CPAA Certification Program - 2013
In an effort to meet the industry's demand for skilled and knowledgable decorative and polishing contractors, the CPAA has launched a new and expanded certification and training program for 2013. The new programs will continue to include both classroom and essential hands-on training, exposing the student to various types of equipment, tooling, and chemical products on the market today. Courses are designed to offer students more detailed and expanded hands-on instruction vital to the success of their business. Each course is designed to build on the Craftsman's knowledge base toward a Master Craftsman Certification.
This intensive educational program will provide the industry with distinction between skill levels. Companies with multiple employees will be able to utilize our program to provide long term goals toward education, training and professionalism. This training program is designed to be an investment in your business, your education, and your future in the concrete polishing industry. Those wishing to enroll in any of the following certification classes must be a member in good standing with the Concrete Polishing Association of America.
Tradesman Certificate - 4 Hours
PREREQUISITE: None
Tradesman Certificate is an introductory course and the first step toward understanding the polishing process. This course is designed for classroom education only. There is no hands-on training offered as this course has been designed for trade shows, conventions, seminars, etc. The course introduces the student to the many variables and challenges encountered within the polishing process. Individuals completing this course must demonstrate, through a comprehensive written exam, a basic understanding of the following topics:
- overview of equipment used for concrete polishing
- how and when densifiers are applied
- the purpose of applying a densifier during the polishing process
- overview of diamond abrasives
- using diamond abrasives to achieve maximum refinement
- understanding safety hazards within the concrete polishing industry
At the completion of the course, each student, after passing the exam, will be awarded a Tradesman Certificate.
Cost of this course is $395.00 per student.
Craftsman, Level I - 2 Days
PREREQUISITE: The Craftsman, Level I certification is designed for classroom and hands-on education. Individuals applying for this course must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Tradesman Certificate
- 980 hours of actual on-the-job experience OR a minimum of 12 completed polished concrete projects
- the references of two CPAA supporting member manufacturers
- signed affidavit form along with the course registration submission
Individuals completing this course must demonstrate, through a comprehensive written exam and skills practice exam, basic operational knowledge of the following topics:
- proper industry terminology/definitions
- equipment used for concrete polishing
- how to match equipment and diamond tooling to the concrete substrate to achieve the specified polish
- chemistry of densifiers and stain protectors
- diamond abrasive design and construction
- using the diamond abrasive to achieve maximum refinement
- understanding the theory and recognizing maximum refinement
- understanding safety hazards within the concrete polishing industry
- introduction to basic safety hazards related to concrete polishing and project management.
At the completion of the course, each student, after passing the exam, will be awarded with a Craftsman, Level I certificate; Craftsman, Level I patch; manual; CD containing business tools; CPAA supporting tshirt.
Cost for this course is $1,050.00 per student.
Craftsman, Level II - 3 Days
PREREQUISITE: You must have successfully completed and passed the Craftsman, Level I course.
The Craftsman, Level II program will cover three major areas, essential for progressing toward a Master Craftsman certification and knowledge of the polishing process. Craftsman, Level II certification will include detail training in:
- Edge Polishing - 1 Day
- Equipment - 1 Day
- Chemistry - 1 Day
At the completion of this course, each student, after passing the exam, will be awarded with a Craftsman, Level II certificate. Craftsman, Level II patch.
Cost for this course is $950.00 per student.
Craftsman, Level III - 3 Days
PREREQUISITE: You must have successfully completed and passed the Craftsman, Level II course.
The Craftsman, Level III program will continue building on the Craftsman's knowledge base with detailed instruction in:
- Artistic Color Application (stains, dyes, stencils, scoring, engraving, logos, multi colors, design/layout)
- Concrete Repairs and Joints (according to ACI and ICRI standards)
- Overlays (preparation, installation, troubleshooting, polishing, product selection)
At the completion of this course, each student, after passing the exam, will be awarded with a Craftsman, Level III certificate; Craftsman, Level III patch.
Cost for this course is $950.00 per student.
Craftsman, Level IV - 4 Days
PREREQUISITE: You must have successfully completed and passed the Craftsman, Level III course.
The Craftsman, Level IV program covers the final areas and steps essential in becoming a true Master Craftsman in the concrete polishing industry. This course will include four major topics.
- Concrete Placement/ Finishing (in accordance with ACI guidelines)
- Concrete Testing (gloss, DOI, profile, tribometer, moisture)
- Project/Concrete Troubleshooting
- Safety (confined space, silica exposure, respirators, electrical)
At the completion of this course, each student, after passing the exam, will be awarded with a Craftsman, Level IV certificate; Craftsman, Level IV patch.
Cost for this course is $950.00 per student.
Master Craftsman - 1 Day
PREREQUISITE: You must have successfully completed and passed Craftsman, Level IV course.
This final course is a culmination and opportunity for the student to exhibit a working knowledge and display of skills to truly master concrete polishing. Each student will be required to provide the CPAA Educational Committee with:
- Master Craftman application, detailing his completed, prior educational certifications and dates
- An on-site, actual sample of polished concrete per the specifications given at the time
- A written exam covering all four levels of certification
At the completion of this course, each student, after passing all areas of the exam, will be awarded a Master Craftsman certification; Master Craftsman patch.
Cost for this course is $1,500.00 per student.
Certification Dates/Locations
Class information for the first quarter of 2013 are posted below. Class fees will include a light breakfast and lunch both days; class materials and take home supporting materials. For questions, please email: info@cpaa-us.org
May
Craftsman - Level I (2 days)
After May 16 - $1300.00
Knoxville, TN
June
Craftsman - Level I (2 days)
After June 13 - $1300.00
Morris, IL
July
Craftsman - Level I (2 days)
After July 15 - $1300.00
Detroit, MI
Testimonials
The Concrete Polishing Association's certification program is designed to be an investment in your business, your education, and your future in the concrete polishing industry. We have had hundreds attend the classes that want to express their gratitude. Below are few of their comments.
CPAA Craftsman - Level I
Class was technical but on a level that could be understood. Every question answered as an important one. Relaxed but informative.
CPAA Craftsman - Level I
This was a great learning experience for me, being very new to the industry. I can't wait for the remaining levels of training!
CPAA Craftsman - Level I
As a ten year polishing contractor, I am very excited to have an organization/team dedicated to creating a polishing standard.
CPAA Tradesman
Fantastic! Clarified lots of questions I had. A great starting point presenting the basics of concrete polishing and helps identify variables that occur during the process.
