Getting Started

What is an IICRC certification?

An IICRC certification is a professional credential that recognizes successful completion of an approved training course and certification exam in a specific area of the inspection, cleaning, or restoration industry.

Why should I become IICRC certified?

IICRC certification demonstrates your commitment to professionalism, continuing education, and accepted industry practices. It shows customers, employers, insurance professionals, property managers, and others in the industry that you have successfully completed recognized training and met established certification requirements.

Beyond earning a credential, IICRC training helps you build practical knowledge and confidence, improve the quality of your work, and strengthen your reputation as a cleaning, inspection, or restoration professional.

Do I need industry experience before taking a class?

No. Many of our students are brand new to the cleaning and restoration industry, while others have years of hands-on experience. Our courses are designed to benefit both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Although some advanced IICRC certifications require prerequisites, our Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT), Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician (CCMT), Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT), and Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) courses do not. In fact, many students attend these classes with little or no prior industry experience and successfully complete the training.

Which course should I take first?

It is totally personal preference, but many students begin with our Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) course because it provides a solid foundation in carpet fibers, cleaning chemistry, equipment, spot and stain removal, and professional cleaning methods. If your work focuses on restoration, Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) is another excellent starting point.

Are your classes approved by the IICRC?

Yes. Our courses are taught by an IICRC-approved instructor using the current IICRC-approved curriculum. In addition, Cutshall Cleaning Solutions (CCS) and Restoration Management Training and Consultants (RMTC) are both IICRC-approved schools.

Registration

How do I register?

Registration is quick and easy through our website. If you have questions before enrolling, we’re happy to help you choose the course that’s right for you. We also provide a link to a brief IICRC video explaining the certification process.

Once you’ve registered for the course, we recommend creating your IICRC account and paying your exam fee through the IICRC website prior to class. Please note that the IICRC exam fee is paid directly to the IICRC and is not included in your course fee. For all classes we offer the exam fee is $80.00

Do you offer online classes?

Yes. Many of our courses are available through live instructor-led online training. These classes meet in real time, allowing students to ask questions, participate in discussions, and interact with the instructor throughout the course. We currently offer the CCT, CCMT, UFT, and WRT courses online. We also offer several in-person classes throughout the year, including both private training and classes hosted by distributors across the United States.

Are online certifications treated differently than classroom certifications?

No. Successfully completing an approved live-stream course and passing the certification exam results in the same certification as attending an in-person class.

What computer equipment do I need?

A reliable internet connection, webcam, microphone, and desktop or laptop computer are recommended to provide the best learning experience.

Will I receive course materials?

Yes. Students receive the required training materials before class whenever possible so they can follow along during instruction. Course materials are available as a downloadable PDF, or you may request a printed copy for an additional fee.

During Class

How long are the classes?

Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) – 2 days (approximately 7 instructional hours per day, generally 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CST)
Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician (CCMT) – 2 days (approximately 7 instructional hours per day, generally 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CST)
Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT) – 2 days (approximately 7 instructional hours per day)
Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) – 4 days (approximately 24 instructional hours per entire course, generally 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. CST)

Class schedules may vary slightly depending on the course format, time zone, or special circumstances. Please refer to the specific class listing or contact your instructor to confirm your schedule.

Can I ask questions during class?

Absolutely. We encourage students to ask questions throughout the training. Questions and discussion often help everyone better understand the material.

Are classes recorded?

Unless specifically stated otherwise, live classes are not recorded for later viewing. We do not allow participants to record our classes.

Can multiple employees attend using one computer?

Yes. Only paid registrants may attend. If your company has multiple paid students, they may share a single device as long as all participants are clearly visible on camera and have the opportunity to actively participate during the class. 

Certification Exams

Is there an exam?

Yes. IICRC certification courses conclude with an exam that measures your understanding of the material covered during training. Students attending in-person classes will take the certification exam at the conclusion of the course. Students enrolled in online classes have up to 45 days after completing the course to take the exam.

What score is required to pass?

The passing score is established by the IICRC for each certification program. Students must earn a score of 75% or higher to pass the CCT, CCMT, UFT, and WRT certification exams.

What happens if I don’t pass?

If you do not achieve a passing score, you may retake the exam in accordance with current IICRC policies. The retest must be completed within 45 days of taking the exam and costs $80.00

What are the IICRC certification exam fees?

Certification exam fees are paid directly to the IICRC before taking the exam.

Current fees include:

• Most Technician Certification Exams: $80 
• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT): $150 
• Inspection Certification Exams: $150 
• Mold Removal Specialist (MRS): $250 
• Exam Retake: $80 

Exam fees are established by the IICRC and are subject to change.

How difficult are the exams?

Students who actively participate, review the course materials, and pay attention during class are generally well prepared for the exam.

After the Class

When will I receive my certification?

After successfully passing the exam and completing any required IICRC certification steps, your certification will be processed and issued by the IICRC.

Will I receive proof that I completed the class?

Yes. Every student who successfully completes the course receives a Certificate of Completion as a record of their training. Those who meet all IICRC certification requirements, including passing the certification exam, will receive their official IICRC certification.

We also believe learning continues after the class ends. If you ever have a cleaning or restoration question or encounter a challenging situation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Send us photos or describe the problem, and we’ll gladly review it and do our best to help you find a solution.

Can I take additional certifications?

Absolutely. Many professionals continue building their knowledge by earning multiple certifications throughout their careers.

Maintaining Your Certification

Does my IICRC certification expire?

Yes. To keep your IICRC certifications active, you must complete the Continuing Education Credits (CECs) required by the IICRC and maintain your annual registration.

Current renewal requirements include:

• IICRC Technicians: 14 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) every four years 
• IICRC Inspectors: 14 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) every two years 
• Master Designations (Master Textile Cleaner, Master Fire & Smoke Restorer, and Master Water Restorer): 14 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) every two years 

Continuing education helps certified professionals stay current with evolving industry standards, equipment, products, and accepted professional practices.

Are there annual IICRC registration fees?

Yes. Once you become certified, you must maintain an active registration with the IICRC by paying the applicable annual renewal fee.

Current annual fees include:

• 1–2 Certification Categories: $36
• 3–4 Certification Categories: $48
• 5 or More Certification Categories: $60
• Master Designation: $12
• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT): $72
• Credentialed Inspector: $40
• Practicing Inspector: $96 (includes listing in the IICRC’s Locate a Professional directory)
• Certified Firm: $199

Registration fees are established by the IICRC and are subject to change.

Industry Standards

Why are industry standards important?

Industry standards provide consistent guidance for performing cleaning and restoration services using accepted professional practices. They help improve quality, consistency, communication, and professionalism throughout the industry.

Do standards change?

Yes. Standards are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect new research, technology, and industry experience.

Career Questions

Will certification help me get more business?

While no certification can guarantee additional work, many customers, employers, and insurance professionals prefer working with trained professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to education and recognized industry standards.

Is certification valuable if I own my own business?

Yes. Certification can strengthen your company’s reputation, improve employee training, and increase customer confidence.

Can certification help employees advance?

Many employers use professional certifications as part of employee development and advancement opportunities.

Training with Cutshall Cleaning Solutions

Why choose Cutshall Cleaning Solutions?

We focus on practical, real-world instruction that helps students succeed long after the class is over. Our goal is not only to help you pass an exam, but to become a more knowledgeable and confident professional.

How much experience do your instructors have?

Jeff Cutshall began his cleaning career in 1982 and became an IICRC-approved instructor in 2002. Since then, he has trained thousands of cleaning and restoration professionals throughout the United States and in several other countries.

Greg Anderson brings more than 22 years of industry experience and has also served as an IICRC-approved instructor for many years.

Unlike many instructors, both Jeff and Greg continue to own and operate successful cleaning and restoration businesses, allowing them to teach practical, real-world techniques based on everyday experience.

Do you offer private training?

Yes. Private classes can often be arranged for companies or organizations that want training tailored to their specific needs.

Do you teach in Spanish?

Yes. We currently offer the CCT, CCMT, and UFT courses in Spanish, and the certification exams for these courses are also available in Spanish. Several additional IICRC certification exams are available in Spanish as well.

Can my company become an IICRC Certified Firm?

Yes. Once you earn an individual IICRC certification, you may apply to have your business recognized as an IICRC Certified Firm.

Benefits may include:

• Listing in the IICRC’s Locate a Professional directory (when applicable) 
• Demonstrating your company’s commitment to recognized industry standards and professional training 
• Approved firms may use the appropriate IICRC Certified Firm logo and trademarks in accordance with current IICRC branding and logo usage guidelines.

Applications, processing requirements, and annual registration fees are established by the IICRC and are subject to change. For the most current information, please visit the IICRC website.

How can I contact you?

If you have questions before registering, simply contact us and we’ll be happy to help you choose the right course and answer any questions about training or certification.

Email: jeff@myiicrctraining.com

Call or Text: (816) 223-6659

For a more comprehensive list of frequently asked questions, please visit the IICRC website.