Top 10 Cleaning Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a cleaning technician in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and skills that potential employers value. They show potential employers that the technician has been trained in the particular methods and standards of their industry, which can make them more attractive to employers. Certifications also provide a sense of credibility to employers and clients, as they demonstrate that the technician is qualified to do the job they’re applying for. Furthermore, certifications can help technicians stand out from other applicants and give them an edge over those without such credentials. Finally, certifications can open up more job opportunities, as some employers may require certification for certain positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Cleaning Technicians and explains how they can help to advance a cleaning technician's career.

What are Cleaning Technician Certifications?

Cleaning technician certification is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary to perform cleaning services effectively and efficiently. This certification is typically granted by a certifying body, such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

The IICRC offers specialized training courses for those seeking to become certified cleaning technicians. These courses provide an in-depth understanding of industry standards, protocols, and techniques for properly cleaning different types of surfaces. Upon completion of the courses and passing a comprehensive exam, individuals are awarded the Certified Cleaning Technician (CCT) designation.

Having this certification can help demonstrate a commitment to excellence in professional cleaning services. It shows employers and clients that you are knowledgeable about proper practices for cleaning different materials and surfaces. Furthermore, it can help you stand out from other job candidates or service providers when seeking employment or contracts. Additionally, having this certification may make you eligible for discounts on supplies or insurance coverage. Finally, it can also provide access to exclusive networking opportunities with other certified professionals in the field.

Pro Tip: When searching for a cleaning technician certification, make sure to look for courses that are accredited and taught by industry-recognized experts. This will ensure that you receive the highest quality education possible and increase your chances of success in the field.

Related: What does a Cleaning Technician do?

Top 10 Cleaning Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Cleaning Technician (CCT)

Certified Cleaning Technician (CCT) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved professional excellence in the cleaning industry. The CCT program is administered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA).

The CCT program requires completion of an online course and passing a written exam. The online course covers topics such as cleaning procedures, safety protocols, and chemical usage. It typically takes about six hours to complete the course and pass the exam.

To get certified, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. You will also need to pay a fee of $150 for the online course and $50 for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate and be eligible to use the CCT designation after your name on resumes, business cards, etc. This certification can help demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence in the cleaning industry and may open up new career opportunities.

2. Professional Cleaning Technician (PCT)

A Professional Cleaning Technician (PCT) is a specialized individual who has been trained to clean and maintain commercial, industrial, and residential properties. They have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively clean any environment.

The length of time it takes to become a PCT varies depending on the program you choose. Generally, most programs require between 40-100 hours of coursework and hands-on training.

To get certified as a PCT, you must attend an accredited training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. After completing the program, you will need to pass an exam in order to be certified.

The cost of becoming a PCT varies depending on the program you choose. Generally, most programs range from $500-$1,500 for tuition and materials.

3. Certified Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCCT)

Certified Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCCT) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The CCCT program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly clean carpets.

The CCCT program consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on workshop. The online course covers topics such as carpet fiber identification, cleaning methods, spotting techniques, equipment operation and maintenance, safety procedures, and customer service. After completing the online course, participants must attend a hands-on workshop that includes demonstrations of various carpet cleaning techniques.

To become certified as a CCCT, individuals must pass both the online course and the hands-on workshop with a score of 80% or higher. The cost for the entire certification process is $400 USD. It typically takes about six weeks to complete all requirements for certification.

4. Certified Sanitation Technician (CST)

Certified Sanitation Technician (CST) is a certification program designed to provide food safety professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to properly manage sanitation programs in food production and processing facilities. The program is offered by the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP).

The CST program consists of two components: an online course and a proctored exam. The online course covers topics such as food safety regulations, sanitation principles, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, pest control, and other relevant topics. The proctored exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in the online course.

It typically takes 8-12 hours to complete the online course, depending on your learning style and how quickly you can absorb the material. After completing the course, you must pass a proctored exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the CST program varies depending on whether you are an IAFP member or non-member. For IAFP members, it costs $150 for both the online course and proctored exam; for non-members it costs $200 for both components.

5. Certified Floor Care Technician (CFCT)

Certified Floor Care Technician (CFCT) is a certification program offered by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to properly care for hard-surface floors. The CFCT certification covers topics such as floor cleaning, maintenance, repair, and restoration.

The CFCT certification is a two-day course that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. The course covers topics such as proper cleaning techniques, floor care products, safety procedures, and more. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam to become certified.

The cost of the CFCT certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it will cost around $500-$700 for tuition and materials.

To get certified as a Certified Floor Care Technician (CFCT), you must first find an IICRC approved instructor in your area who offers the class. Once you have found an instructor, you can register for the class online or by phone. After completing the two-day course and passing the exam, you will receive your official CFCT certificate from IICRC.

6. Certified Environmental Cleaning Technician (CECT)

Certified Environmental Cleaning Technician (CECT) is a certification program offered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively clean and disinfect surfaces in commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational, and other settings. The CECT certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam.

The online course covers topics such as infection control principles, cleaning methods, chemical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazardous materials management, and more. The course takes approximately 8 hours to complete.

To become certified as a Certified Environmental Cleaning Technician (CECT), individuals must pass the CECT certification exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. Individuals must achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.

The cost for the CECT certification program is $299 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at the certification exam.

7. Certified Building Maintenance Technician (CBMT)

Certified Building Maintenance Technician (CBMT) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of building maintenance. It is offered by the Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA).

The CBMT program consists of three levels: Certified Building Maintenance Technician (CBMT-1), Certified Building Maintenance Supervisor (CBMT-2), and Certified Building Maintenance Manager (CBMT-3). To obtain the certification, applicants must complete a series of courses and exams.

The CBMT program typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on the level of certification sought. The courses cover topics such as preventive maintenance, energy management, building systems, safety, customer service, and communication.

To get certified, applicants must first register for the program through BOMA’s website. After registration is complete, applicants can begin taking courses online or in person. Once all courses are completed, applicants must pass an exam to receive their certification.

The cost of the CBMT program varies depending on the level of certification sought. The cost ranges from $595-$895 USD for each level of certification.

8. Certified Window Washing Technician (CWCT)

Certified Window Washing Technician (CWCT) is a certification program offered by the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA). It is designed to provide window cleaning technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively clean windows in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The CWCT program consists of three levels of certification: Level 1, Level 2, and Master Technician.

Level 1 Certification requires the completion of an online course that covers topics such as safety, tools and equipment, window cleaning techniques, customer service, business operations, and more. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates must pass an exam administered by IWCA to receive their Level 1 Certification.

Level 2 Certification requires the completion of an advanced online course that covers topics such as water fed pole systems, high-rise window washing techniques, scaffolding setup and use for window washing purposes, pressure washing techniques for windows and frames, among other topics. This course takes approximately 20 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course and exam administered by IWCA, candidates will receive their Level 2 Certification.

Master Technician Certification requires the completion of a comprehensive online course that covers topics such as advanced water fed pole systems setup and use for window washing purposes; high-rise window washing techniques; scaffolding setup and use; pressure washing techniques; rope access systems; safety protocols; customer service; business operations; marketing strategies; project management; legal issues related to window cleaning services; insurance requirements for window cleaners; among other topics. This course takes approximately 40 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the course and exam administered by IWCA, candidates will receive their Master Technician Certification.

The cost for each level of certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of IWCA but generally ranges from $125 - $200 per level.

9. Certified Pressure Washing Technician (CPWT)

Certified Pressure Washing Technician (CPWT) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively operate pressure washing equipment. The CPWT program was created by the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) in order to ensure that all pressure washing technicians are properly trained and knowledgeable about their profession.

The CPWT certification is valid for three years and requires completion of a comprehensive training course, an exam, and an on-site inspection. The training course covers topics such as safety, equipment operation, cleaning techniques, environmental regulations, and customer service. Upon successful completion of the course, participants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification. After passing the exam, they must complete an on-site inspection by a PWNA certified inspector in order to be fully certified.

The cost of the CPWT certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. It usually takes around two weeks to complete the entire process from start to finish.

10. Certified Restroom Care and Sanitation Technician (CRST).

Certified Restroom Care and Sanitation Technician (CRST) is a certification program that provides comprehensive training in the proper care and sanitation of restrooms. The program is designed to ensure that certified technicians have the knowledge and skills to properly clean, sanitize, and maintain restrooms.

The CRST certification program consists of an online course followed by a hands-on practical assessment. The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and covers topics such as restroom cleaning techniques, chemical safety, infection control, and customer service. The practical assessment is conducted at a local facility and requires the participant to demonstrate their knowledge of the topics covered in the online course.

To become certified as a CRST technician, participants must successfully complete both components of the program. Upon successful completion of both components, participants will receive a certificate from the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA).

The cost for the CRST certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $150-$200 USD.

Do You Really Need a Cleaning Technician Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a cleaning technician certificate to become a successful cleaning technician. However, having such a certification can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate that you are serious about your career.

A certificate in cleaning technology will show potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed for the job. It also shows that you are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, techniques, and trends in the industry. Having this kind of certification can give you an edge over other applicants who may not have taken the time to invest in their professional development.

In addition to demonstrating your commitment to the profession, obtaining a certificate can open doors for further education and job opportunities. Many employers look more favorably upon those who have taken it upon themselves to pursue additional training or certifications that demonstrate their dedication and desire to stay ahead of the curve. This type of certification can also be used as leverage when negotiating salary or other benefits with prospective employers.

Overall, while having a cleaning technician certificate isn’t necessary for success in this field, it can certainly help you stand out from other applicants and give you an advantage when it comes to finding employment or advancing your career. Investing in yourself through continuing education is always an excellent way to increase your value as an employee and ensure long-term success in any profession.

Related: Cleaning Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Cleaning Technician Certifications

1. What is a Cleaning Technician Certification?

Answer: A Cleaning Technician Certification is a program that provides training and certification in the areas of cleaning, sanitation and safety. It is designed to give professionals the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job effectively, efficiently and safely.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Cleaning Technician?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified depends on the type of certification you are seeking and the amount of experience you have in the industry. Generally, certifications can be obtained within 1-2 months if you are able to dedicate yourself full-time, or up to 6 months if you are studying part-time.

3. Where can I find accredited Cleaning Technician Certifications?

Answer: Accredited Cleaning Technician Certifications can be found through professional organizations such as ISSA (The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association) or CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard). These organizations provide courses that allow students to learn from experienced professionals and gain recognition from an established organization in the industry.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Cleaning Technician Certification course?

Answer: While there are no specific prerequisites for taking a Cleaning Technician Certification course, having some prior knowledge in basic cleaning concepts will help you succeed in the program. Additionally, having knowledge of safety regulations, customer service practices and chemical handling procedures will also be beneficial during your studies.

5. What types of jobs can I apply for with a Cleaning Technician Certification?

Answer: Upon completion of a Cleaning Technician Certification course, graduates may find employment in various industries including hospitality, healthcare, retail and more. Job opportunities include janitorial positions, housekeeping staff positions or even supervisor roles depending on your level of experience and qualifications gained through certification programs.