Top 10 Custodial Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a custodial supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate has knowledge and expertise in their field. Certifications also show that the individual is committed to ongoing professional development and has taken the time to earn credentials that make them more attractive as a job candidate. Certifications can help a custodial supervisor stand out from other candidates and prove that they have the necessary qualifications for the position. Furthermore, certifications provide employers with assurance that the individual is knowledgeable about industry standards and regulations, which can be critical to success on the job.

This article reviews the top certifications for Custodial Supervisors and explains how they can contribute to a custodial supervisor's career development.

What are Custodial Supervisor Certifications?

Custodial supervisor certification is a program designed to provide supervisors with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully manage custodial staff. The certification program covers topics such as personnel management, financial management, safety and health regulations, customer service, cleaning methods and materials, and other related topics.

Having a custodial supervisor certification can help in several ways. It demonstrates an individual's commitment to professional development and their ability to lead others. It also gives supervisors the confidence that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage their team. In addition, it increases accountability for supervisors by providing them with industry-specific standards of performance. Finally, it helps ensure that custodial staff are properly trained and equipped with the right tools in order to get their job done safely and efficiently.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for custodial supervisor certification in your area before beginning the process. This will help ensure that you have all of the necessary paperwork and credentials to be approved for certification.

Related: What does a Custodial Supervisor do?

Top 10 Custodial Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Custodial Supervisor (CCS)

Certified Custodial Supervisor (CCS) is a certification program offered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). It is designed to provide custodial supervisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their staff and operations. The certification is based on ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS), which outlines best practices for cleaning industry professionals.

The CCS certification program consists of three courses: Introduction to CIMS, CIMS Overview and CIMS Implementation. Each course must be completed in order to earn the certification. The courses can be taken online or in-person at an ISSA-approved training center.

The cost of the CCS certification program varies depending on how you choose to take the courses. Online courses typically cost around $500, while in-person courses may cost more than $1,000.

It usually takes about 6 months to complete the certification program, but this depends on your learning style and availability.

2. Certified Building Service Professional (CBSE)

The Certified Building Service Professional (CBSE) is a professional certification program offered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the building service industry. The CBSE certification provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the management of building service operations.

To become certified, applicants must pass the CBSE exam. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety and security, customer service, facility maintenance and operations, cleaning procedures, and more. The exam is administered online and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CBSE exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the building services industry or have completed a minimum of 30 hours of approved continuing education courses related to building services within the past five years. Applicants must also submit a copy of their resume or CV along with their application.

The cost for taking the CBSE exam is $200 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will receive a certificate indicating that they are now a Certified Building Service Professional (CBSE).

3. Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST)

Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST) is a certification program offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). The CEST certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the environmental services field. This includes areas such as hazardous materials management, hazardous waste disposal, and environmental compliance.

The CEST certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience in the environmental services field, or equivalent education and training. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as safety regulations, hazardous materials management, hazardous waste disposal, and environmental compliance.

The CEST certification process typically takes four to six weeks to complete. To obtain the CEST certification, applicants must first register for the exam through NEHA's website. Once registered, they must then purchase study materials from NEHA's website or other sources. After studying for the exam, applicants must then take and pass the exam at an approved testing center.

The cost of obtaining a CEST certification varies depending on where you live and how you choose to study for the exam. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$500 for registration fees plus any additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or taking practice tests.

4. Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS)

CIMS is an industry-wide standard that provides a comprehensive framework for cleaning companies to manage their operations. It was developed by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) and is recognized as the benchmark of excellence in the cleaning industry.

The CIMS certification process includes a rigorous audit of a company’s policies, procedures, and systems related to quality control, safety, customer service, training and development, environmental stewardship, and financial management. Companies must demonstrate that they meet or exceed all of the requirements set forth in the CIMS Standard in order to be certified.

It typically takes several months for a company to complete the CIMS certification process. The first step is for the company to become familiar with the standard and develop an implementation plan. This includes creating policies and procedures that are compliant with CIMS requirements and ensuring that staff members are adequately trained on these policies and procedures. The next step is for an independent auditor to visit the facility and assess whether or not it meets all of the criteria outlined in CIMS. If all criteria are met, then a certificate of compliance will be issued.

The cost of obtaining CIMS certification varies depending on several factors such as size of business, number of employees, scope of services offered, etc. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,500-$15,000 USD per year depending on these factors.

Overall, obtaining CIMS certification is beneficial for any cleaning business because it demonstrates their commitment to providing high-quality services while adhering to industry standards.

5. International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) Cleaning Industry Training Standard (CITS)

The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) Cleaning Industry Training Standard (CITS) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive, industry-specific training and education standard for cleaning professionals. The program is designed to ensure that individuals who work in the professional cleaning industry have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job safely, effectively, and efficiently.

The CITS program consists of four core modules: Cleaning Science & Technology, Cleaning Equipment & Tools, Cleaning Processes & Procedures, and Professionalism & Ethics. Each module consists of interactive learning activities such as quizzes, videos, case studies, and other resources. Upon completion of all four modules, participants will receive a certificate from ISSA recognizing their achievement in the CITS program.

The CITS program can be completed online or in-person at an approved ISSA training facility. Online courses typically take between 8-10 hours to complete while in-person courses may take up to 16 hours depending on the specific course content and instructor availability.

The cost of completing the CITS program varies depending on whether you choose to complete it online or in-person. Online courses typically cost between $150-$200 USD while in-person courses may range from $200-$400 USD depending on location and instructor availability.

6. Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit organization that sets standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. The IICRC develops and maintains standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration of carpets, upholstery, hard surfaces, draperies, air ducts, and other related materials. It also provides certification programs to ensure quality service by technicians in these industries.

To become certified through IICRC one must complete an approved course or courses related to the field they wish to be certified in. The length of time it takes to complete a course varies depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, most courses can be completed within two weeks or less.

Once a course has been completed successfully, the individual must then take an exam administered by IICRC. This exam tests knowledge gained during the course and evaluates whether or not the individual is ready to become certified in their chosen field. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on which certification is being sought but typically ranges from $50-$200 USD.

After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, individuals will receive their official IICRC certification card which serves as proof that they have met all requirements necessary to become certified through IICRC.

7. National Association for Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (NAHCP)

The National Association for Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (NAHCP) is a professional membership organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of healthcare cleaning and infection prevention. It was established in 1997 to serve as a resource for healthcare professionals, facility managers, and other individuals involved in the cleaning and maintenance of healthcare facilities.

Membership in NAHCP is open to individuals who are employed by or contracted with a healthcare facility, as well as those who provide services related to healthcare cleaning and infection prevention. Membership is also available to vendors who supply products and services related to this field.

To become a member of NAHCP, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with payment of the annual membership fee. The fee varies depending on the type of membership chosen, but typically ranges from $50-$100 per year.

Once an application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the NAHCP Board of Directors within 7-10 business days. If approved, members will receive access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on educational materials, access to industry publications and webinars, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, and more.

8. Green Seal Certified Custodial Supervisor

Green Seal Certified Custodial Supervisor is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of custodial supervisors. It is administered by Green Seal, a non-profit organization that promotes environmental stewardship through its certification programs. The certification is intended to demonstrate a supervisor’s commitment to using sustainable practices in their work.

The Green Seal Certified Custodial Supervisor program requires applicants to complete an online course and pass an exam. The course covers topics such as green cleaning principles, sustainability, safety, and management strategies. The exam consists of multiple choice questions related to the course material. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience as a custodial supervisor or equivalent position.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on the applicant's location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 USD for the online course and exam fee combined.

Once certified, custodial supervisors are required to renew their credentials every three years by completing additional training courses or taking part in continuing education activities related to green cleaning principles and sustainability practices.

9. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Outreach Course

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Outreach Course is a voluntary program that provides employers and workers with information about recognizing and preventing common safety and health hazards in the workplace. The course covers a variety of topics, including hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention; personal protective equipment; fire safety; materials handling; machine guarding; occupational health; and more.

The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete. It is offered as an online or classroom-based course. Online courses are self-paced and can be completed at any time. Classroom courses are typically held over two days, with each day lasting five hours.

The cost of the course varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, online courses range from $50 to $100, while classroom courses range from $100 to $200 per person.

In order to receive an OSHA 10-hour card upon completion of the course, you must register for the class through an authorized OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC). OTIECs are located throughout the United States and offer both online and classroom-based training options.

10. LEED Accredited Professional

LEED Accredited Professional (AP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of green building. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it is an internationally recognized certification system for buildings that are designed to be energy-efficient, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible.

To become a LEED AP, you must complete a course of study from an approved provider. The length of the course varies depending on the provider, but typically takes between 20 and 40 hours to complete. After completing the coursework, you will need to pass a two-hour exam administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on which provider you choose. Generally speaking, courses range from $500-$2,000 USD. There is also an additional fee for taking the GBCI exam ($200 USD).

Once you have completed all of these requirements and passed the exam, you will receive your LEED AP credential. This credential is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits as well as paying another fee ($50 USD).

Do You Really Need a Custodial Supervisor Certificate?

Yes, a custodial supervisor certificate is an important credential that can help you advance your career. It provides employers with proof that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to oversee the daily operations of a custodial department. With this certification, you can demonstrate your understanding of safety protocols, cleaning techniques, and operational procedures. You will also gain a better understanding of how to manage personnel and resources in order to keep buildings clean and safe for occupants.

Having a custodial supervisor certificate gives you an edge over other candidates who may not have the same credentials. Employers want proof that they are hiring someone who is qualified and experienced in this field, and having a certificate helps provide that assurance. Furthermore, it shows employers that you take your job seriously and are committed to providing quality service.

In addition to demonstrating your commitment to excellence in the workplace, a custodial supervisor certificate can open up new opportunities for advancement within the company or industry. Many positions require supervisors to have additional qualifications beyond their training. Having this certification shows employers that you have taken the initiative to acquire these skills and puts you at an advantage when seeking promotions or higher-level positions within their organization.

Overall, having a custodial supervisor certificate is beneficial for both employees and employers alike. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence in the workplace as well as provides proof of your qualifications for higher-level positions within the industry. This makes it an important credential for anyone looking to advance their career in this field.

Related: Custodial Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Custodial Supervisor Certifications

1. What is a Custodial Supervisor Certification?

Answer: A Custodial Supervisor Certification is a certification program designed to prepare individuals for entry-level supervisory roles in the custodial industry. The program covers topics such as safety and sanitation, customer service, personnel management, and financial management.

2. How long does it take to get a Custodial Supervisor Certification?

Answer: The length of time required to complete the certification program depends on the individual's prior knowledge and experience, but typically takes between one and two years to complete.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Custodial Supervisor?

Answer: Benefits of becoming certified include increased job opportunities, higher wages, and greater job security. Additionally, certification may improve an individual’s credibility with employers and customers when seeking new positions or contracts.

4. Is there an exam required for Custodial Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Yes, there is an exam required for certification which tests an individual's knowledge of custodial operations and basic managerial concepts. This exam must be taken and passed in order to become certified.

5. Do I need any previous experience or training before taking the exam?

Answer: Previous experience or training is not necessary in order to take the exam; however, having prior knowledge of custodial operations may help individuals better understand the material being tested on the exam and increase their chances of passing it successfully.