February 12, 2014

SPFA Training & Certification

>>SPFA PCP Updates from SprayFoam 2014

The SPFA Professional Certification Program (PCP), ISO 17024-compliant, is growing rapidly and launched Phase II of the Program on January 29, 2014, at SprayFoam 2014. Phase II includes:

1) Contractor Company Accreditation

2) Supplier Company Accreditation

3) Supplier Representative Certification

In addition to the launch of Phase II, the work of the first phase continued with the completion of 235 exams at the 2014 SprayFoam Convention & Expo. This brings the grand total to 1,324 PCP exams taken to date and the program hasn’t even marked it first anniversary yet! Currently, 197 SPFA PCP Certifications have been issued and the number continues to grow!

A total of 31 Field Examinations were conducted in Roofing and Insulation, hosted by Western Pacific Roofing. Ron Winkle of Western Pacific Roofing is a big supporter of the SPFA and the Professional Certification Program. "It confirms applicators' safety and quality installations." This three-day event served three purposes:

1) Candidates for Master Installer Certification were able to fulfill the Field Exam requirement.

2) Field Examiners in Training were able to see how Field Exams were conducted and to fulfill their obligation to observe and/or be mentored prior to conducting Field Exams on their own.

3) Observers were able to view the Field Exam process and over 120 people chose to do so. These observers represented governmental agencies, sponsors, suppliers who will be hosting in the future, international attendees and Field Examiners in training.

The PCP also conducted eight Examination Preparatory Classes at SprayFoam 2014. To help candidates meet other criteria, the Center for Polyurethanes Institute (CPI) sponsored online course availability by setting up a computer lab where SPFA attendees could take the CPI Chemical Health and Safety course, which is required for all PCP Certifications. We also offered CPR/First Aid Training on site at the Convention Center to help PCP participants meet this criteria.

The only complaint we heard was there was so much to do and so little time! To help alleviate this concern, please remember that suppliers are now making Exam Prep Courses, Written Exams and Field Exams available on a regular basis. Check the website at www.sprayfoam.org for current listing of upcoming PCP events.

To find out more about the program, enroll, register for a test, or get set up for one of the upcoming testing locations, email admin@spfapcp.org or call (866) 222-5000 and simply state what you want to do.

>>SPFA PCP Exam Preparatory Course, Written Examinations and Field Examinations

New locations are frequently added for SPFA PCP Exam Preparatory Courses, Written Examinations and Field Examinations, so be sure to check www.sprayfoam.org Certification Calendar of Events for the most complete list.

>>SFC Supports New SPFA Professional Certification Program

The Spray Foam Coalition (SFC) of the American Chemistry Council recently released a document outlining the benefits of SPFA's Professional Certification Program (PCP). The Coalition strongly supports this program that will continue to expand the ongoing efforts of the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) industry to create the highest standards of quality and professionalism for its customers.

"The SPF industry has for many years and will continue to support the safe and appropriate use of SPF," said SFC Senior Director Lee Salamone. "SPFA has created a first-rate certification program to continually raise the bar on safety, performance, quality and professionalism among SPF industry professionals and help give building owners confidence when choosing an SPF applicator."

SPFA launched its new Professional Certification Program at the 2013 SprayFoam Convention & Expo. The program was developed in compliance with the ANSI/ISO 17024 standard.

To learn more about SPF, visit www.whysprayfoam.org.