Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance Celebrates Milestones with Professional Certification Program
FAIRFAX, VA – September 9, 2014 – The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), the educational and technical resource to the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) industry, today announced multiple key milestones within the Professional Certification Program (PCP). Currently in its second year of operation, the industry-accepted program now offers new accreditation and certification categories, is available online for 24/7 access and test administration, and offers the first three levels of written exams in Spanish. The SPFA is also proud to announce that 1522 written exams and 74 field exams have been administered, as well as 332 certifications have been obtained across the country.
The SPFA Professional Certification Program is an internationally recognized, only-one-of-its-kind program built for those involved in the installation of spray polyurethane foam. Covering both roofing and insulation applications, the program advocates industry best practices and safety in the installation of the highly effective product. The standards-driven program is ISO 17024 compliant and was developed by committees of industry stakeholders in collaboration with OSHA, NIOSH, and EPA, in addition to other federal agencies and external stakeholders. It is offered both domestically and internationally.
"We have expanded the SPFA Professional Certification Program (PCP) on many levels to increase accessibility and participation among all active in the installation of spray foam," said Bob Duke, Past-President of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance about his recent tenure. "The enthusiasm for this program is staggering and underscores the industry's commitment to best practices, safety and the effectiveness of SPF."
New SPF Contractor Company Accreditation, SPF Supplier Company Accreditation and Supplier Representative Certification categories are designed to increase the scope of the program, to include additional organizations and individuals which are key to the SPF supply chain, and to provide further distinction for those companies that invest in their people and customers. Huntsman is the first to complete the Supplier Company Accreditation and several contractor companies are in the process of completing the Accredited Contractor requirements. "The concepts these new accreditations and certifications build and reinforce are of paramount importance to the SPF marketplace and, thus, an obvious integral part of our growing program offerings," added Duke.
The SPFA continues to experience tremendous growth in the Professional Certification Program, with participants in 44 of the 50 states now participating.
"Not only are our certification numbers increasing dramatically, but major players in the industry are backing this program," said Bonnie Strickler, Chair of the SPFA Professional Certification Program. "We now have 18 manufacturer companies administering training and testing on behalf of the SPFA to their large employee and contractor base. Gaco Western is the first to take advantage of bulk testing opportunities for its contractors."
The Professional Certification Program (PCP) offers various levels of certification for individuals active in both the roofing and insulation categories. To become certified, participants must pass the exam(s) and meet the criteria for the level and category of Certification desired. The program is progressive, with each level obtained only after the candidate passes the written exam for the level they are seeking, all previous levels, and subsequently completes the requirements for the current level. Accreditation categories for contractor and supplier companies are also available. All certified participants and organizations receive professional credentials to demonstrate their program completion and industry expertise.
About Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA): Founded in 1987, the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) is the voice, and educational and technical resource, for the spray polyurethane foam industry. A 501(c)6 trade association, the alliance is composed of contractors, manufacturers, and distributors of polyurethane foam, related equipment, and protective coatings, inspections, surface preparations, and other services. The organization supports the best practices and the growth of the industry through a number of core initiatives, which include educational programs and events, the SPFA Professional Installer Certification Program, technical literature and guidelines, legislative advocacy, research and networking opportunities. For more information, please use the contact information and links provided below.
