Top 10 House Cleaner Certifications

Certifications for a house cleaner in the job market are important because they demonstrate a level of expertise and training. They can help employers to verify that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties, as well as helping them to identify potential risks associated with certain cleaning tasks. Certifications also show that an individual is committed to the task at hand and is willing to stay up-to-date with industry standards and best practices. Having certifications can often make a candidate more attractive in the job market, as employers may view them as more reliable and trustworthy than someone without certifications.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for House Cleaners and explain how they can help advance a house cleaner's career.

What are House Cleaner Certifications?

House cleaner certification is a program that provides training and education to individuals looking to enter the house cleaning industry. It is designed to help them gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience needed to become a successful and professional house cleaner. Certification can also help potential employers identify qualified candidates for their house cleaning needs.

The certification process typically involves completing an online course or attending in-person seminars on topics such as cleaning techniques, safety protocols, customer service etiquette, and more. The courses are designed to provide students with the tools they need to become efficient and effective cleaners. In addition, many of these programs offer additional certifications or endorsements in specialized areas such as green cleaning or pet care.

By becoming certified, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to providing quality services and increase their chances of being hired by reputable companies. Certification also serves as validation of their skills and dedication to the profession, which can potentially lead to higher wages or better job opportunities. Furthermore, having a certification can provide peace of mind for clients who may be uncertain about hiring an unqualified individual for their home cleaning needs.

Pro Tip: If you're looking to become a certified house cleaner, be sure to research the different certifications available in your area. Each certification may have different requirements and may require additional training or experience. Additionally, make sure to check that any certifications you pursue are accepted by the local governing bodies in your area.

Related: What does a House Cleaner do?

Top 10 House Cleaner Certifications

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

1. National Association of Professional House Cleaners (NAPHC) Certification

The National Association of Professional House Cleaners (NAPHC) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes and validates the experience and knowledge of house cleaners. It is designed to ensure that all certified house cleaners are knowledgeable, experienced, and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria such as having at least two years of professional cleaning experience, passing a written exam, and completing an in-person assessment. The exam covers topics such as safety practices, customer service skills, cleaning techniques, and more. Once these requirements have been met, applicants can apply for certification through the NAPHC website.

The entire process typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete. Applicants are required to pay a fee of $150 for the application process and $50 for the exam fee. Additionally, applicants may be required to pay additional fees for any additional assessments or training courses they need to take in order to become certified.

Overall, becoming certified by the National Association of Professional House Cleaners is a great way for professionals in this field to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to providing quality services.

2. International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Certification

The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that evaluates a cleaning organization's business operations and management practices. This certification is designed to ensure that the organization has the necessary processes, procedures, and systems in place to deliver consistent, quality services.

It typically takes between 6-9 months to complete the CIMS certification process. The process begins with a self-assessment of the organization’s current operations and management practices. Once this assessment is completed, an ISSA auditor will review the results and provide feedback on any areas that need improvement. The organization then has 90 days to make any necessary changes before a final audit is conducted by an ISSA auditor.

To obtain CIMS certification, organizations must demonstrate their compliance with all five components of the standard: Quality Systems (QS), Service Delivery (SD), Human Resources (HR), Health & Safety (H&S), and Green Building (GB). Organizations must also submit documentation to support their claims of compliance with each component.

The cost of obtaining CIMS certification varies depending on the size of the organization and other factors such as number of locations or employees. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$12,000 USD for a single location or $4,000-$20,000 USD for multiple locations.

3. 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 the standards for inspection, cleaning and restoration of carpets, upholstery, hard surfaces, draperies, air ducts and other related services. The IICRC also provides training and certification programs to professionals in the cleaning and restoration industry.

To become certified by the IICRC, an individual must take a course on the specific service they are interested in providing. Each course consists of classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience. Once an individual has completed the coursework, they must pass a written exam to receive their certification.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the type of service being provided. Generally speaking, most courses take between two days and one week to complete.

To get certified by the IICRC you must first register for a class offered through an approved IICRC school or instructor. Once registered you will need to attend all classes required for your chosen specialty and pass the written exam with a score of at least 75%.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of service being provided and where you are taking your classes from. Generally speaking, most courses range from $500-$1000 USD per person.

4. Green Seal Certified House Cleaner

Green Seal Certified House Cleaner is a certification program designed to recognize and reward house cleaners who use environmentally friendly cleaning practices. The certification requires that house cleaners meet specific standards for green cleaning products, procedures, and equipment.

To become Green Seal Certified, house cleaners must complete an accredited course and pass an exam. The course typically takes two to three days to complete and can be taken online or in person. It covers topics such as the fundamentals of green cleaning, best practices for using green cleaning products, and how to properly dispose of hazardous materials.

The cost of the course varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $50 to $150. After completing the course, house cleaners must take an exam administered by Green Seal in order to receive their certification. The exam fee is usually around $75.

Once certified, house cleaners can use the Green Seal logo on their website or marketing materials to demonstrate their commitment to green cleaning practices. They may also be eligible for discounts on green cleaning products and services from participating suppliers.

5. National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) Certification

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) Certification is a certification program that recognizes professionals who have met the highest standards of excellence in air duct cleaning. It is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a commitment to quality, safety, and professionalism.

To become certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive training program and pass a written exam. The NADCA Training Program consists of three courses: Basic Principles of Air System Cleaning, Advanced Principles of Air System Cleaning, and Business Practices & Ethics. The courses can be completed online or in person at approved locations. Upon successful completion of all three courses and passing the written exam, applicants receive their NADCA Certification.

The cost for the NADCA Training Program varies depending on how you choose to take the courses. Online courses cost $500 per course while in-person courses cost $750 per course. The cost for the written exam is an additional $150.

Once certified, NADCA members must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits or re-taking the written exam.

6. Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Vacuum Cleaner Certification

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Vacuum Cleaner Certification is a program designed to help consumers identify vacuum cleaners that meet the highest standards for indoor air quality. The certification program tests and certifies vacuum cleaners for their ability to remove soil, dust, allergens, and other particles from carpeting.

To receive CRI Green Label Vacuum Cleaner Certification, manufacturers must submit their products to the CRI for testing. The process typically takes between four and six weeks depending on the complexity of the product. During this time, the CRI evaluates the vacuum cleaner’s ability to remove soil, dust, allergens, and other particles from carpets using its industry-standard test protocol. If a product meets or exceeds the required performance levels, it will be awarded with the CRI Green Label Vacuum Cleaner Certification.

The cost of obtaining CRI Green Label Vacuum Cleaner Certification varies depending on the model of vacuum cleaner being tested. Generally speaking, manufacturers should expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1,000 per unit tested. This fee covers all necessary testing costs as well as any associated administrative fees.

Once a manufacturer has obtained CRI Green Label Vacuum Cleaner Certification for its products, it can use this certification to market its vacuums as being certified by an independent third party organization dedicated to promoting healthy indoor air quality in homes and businesses.

7. OSHA 10-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training Certificate

The OSHA 10-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training Certificate is a certification program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It is designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills needed to safely handle hazardous materials, including waste. The certificate is valid for five years from the date of completion.

The 10-hour training course typically takes two days to complete, depending on the provider. The course covers topics such as hazard identification, safe work practices, personal protective equipment, emergency response plans, and environmental regulations.

To get the certificate, you must attend an approved training program and pass an exam at the end of the course. Training programs are offered by many organizations across the country, including universities, community colleges, trade schools, and private companies. Prices vary depending on the provider; however, most programs cost between $100-$200 per person.

8. American Lung Association Healthy Home Evaluator Training Certificate

The American Lung Association Healthy Home Evaluator Training Certificate is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess indoor air quality in residential homes. The program focuses on identifying potential sources of indoor air pollution, evaluating the home’s ventilation system, and providing recommendations for improving indoor air quality.

The training program consists of two components: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and covers topics such as ventilation systems, pollutant sources, health effects, and remediation strategies. The in-person workshop is a hands-on training session that provides participants with the opportunity to practice their skills in a simulated home environment.

To obtain the certificate, individuals must successfully complete both the online course and the in-person workshop. Upon completion of both components, participants will receive a certificate from the American Lung Association's Healthy Home Evaluator Program.

The cost of obtaining the certificate varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

9. Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) Certified Residential Housekeeper

The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) Certified Residential Housekeeper is a certification program that provides training and education for residential housekeepers. This certification is designed to help housekeepers understand the importance of indoor air quality and how to maintain it in a safe, healthy environment.

To get the IAQA Certified Residential Housekeeper designation, individuals must complete an online course and pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. The course covers topics such as indoor air pollutants, ventilation systems, cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and more. The cost of the course is $299 USD.

The course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace. Upon successful completion of the course and passing the exam, you will receive your IAQA Certified Residential Housekeeper certificate. This certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue.

10. American Red Cross Bloodborne Pathogen Training Certificate

The American Red Cross Bloodborne Pathogen Training Certificate is a certificate that is issued to individuals who have completed a training program designed to teach them about the risks and dangers of bloodborne pathogens. This training is intended to help protect healthcare workers and other individuals from exposure to potentially infectious materials. The course covers topics such as how to identify and prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens, how to properly use personal protective equipment, how to clean up spills, and more.

The American Red Cross Bloodborne Pathogen Training Certificate typically takes around two hours to complete and can be taken online or in person at an approved American Red Cross facility. The cost of the training varies depending on the location but is generally between $25-$50 per person. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their certificate which they must keep with them at all times while working in a healthcare setting or any other environment where they may come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Do You Really Need a House Cleaner Certificate?

Whether you need a house cleaner certificate or not depends largely on the situation. If you are looking to start your own house cleaning business, then it is likely that you will need some kind of certification. A certificate can provide credibility and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field. It may also help you to land jobs as a professional cleaner.

On the other hand, if you are just looking for occasional house cleaning jobs, such as helping out family members or friends, then a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, it may be more important to demonstrate that you have experience in general cleaning tasks and can follow instructions from clients. You could do this by providing references or showing examples of past work.

In conclusion, whether or not a house cleaner certificate is necessary depends on the individual’s situation and goals. For those looking to start their own business or become a professional cleaner, obtaining some kind of certification could be beneficial. However, for those who are simply looking for occasional cleaning jobs, demonstrating experience and ability may be more important than having an official certificate.

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FAQs About House Cleaner Certifications

1. What is a House Cleaner Certification?

Answer: A House Cleaner Certification is a certification that demonstrates proficiency in the field of house cleaning, including knowledge of proper cleaning techniques and safety protocols. The certification may be obtained through a variety of organizations or programs.

2. Is a House Cleaner Certification required to work as a professional cleaner?

Answer: No, it is not required to become a professional house cleaner. However, having a certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field, and may give you an advantage over other applicants when applying for jobs.

3. How do I get certified as a House Cleaner?

Answer: You can obtain certification through organizations such as the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) or the National Organization for Professional Housecleaners (NOPH). You must complete an approved training program and pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

4. What are the benefits of being certified as a House Cleaner?

Answer: Being certified as a house cleaner can help demonstrate your professionalism to employers and clients, increase your marketability, and potentially increase your wages due to higher demand for certified professionals. Additionally, many certifying organizations provide resources to help keep their members up-to-date on new trends in the industry.

5. How long does my House Cleaner Certification last?

Answer: Generally speaking, most certifications will last from one to three years depending on the organization that issued it. It is important to stay current with continuing education courses or exams in order to maintain your certification status.