NFI certification

uthvac said:

I'm new to this forum and was just wondering who has taken the wood NFI cert, and if it's really worth it. that's quite a price tag to get certified. and i mean worth it by learning something you didn't already know and not just the public satisfaction.

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Welcome to the forum uthvac!.. I don't know what it costs for NFI certification but I can speak to what it cost to get my electrician license plus it took years of experience and education.. My wife is an RN and that was even more expensive plus a college degree.. My daughter has a BS and and is a CPA and that was even more expensive.. If I wanted to be a sweep I think I would want the certification as it would be good for business and would lend more credibility about my profession.. You do what you feel is right..

Good Luck,
Ray

The certifications are golden no mater how small. I would say they lend credibility to a professional in any field. If you can add to your list of credentials it allows you to say to a customer "yes I am certified in that field" this results in an instant sale if you aren't a total bone head.

Compared to most certification programs, NFI is not expensive. But, for most people, NFI Certification is only as valuable as you make it. Yes, some parts of the country require it. But if you are in an area that does not, you need to market that certification, especially if your competitors are not certified. Customers and building officials don't know that they should look for certification unless you tell them. I wish we had the budget for national advertising. But since we don't it is up to you to create the interest in your area. We have a couple of great online classes that give some ideas. When you get to HPBExpo in Atlanta, talk to other that are certified. See what works for them. Call or contact me sometime and I'll be happy to discuss.

Rick Vlahos
Executive Director
National Fireplace Institute
[email protected]
703-524-8030