Top 10 Cleaner Certifications

Certifications for a cleaner are important in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to handle the job. Certifications show that a cleaner is competent and reliable, and can provide quality services. They also help create credibility for cleaners in the eyes of employers and clients. Having certifications makes a cleaner more desirable as an employee since it indicates that they have taken initiative to improve their skillset and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Furthermore, some jobs may require certain certifications in order to be considered for employment, making them essential for success in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Cleaners and explains how they can help to advance a cleaner's career.

What are Cleaner Certifications?

Cleaner certification is a process that certifies an individual or organization as having attained a certain level of competence in the management and operation of environmental protection activities. It is intended to ensure that all those involved in environmental protection comply with the legal requirements, regulations, and standards set out by the governing bodies. Cleaner certification can help organizations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection through improved operational practices, increased awareness of environmental issues, and greater transparency in operations. It also helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce costs associated with compliance, and improve overall performance. Additionally, cleaner certification can provide organizations with a competitive advantage as it demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. Lastly, it helps create a culture of continuous improvement within an organization as employees are encouraged to identify opportunities for improvement and develop strategies for implementation.

Pro Tip: When looking for a cleaner certification, always make sure to check that the program is accredited by an authoritative body such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This will ensure that your chosen certification meets the highest standards and is recognized by industry professionals.

Related: What does a Cleaner do?

Top 10 Cleaner Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Cleaners today.

1. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Certification

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Certification is a certification that is required for those who work in healthcare and other industries where they are exposed to blood or other bodily fluids. It is a certification that is designed to protect workers from the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and other infectious diseases.

The certification process typically takes one day to complete and consists of an online course, in-person training, and a written exam. The online course covers topics such as infection control, safe handling practices, medical waste management, and more. The in-person training provides hands-on instruction on how to properly handle blood or body fluids in order to minimize the risk of exposure. Finally, the written exam tests knowledge of the topics covered in the online course and in-person training.

In order to get OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Certification, you must first complete an approved program offered by a qualified instructor or provider. These programs can be found through local community colleges or vocational schools as well as through private organizations such as OSHA Training Institute Education Centers (OTIECs). The cost of these programs varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $50-$200 USD.

2. Green Seal Certification

Green Seal Certification is a third-party certification program that verifies that products and services meet the highest standards of environmental performance. The Green Seal Standard for Environmental Performance, GS-11, sets stringent requirements for energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and other environmental criteria. Green Seal Certification is recognized around the world as a symbol of environmental responsibility.

The process of getting Green Seal Certification can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on the complexity of the product or service being certified. To get certified, companies must submit an application and provide evidence that their product or service meets all relevant criteria in the Green Seal Standard. Companies must also pay an application fee and an annual certification fee to maintain their certification status.

The cost of getting Green Seal Certified depends on the type of product or service being certified and how many products are included in the certification scope. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000 - $20,000 to get certified.

3. LEED Green Associate Certification

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate Certification is a professional certification that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated knowledge of the principles of green building and sustainability. It is offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED Green Associate credential indicates a basic level of knowledge in green building practices, as well as an understanding of the LEED rating system and its application to projects.

The LEED Green Associate exam typically takes about two hours to complete and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sustainable design, green building materials, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and other related topics. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the green building industry or hold a bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management or another related field.

To get LEED Green Associate certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 170 out of 200 points. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their LEED Green Associate certificate from USGBC within four to six weeks.

The cost for taking the LEED Green Associate Exam is $200 USD for USGBC members or $250 USD for non-members.

4. IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician Certification

The IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to properly clean carpets. The certification is awarded by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

To get certified, you must complete an IICRC-approved course in carpet cleaning. The program typically takes around 8 hours to complete, depending on the provider. After completing the course, you will be required to take an exam that covers topics such as carpet fibers, soil types, cleaning methods, stain removal techniques and more.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $150-$400. In addition to taking the course and passing the exam, you must also have at least one year of experience in carpet cleaning or a related field before becoming eligible for certification. Once certified, you will receive an official certificate from IICRC that is valid for five years.

5. ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Certification

The ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Certification is an international certification program that recognizes excellence in the cleaning industry. It is designed to help organizations improve their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better service to their customers. The CIMS certification process evaluates a company’s performance against five core areas: Quality Systems, Service Delivery, Human Resources, Health & Safety, and Management Commitment.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the CIMS certification process depending on the size and complexity of the organization. The process includes a comprehensive assessment of the organization’s policies and procedures as well as its performance in each of the five core areas. Organizations must also demonstrate compliance with applicable industry standards and regulations.

To get CIMS certified, organizations must first submit an application for consideration. Once approved, they will be assigned a CIMS assessor who will conduct an onsite audit of their operations. After completion of the audit, a report will be issued outlining any deficiencies or areas for improvement that need to be addressed before certification can be granted.

The cost for obtaining CIMS certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the organization being assessed. Generally speaking, it can range from $5,000 - $15,000 USD for small organizations up to $50,000 - $100,000 USD for larger enterprises.

6. EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm Certification

EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm Certification is a certification program offered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that requires firms performing renovation, repair, and painting activities on pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities to be certified. This certification ensures that these firms are properly trained and equipped to safely conduct lead-based paint activities.

To get EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm Certification, firms must first complete an 8-hour training course approved by the EPA. This training covers topics such as work practices for minimizing lead exposure, personal protective equipment, waste management, and recordkeeping. After completing the training course, firms must submit an application to the EPA in order to receive their certification.

The cost of EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm Certification varies depending on the size of the firm and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500 per year for small firms up to $2,000-$3,000 per year for larger firms. The certification is valid for five years after which time it must be renewed.

7. CIMS-GB (Green Building) Certification

CIMS-GB (Green Building) Certification is a certification program developed by the Green Building Initiative (GBI). It is designed to recognize and reward buildings that have achieved excellence in green building design, construction, and operations. The certification process includes an assessment of the building’s energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, materials selection, and other green features.

The CIMS-GB certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application to GBI for review. Once approved, they will need to provide evidence of their green building practices and performance data to demonstrate compliance with GBI’s standards. Upon successful completion of the assessment process, GBI will issue a certificate of achievement.

The cost of CIMS-GB certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$10,000 or more per project.

8. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit certification body that sets standards for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation of carpet, upholstery, hard surface flooring and other related materials. The IICRC provides education and certification to professionals in the field of cleaning and restoration.

In order to become certified by the IICRC, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the industry standards and best practices. The exam is typically taken online or at a local testing center. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

To get certified by the IICRC, individuals must first complete an approved training program from an accredited school or organization. Once they have completed their training program, they can then register for the IICRC certification exam. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their certification from the IICRC.

The cost of getting certified by the IICRC varies depending on where you take your training program and how long it takes you to finish it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 to get certified by the IICRC.

9. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Training

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Training is a comprehensive safety training program designed to protect workers who are exposed to hazardous materials. The training covers topics such as identifying hazardous materials, proper handling techniques, emergency response procedures, and safety precautions. It is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for any worker who may be exposed to hazardous materials during their job duties.

The length of the HAZWOPER training depends on the type of work being done and the level of risk associated with it. For example, an 8-hour HAZWOPER course is typically required for workers who will be involved in clean-up operations at hazardous waste sites. A 24-hour course is usually required for those working in laboratories or other areas where hazardous materials are used or stored.

There are several ways to get HAZWOPER Training. Many employers offer on-site training programs that can be tailored to meet specific needs. Additionally, there are a number of online courses available from accredited providers that can provide certification upon completion.

The cost of HAZWOPER Training varies depending on the provider and type of course taken. Generally speaking, an 8-hour course will cost between $50-$100 while a 24-hour course can range from $200-$500.

10. National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) Ventilation System Mold Remediation Technician

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) Ventilation System Mold Remediation Technician certification is a program designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly assess, remediate, and restore ventilation systems affected by mold. The certification requires the technician to demonstrate knowledge of proper safety protocols, equipment usage, and industry standards for mold remediation.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the certification process. To get started, applicants must first register online with NADCA and pay the $150 registration fee. Upon completion of registration, applicants will be sent an exam packet that includes study materials and instructions on how to take the exam. Once the applicant has completed their studies and is ready to take their exam, they must schedule an appointment with a NADCA-approved proctor in order to take the exam.

The cost of taking the NADCA Ventilation System Mold Remediation Technician Certification Exam is $350 USD. This fee covers both the cost of taking the exam as well as any necessary retakes if needed. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certification from NADCA which will allow them to work as a certified professional in this field.

Do You Really Need a Cleaner Certificate?

When it comes to getting hired as a cleaner, there is no doubt that having a Cleaner Certificate can help you stand out from the competition. A Cleaner Certificate is an official document that proves you have the skills and knowledge necessary for working as a cleaner. It also demonstrates your commitment to the profession and shows potential employers that you are serious about your career.

However, whether or not you need a Cleaner Certificate to be hired will depend on the specific job requirements and expectations of the employer. Some employers may require cleaners to have a certificate, while others may not require any formal qualifications at all. If your prospective employer does not specifically ask for one, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain one in order to get hired.

In some cases, however, having a Cleaner Certificate can be beneficial because it shows that you have received professional training in cleaning techniques and practices. This can give employers confidence in your ability to carry out their instructions and complete tasks effectively and efficiently. Having this certificate may also give employers peace of mind that they are hiring someone who has been adequately trained in safety protocols and health regulations related to cleaning, which could potentially save them money if an accident were to occur on their premises due to lack of proper training.

In conclusion, while having a Cleaner Certificate may be beneficial when applying for certain positions, it is important to consider each job opportunity carefully before deciding if obtaining one is necessary or not.

Related: Cleaner Resume Examples

FAQs About Cleaner Certifications

1. What is a Cleaner Certification?

A Cleaner Certification is a certification awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively clean and maintain residential or commercial properties. The certification typically involves completing a course, passing an exam, and/or obtaining on-the-job experience.

2. What are the benefits of getting a Cleaner Certification?

Having a Cleaner Certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the cleaning industry. It can also increase your earning potential and give you access to higher-paying roles, such as supervisors or team leaders. Additionally, it demonstrates that you are committed to high standards of safety and professionalism.

3. How do I get my Cleaner Certification?

The process for obtaining a Cleaner Certification varies depending on the certifying organization. Generally, it involves enrolling in a course and passing an exam or obtaining on-the-job experience in order to demonstrate your knowledge and skill level.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the certifying organization and the type of certification being pursued. Generally, courses can be completed in one day or over several weeks depending on the complexity of the topics covered. Exams may take several hours to complete, while gaining experience through hands-on training could take several months or more.

5. Are there any requirements for maintaining my Cleaner Certification?

Yes - many certifying organizations require you to renew your certification every few years by completing additional courses or exams or by logging additional hours of work experience in order to remain certified.