Certification candidates are individuals who practice in the construction field, are physically involved in product installation, are seeking certification through this program and wish to take the InstallationMasters certification exam.
What Is InstallationMasters?
InstallationMasters® is a nationwide training and certification program for new construction and replacement installers of windows and exterior glass doors in residential and light commercial markets. It offers information on industry-accepted installation practices and other critical information related to the window and exterior glass door installation business, as well as training in subject matter even experienced individuals might not otherwise obtain.
Individuals will be exposed to numerous topics related to both new construction and replacement installation of residential and light commercial windows and exterior glass doors. The training focuses on understanding windows and doors as well as current installation practices of these products. The training will provide individuals the opportunity to gain the knowledge necessary to perform their work in a satisfactory manner. Training involves subjects that range from initial site inspection to final cleaning and maintenance of installed product.
Candidate Participation Options
The InstallationMasters program offers several different options to obtain or renew certification based on your needs.
Certified Installer Candidate
Certified Professional Candidate
InstallationMasters Certified Professional candidates are individuals involved in the fenestration industry with valid non-field experience and knowledge who are seeking certification through this program and wish to take the InstallationMasters certification exam.
Non-Certification Candidate
Non-Certification participants are individuals who are interested in participating in installer training and certification classes sponsored by an InstallationMasters accredited instructor for knowledge purposes only. They are typically not involved in product installation, are not seeking certification and do not wish to take the certification exam.
Trainee Candidate
Trainees are individuals who are seeking certification, but have less than one year of installation experience physically installing products on a construction site. Trainees will participate in installer training and certification classes sponsored by an InstallationMasters accredited instructor, and take the InstallationMasters certification exam. When they achieve the required installation experience they may become certified if they have passed the exam.
Self-Study Certification Candidate
Certification candidates who meet one or more of the following criteria and do not wish to participate in a training class may participate in the self-study program where they study independently, in lieu of classroom training, and then take the exam.
Installer Recertification Candidate
InstallationMasters certified installers for the Original, Combined, Replacement and New Construction programs will be contacted with complete details about registering for recertification approximately three months prior to their expiration date. If your contact information has changed since you enrolled in the training course, please contact [email protected] to update your information.
Become an InstallationMasters Instructor
Since the InstallationMasters Training and Certification Program’s inception, industry professionals ranging from fenestration product manufacturers and dealers to building material retailers and consultants have successfully completed the instructor training program. Although the manufacturer’s instructions should always take precedence, accredited personnel are able to train their installation teams on the industry’s minimum requirements. Having an in-house trainer allows for more flexibility in scheduling installer classes and can reduce costs associated with those classes.
First-Time Instructor Accreditation
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria may participate in the Instructor Accreditation program which will allow them to become either an InstallationMasters Accredited Instructor, InstallationMasters Accredited Replacement Instructor or InstallationMasters Accredited New Construction Instructor and lead InstallationMasters Training and Certification classes for installers:
- Three or more years of experience as an instructor, teacher or trainer in the field of building products and technology and three or more years of construction experience. This includes, but is not limited to, vocational instructors, shop teachers, armed services instructors and college professors.
- Three or more years of experience installing residential and light commercial fenestration products and/or three or more years working as a crew leader or field supervisor.
- Three or more years of experience working for a fenestration manufacturer in engineering, product design, project management or field services.
- Three or more years of experience working in a fenestration testing laboratory with related experience in installing testing products and three or more years working as a team leader, project manager or supervisor in a fenestration testing laboratory.
- Three or more years employed with an installation material manufacturer and/or three or more years employed as a fenestration consultant.
Registration Steps:
Step 1: Review the list of upcoming instructor class dates on our site here.
Step 2: Complete the applicable instructor registration form and submit to [email protected].
Step 3: FGIA staff will confirm if the instructor class will proceed at least a month prior to the posted class date. (Instructor Accreditation classes are scheduled on an as-needed basis, and a minimum of three participants is required for each class to move forward).
Instructor Reaccreditation
If your accreditation has expired or is about to expire, learn how to get reaccredited below.
InstallationMasters accredited instructors for the Combined, Replacement and New Construction programs will be contacted with complete details about the reaccreditation process approximately three months prior to their expiration date. If your contact information has changed since you enrolled in the training course, contact [email protected] to update your information.
To initiate the reaccreditation process, email [email protected].
Instructors who hold a Single Accreditation
To become reaccredited for a period of one year, an instructor must have taught or co-taught two or more classes within their 12-month accreditation period.
Instructors who do not teach the minimum number of classes will be required to re-take and pass the applicable instructor test within 90 days of their expiration date. The re-exam will be administered via an online proctoring service. If you would prefer to arrange your own proctor in lieu of the online proctored option, please email [email protected].
Combined Program
- A $200 reaccreditation fee applies
- A $500 fee applies for the re-exam, which includes the $200 reaccreditation fee
Replacement Program
- A $150 reaccreditation fee applies
- A $400 fee applies for the re-exam, which includes the $150 reaccreditation fee
New Construction Program
- A $150 reaccreditation fee applies
- A $400 fee applies for the re-exam, which includes the $150 reaccreditation fee
New Interim Policy for Instructors who also Hold the Installer Certification Credential
- Hold at least two qualifying* installer training classes during your current accreditation period and you can renew your installer certification by paying the renewal fee only (no recertification exam required)
- If you hold one qualifying* installer training class during your current accreditation period and complete the installer recertification process (pay the fee/take the recertification exam and pass with at least 80%), the recertification process will count as your second installer training class and allow you to renew your instructor credential at the lowest available renewal rate
- If no qualifying* installer training classes are held during your accreditation period, the published installer and instructor renewal fees and re-exams would apply
*Classes must meet published minimum size requirements in order to qualify for the exam waiver and/or as the second installer training class.
What Does InstallationMasters Offer?
Why Get Certified?
The InstallationMasters Training and Certification Program is an important and exciting tool being offered to installers of windows and doors and industry professionals all across the country. The program is specifically designed to help installers:
- Avoid costly callbacks
- Improve energy efficiency
- Work more efficiently, optimizing both time and money
- Maximize product benefits for happier, more satisfied customers
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Instructors: Submit Class Materials
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