Arlington, VA - The HEARTH Education Foundation (HEARTH), based in Arlington, Virginia, offers a certification program designed for those selling and installing gas, wood burning, and pellet products. This program accurately reflects best industry practice and improves the quality and accuracy of certification exams and manuals. The program was recently endorsed by the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association as "the appropriate method to judge the qualifications of individuals who install hearth products."

The program, named "National Fireplace Institute" (NFI) increases recognition of the certifications by consumers and building officials. HEARTH Education Foundation is the education agency overseeing NFI and producing industry reference manuals and training programs. NFI follows national standards and guidelines as a certifying agency.

There are three major reasons for this program's existence. First, some jurisdictions across the United States are considering requirements for licensing installers. Second, the public expects their hearth products be installed by a certified professional. Third, a job-analysis survey of hearth professionals clearly demonstrated the need for industry training to more closely match challenges in the field. NFI's certification exams address the concerns in all three instances by testing the knowledge required in real-world practice.

Occasional re-evaluation and upgrading of technical training material and certification testing are necessary in industries that demand that knowledge and skills be kept current. It reflects a prudent concern for proficiency and public safety. The exams are rigorously reviewed by industry experts for technical accuracy and by educational consultants for clarity of language and format.

There are three NFI certifications, each valid for three years: NFI Certified Gas Specialist, NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist, and NFI Certified Pellet Specialist. Gas includes all gas hearth appliances and venting systems. Woodburning includes both factory-built fireplaces and the various configurations of woodstoves. Pellet includes all pellet stoves and fireplace systems. Many of the concepts included in the former HEARTH Venting Design certification have been absorbed into these three NFI certifications.

NFI Certified Specialists will have studied up-to-date industry practices and passed a rigorous certification exam to be more prepared to plan and install hearth products. The NFI Certified Specialist designation will be aggressively marketed to code and building officials as well as to related fields such as building contractors, fire and safety officials, and, ultimately, to the consumer who prefers to hire trained personnel.

Knowledgeable industry members support NFI. "All our people who work directly with customers must get certified," says Dan Quick of DESA in Kentucky. "Our people meeting NFI standards will give us a competitive advantage."

Larry Grogan of Jordan Windows & Doors in Arizona told those at his affiliate annual meeting, "I want all my installers to be NFI certified as soon as the program is available."

In a marketplace where customers are attracted to those who distinguish themselves from the competition, NFI certification demonstrates a concern for safety, professionalism, and competence. For more information or a brochure, go to www.nficertified.org or call (703) 524-8030.