental action; and advancing the safety, image, efficiency, and competitiveness of industry members. 

Considered the premiere certifications within the restoration industry, the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) oversees a variety of advanced certification programs. The RIA four pillar programs help you stand apart as an expert in specific areas of loss we see in the restoration industry. Once you complete the four pillar programs, you may apply for the RIA master certification - the Certified Restorer (CR). 

 

Water Loss Specialist (WLS)

(Revised Curriculum Arriving May 2019!)

RIA's Water Loss Specialist (WLS) Advanced Certification Program is one of the four pillars of the enhanced Certified Restorer (CR) program.  WLS incorporates a wide variety of vetted industry-related courses representing the four major Domains of Knowledge as part of its prerequisite course requirements. Like all RIA advanced certification programs, the WLS includes a rigorous course of self-study, combined with live learning that culminates in an intensive three-day certification school where candidates learn from well-known industry leaders. At the conclusion of the instruction, candidates will sit for the WLS exam.  The Water Loss Specialist (WLS) Advanced Certification Program is recognized by insurance companies, building owners and managers, as well as the public and governmental authorities as the premiere achievement of excellence.

 

Contents Loss Specialist (CLS)

(Launched October 2018)

RIA's new Contents Loss Specialist Advanced Certification Program is one of the four pillars of the enhanced Certified Restorer (CR) program.  The course assists Contents Restoration Specialists across the country and internationally. A training program that is not only top of the line as far as content, but also brings a systematic approach to the way contents are dealt with in general.  This program is recognized by insurance companies across the country as the best of its kind.

Fire Loss Specialist (FLS) 

(Coming in 2020!)

RIA's new Fire loss Specialist Advanced Certification Program is one of the four pillars of the enhanced Certified Restorer (CR) program

 

Environmental Response Specialist (ERS) 

(Coming in 2021!)

RIA's new Environmental Loss Specialist Advanced Certification Program is one of the four pillars of the enhanced Certified Restorer (CR) program.

 

Certified Restorer (CR)

The Certified Restorer® (CR) Certification Program focuses on damage repair and raising committed restorers to a higher level of professional ability. Education and study address both buildings and personal contents property, and are based on the structure and nature of materials, and the effects of various perils. Restoration theory addresses the mechanisms by which residue odors are removed. Toxic contamination, allergic response, water damage, contracts and insurance are also covered. The Certified Restorer Certification Program is widely recognized as the pre-eminent training program in damage repair.

 

Gaining an RIA Pillar Designation - WLS, CLS, FLS, ERS

Each of the four RIA Pillar Designations follow the same basic pathway and process. You may gain the four pillar designations – WLS, CLS, FLS, & ERS – in any order you so choose.  Starting in January 2020, you must complete all four-pillar designations before you are eligible to gain your Certified Restorer Designation.    

Step 1: Meet the Pre-Qualifying Requirements Education & Work Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education; OR another active RIA pillar certification
• Five (5) years of verifiable work experience or three (3) of verifiable supervisory experience (Experience can include: restoration worker, project supervisor, estimator, consultant, inspector, restoration company manager, facility manager, restoration instructor)

Step 2: Complete the Appropriate Prerequisite Courses

To be eligible each of the pillar designations and sit for the exam, you must complete prerequisite courses in each the domains listed for each certification. A certificate of completion will be required as verification that each domain requirement has been satisfied.

Please visit the RIA website to view the pre-requisite coursework required for each pillar designation:

• Water Loss Specialist - https://www.restorationindustry.org/?WaterLossSpecialist
• Contents Loss Specialist - https://www.restorationindustry.org/?CLS
• Fire Loss Specialist – Coming Soon!
• Environmental Loss Specialist – Coming Soon!

NOTE:  The Restoration Industry Association is upgrading the RIA Advanced Certification Program to align with the advanced CR Body of Knowledge.  Please follow the prerequisite pathway based upon your date of application.  RIA reserves the right to modify the timeline for implantation of the prerequisite pathway at any time.

 

Step 3: Take the Pillar Designation Prep Course and Exam

1. Step 3A: Complete the Pillar Designation Application. Be prepared to upload the following documents with your application:

• Resume
• Letter of Recommendation (from immediate Supervisor)
• Certificate of completion for each domain of prerequisite courses

      2. Step 3B: Complete the Prep Course and Exam

• The prep course for the pillar designations are all three days.  You will sit a 3-hour final exam on the final day of your prep course. 

Step 4: Complete the Pillar Designation Formal Report & Research Paper

You are encourage to bring a draft of your Formal Report to the Prep Course to receive immediate guidance and advice. You must submit your finalized version of your Formal Report and research paper within 60 days of passing the final exam. 

 

Mapping Out Your Path to CR

Use the below chart to plan your prerequisite requirements. 

NOTE:   RIA reserves the right to modify the prerequisite pathways at any time. The below is a draft.  Please visit www.restorationIndustry.com for the most up-to-date prerequisite pathways.  

NOTE: Bolded Prerequisites are required if the course is an option for a designation. For example, Contents, Science & Theory is a required CLS and RIA Project and Risk management Course is required for CLS, WLS, FLS & ERS. 

 

Gain the RIA Master Certification - Certified Restorer (CR)

NOTE:  The Restoration Industry Association is upgrading the RIA Advanced Certification Program to align with the advanced CR Body of Knowledge.  Please follow the pre-requisite pathway based upon your date of application.  RIA reserves the right to modify the timeline for implantation of the pre-requisite pathway at any time.

 

Step 1: Meet the Pre-Qualifying Requirements Education & Work Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education; OR another active RIA pillar certification
• Five (5) years of verifiable work experience or three (3) of verifiable supervisory experience (Experience can include: restoration worker, project supervisor, estimator, consultant, inspector, restoration company manager, facility manager, restoration 
  

Step 2: Complete the Appropriate Prerequisite Courses

To be eligible for the CR and sit for the exam, you must complete prerequisite courses in each the domains listed for each certification. A certificate of completion will be required as verification that each domain requirement has been satisfied.

NOTE:  The Restoration Industry Association is upgrading the RIA Advanced Certification Program to align with the advanced CR Body of Knowledge.  Please follow the prerequisite pathway based upon your date of application.  RIA reserves the right to modify the timeline for implantation of the prerequisite pathway at anytime

Phase Zero: Prerequisite Standards through May 30, 2018

1. Domain #1: Basic Skills in Fire, Smoke & Water Damage Restoration
   • IICRC Fire & Smoke (FST) AND IICRC Water Restoration Technician Course (WRT)
2. Domain #2: Structural Restoration (Choose One)
   • RIA One-Day Building Science
   • RIA's Water Loss Specialist (WLS)
   • RIA Building Science Workshop
   • Building Science Corporation 2 Day Seminar
3. Domain #3: Contents Restoration
   • Contents Restoration: Science & Theory Course
4. Domain #4: Health 7 Safety Training (Choose One)
   • OSHA 10-hr Haz-Com Course
   • IICRC Health & Safety Technician (HST) Course
   • Other OSHA/Red Cross training equivalent (Confined Spave, Lock-Out/Tag-Out, etc.; minimum of 10 hours training required)
5. Domain #5: Project Management (Choose One)
   • RIA Project & Risk Management Course
   • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) Course
   • RIA approved Project Management Course or industry equivalent

Phase 1: Enhancements in Water & Contents - May 30, 2019 through December 31, 2019

1. Domain #1: Fire & Smoke Restoration
   • IICRC Fire and Smoke (FST) AND IICRC Water Restoration Technician Course (WRT)
2. Domain #2: Water Loss
   • RIA's Water Loss Specialist (WLS)
3. Domain #3: Contents Restoration (choose One)
   • Contents Restoration: Science & Theory Course
   • Contents Loss Specialist
4. Domain #4: Environmental (Choose One)
   • OSHA 10-hr Haz-Com Course
   • IICRC Health & Safety Technician (HST) Course
5. Domain #5: Project Management
   • RIA Project & Risk Management Course

Phase 2: Enhancements in Fire & Environmental - January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021

1. Domain #1: Fire & Smoke Restoration (Choose One)
   • Fire Loss Specialist (FLS)
2. Domain #2: Water
   • Water Loss Specialist (WLS)
3.  Domain #3: Contents Restoration
   • Contents Loss Specialist (CLS)
4. Domain #4: Environmental (Choose One)
   • OSHA 10-hr Haz-Com Course
   • IICRC Health 7 Safety Technician (HST) Course
5. Domain #5: Project Management
   • RIA Project & Risk Management Course

Final Enhanced Certification Pathway - January 1, 2022 onward

1. Domain #1: Fire & Smoke Restoration (Choose One)
   • Fire Loss Specialist (FLS)
2. Domain #2: Water
   • Water Loss Specialist (WLS)
3. Domain #3: Contents Restoration
   • Contents Loss Specialist (CLS)
4. Domain #4: Environmental (Choose One)
   • Environmental Loss Specialist (ERS)

Step 3: Take the CR Designation Prep Course and Exam

1. Step 3A: Complete the CR Designation Application. Be prepared to upload the following documents with your application:
   • Resume
   • Letter of Recommendation (from Immediate Supervisor)
   • Certificate of completion for each domain of prerequisite courses
2. Step 3B: Complete the CR Course and Exam 
   • The prep course is five days. You will sit a 5 hours final exam on the final day of your prep course. 

Step 4: Complete the CR Formal Report

You are encourage to bring a draft of your Formal Report to the CR Course to receive immediate guidance and advice. You must submit your finalized your Formal Report within 60 days of passing the final exam. 

 

Maintaining Your RIA Advanced Designations

RIA Certificants must actively pursue ongoing professional development through educational coursework, attendance at industry related events, association involvement, presentations, mentoring and more. Those holding an RIA advanced certification adhere to a strict Code of Professional Conduct and provide quality assurance to the general public and industry-at-large.

Having completed the rigorous study, examination and formal project, Candidates then receive their formal advanced certification and are known as “Certificants.” Upon receipt of their certification, they agree to:

• Comply with the RIA's Code of Ethical Conduct
• Comply with trademark infringement policies
• Maintain continuing education credits
• Submit payment of their certification renewal fee every three years. 

Membership in RIA is not a requirement of certification. 

3-year Certification Cycle

Upon formal notification from RIA, Certificants begin their 3-year certification cycle, which runs on the calendar year.

Example: The 3-year certification cycle for a professional who becomes certified in October 2018 would run from July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022.

NOTE: Starting with December 31, 2018 renewals, RIA renewal deadlines will be adjusted.

• December 31, 2019 renewals will be adjusted to June 30, 2019 certification cycles.
• December 31, 2019 renewals will be adjusted to June 30, 2020 certification cycles.
• December 31, 2020 renewals will be adjusted to June 30, 2019 certification cycles. 

 

Continuing Education Credits (CECs)

All RIA Certificants are required to maintain a total of 48 continuing education contact hours within their three-year certification cycle. All CECs must be obtained within the three-year cycle to ensure the Certificant is obtaining current and updated knowledge and information. 

• Note: CEC requirements will be updated from 32 CEC to 48 CEC starting with June 30, 2019 re-certification deadline. 

All CEC activity must be documented. Acceptable forms of documentation may include: attendance certificates, paid receipts attached to a brochure or flyer describing the class, copy of ID badge along with class description, etc. See specifics for each Category under “Documentation” Column.

CEC contact hours exceeding the CEC Hour requirements within a 3-year cycle cannot be “carried over” into the next certification cycle.

Certificants may combine education credit opportunities from any on the table below to achieve required contact hours.

 

 

Holding Multiple RIA Advanced Designations

As an individual gains multiple pillar designations, the newly gain certification will automatically be placed on the same certification cycle as the currently held certification(s).  

Establishing Common Certification Renewal Dates for Individuals Who Currently Hold Multiple Certifications

Starting with the June 30, 2019 renewal window, the renewal date of the CR would determine the renewal date for all earned certifications moving forward.    For dual certificants with no CR, the default renewal date will become that of the first attained certification. Moving forward, all new dual, triple or quadruple certifications will assume the certification renewal date of the first attained certification.

Required CECs and Fees for RIA Advanced Designations

The number of CEC required and the fee required at renewal is contingent upon the number of RIA Advanced Designations achieved – CMP, WLS, FLS, ERS, CLS, CR. 

*Note: Only one late fee and one reinstatement fee may be charged per certification window

 

RIA Advanced Certification Reinstatement Requirements

RIA Advanced Designations must be all reinstated separately - CMP, WLS, FLS, ERS, CLS, CR.