Masonry Magazine February 2007 Page. 21
National Masonry Certification Program
The success of the National Masonry Certification Program rests in their ability to successfully pass a certification exam. However, what guarantee does the industry have that our future will be improved if we leave things the way they currently are? Unless we do something different, sub-par construction products will continue to make inroads into traditional masonry markets because of poor performances from unqualified contractors. It's been said that the definition of insanity is to do things exactly the same way and expect a different result.
It's time to do things differently and to work for a new result.
To that end, the MCAA has developed a National Masonry Certification program and will begin the work of educating and eventually certifying our industry's customers. We do so with encouragement from other industry's customers who look for objective ways to select good contractors for their future projects.
Striving for Certification
Since the owner of a masonry company is the heart and sole of the firm, the owner will be certified.
This national certification program is unique in that it ties-in an ongoing continuing educational program for the firm's employees to the contractor's ability to both achieve and maintain certification. Mason contractors that earn their certification will be able to immediately display the certification seal which represents an expertise in our field and gives you and your firm an advantage in marketing to clients and potential customers.
How To Earn Credits
Credits can be earned through various means including the MCAA's Educational Series, MCAA accredited chapters that offer educational programs, accredited college or university courses approved by the MCAA, or through any other educational outlets approved by the MCAA Certification Committee. Credits will be earned based on the following schedule:
15 Credits
Attendance at the MCAA National Conference
(Principal must attend at least 2 conference educational sessions)
10 Credits
Completing a full day (8 hour) educational seminar
5 Credits
Completing a half day (4 hour) educational seminar
2.5 Credits
Completing a 2 hour educational session/workshop
1 Credit
Completing a 1 hour session/workshop
1 Credit
Attending an approved chapter monthly meeting with an educational speaker
10 Credits
Membership in a masonry industry association approved by the MCAA Certification Committee or other approved associations
Basic Minimum Requirements
200 earned credits, completion of the MCAA MQI Program, MSJC 530/ICC Code, and one hundred (100) percent of the firm's supervisory employees successfully completing 15 educational credits.
Taking the Exam
Contractors must be able to demonstrate their complete understanding and awareness of the quality principles that are sought by the industry. Therefore, in order for the mason contractor to achieve certification, a certification exam will be given and a score of at least eighty percent must be achieved in order to pass and gain certification. The Certification Exam will be give at least twice per year, once at the MCAA National Conference and once at the national headquarters. It may also be offered at additional times and places as demand warrants.