Masonry Magazine June 2008 Page. 52
Masonry Certification
Nothing can hurt our industry more than unqualified mason contractors selected by construction customers simply because they are the lowest bidder. The result is often poorly constructed masonry buildings, poor service and an unhappy client who may not select masonry for future projects.
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), has been working in assessing needs of the design community for many years and has concluded that the best way to stop low bidding, sub-par contractors from reducing the masonry industry's standards is to raise the level of professionalism and quality within the industry.
The MCAA has developed the national Masonry Certification program to provide customers with a tool to assist with selecting mason contractors who are committed to quality. Quality of work is the foundation of the certification program.
Without certification, construction customers do not have an objective measurable method for determining a contractor's quality. Currently, the only basis for selection is through comparing bids and choosing the lowest. Certification provides customers an objective basis to select and specify a quality contractor and allows our industry to promote and provide a tool to measure quality to the design community and masonry customers.
Why become certified?
By demonstrating a commitment to quality, reliability and the highest professional standards that are associated with obtaining certification, you will place your company in a league of its own. Becoming a certified mason contractor is evidence of your prove level of education, knowledge and experience in the masonry industry. As architects, specifiers and owners search for a certified contractor, your firm will stand out.
Mason contractors that earn their certification will immediately be able to display the certification seal which represents an expertise in the masonry field and gives you and your firm an advantage in marketing to clients and potential customers.
Who will be certified?
The certification program will certify the company. However, the primary owner will be responsible for earning credits and will take the certification exam.
The primary owner will earn continuing education credits. Once the basic minimum requirements have been met, the primary owner will be eligible to take the certification exam that will measure their command of running a quality masonry firm. Owners must be the driving force in making sure that their companies are certified and follow the quality principles that will guarantee a professional performance.
The certification program is unique in that it ties an ongoing educational program for the contractor's employees with the contractor's ability to achieve and maintain certification.
How to Earn Credits
Certification credits are earned by taking education courses related to the masonry industry and running your business.
Any classes related to the business of a mason contractor (with the exception of formal apprenticeship training programs that teach the craft) are eligible for credit. The most productive and easiest way to earn credits is utilizing the MCAA Approved Provider Network.
The Approved Provider Network has simplified the reporting and tracking process. All approved provider courses are automatically accepted by the MCAA and attendance at the programs is reported by the provider.
Once registered, the MCAA will send you a username and password that will allow access to