Top 10 Janitor Certifications

Certifications are important for janitors in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and expertise in the field. Employers often look for janitors with certifications to ensure that they are hiring someone who is qualified and knowledgeable about the job. Certifications can also help janitors stand out from other applicants, as they provide proof of their dedication to their profession. Furthermore, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement, as they may be required for certain positions or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Janitors and explain how they can help enhance a janitor's career.

What are Janitor Certifications?

Janitor certification is a formal recognition that an individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and proficiency in the cleaning industry. It is typically obtained by completing a course or program that covers essential topics such as workplace safety, infection control, proper cleaning techniques, and the use of cleaning supplies and equipment. The goal of janitor certification is to ensure that those working in this field have the necessary skills to provide quality services.

By obtaining janitor certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to providing excellent service and are more likely to be hired by employers who value certified professionals. Having a certificate can also open up opportunities for advancement within the field as it shows an individual's dedication to their profession. Additionally, it can lead to higher wages since certified workers tend to be more experienced and reliable than non-certified ones. Finally, having certification can give an individual peace of mind knowing they have met all the requirements necessary for working in this field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research your state's janitor certification requirements before beginning the process. Some states may require you to take an exam or complete a certain number of hours of training, so it is important to make sure you have met all the necessary criteria before applying for certification.

Related: What does a Janitor do?

Top 10 Janitor Certifications

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

1. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate is a program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to help employers and employees learn about safety and health in the workplace. The program consists of two parts: classroom instruction and online training. The classroom instruction is typically 10 hours long, while the online training can be completed in as little as four hours.

The 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate is designed to provide employers with an overview of basic safety and health principles, as well as information on how to recognize, avoid, abate, and prevent job-related hazards. It also provides participants with an understanding of their rights under OSHA regulations, including the right to report unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation.

To get the certificate, individuals must complete both classroom instruction and online training. The cost for these courses varies depending on where you take them; however, most courses are priced between $50-$200. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with materials or other fees.

Once all requirements have been met, participants will receive a wallet card from OSHA indicating that they have successfully completed the program. This card is valid for five years from the date it was issued.

2. OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate

The OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate is a comprehensive safety and health training program designed to provide workers with knowledge on recognizing, avoiding, and preventing safety and health hazards in the workplace. The course consists of 30 hours of instruction that covers a wide range of topics related to general industry safety and health. It is intended for supervisors, managers, or anyone who has some degree of responsibility for workplace safety.

The OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate typically takes about two weeks to complete. The course can be taken online or in person at an approved training center. Online courses are self-paced, allowing you to work at your own pace. In-person courses are usually held over two consecutive days or several evenings throughout the week.

The cost for the OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate varies depending on where you take the course. Online courses typically range from $100-$300 while in-person courses may cost up to $500 or more depending on the provider.

Once you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate of completion from the training provider that can be used as proof of your successful completion of the OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate program.

3. Green Seal Certified Janitorial Professional (GS-42)

Green Seal Certified Janitorial Professional (GS-42) is a certification program that recognizes janitors who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The certification is awarded by Green Seal, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the environmental performance of products, services, and companies.

In order to become certified, applicants must complete a rigorous training program that covers topics such as green cleaning techniques, proper chemical handling and storage, waste management practices, and indoor air quality management. Applicants must also pass a written exam demonstrating their knowledge of the material covered in the training program.

The training program typically takes around 8 hours to complete and the exam takes about 1 hour. The cost for the certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $50-$100 USD.

4. National Association of Professional Cleaners (NAPC) Certification

The National Association of Professional Cleaners (NAPC) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to professional cleaners. This certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those who are involved in the cleaning industry. It is a voluntary program that requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in areas such as safety, sanitation, customer service, and cleaning techniques.

In order to become certified by NAPC, applicants must complete an online application and pass a written exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics such as safety, sanitation, customer service, and cleaning techniques. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to be certified. The entire process typically takes about three weeks from start to finish.

The cost for NAPC Certification is $195 USD for members and $295 USD for non-members. This fee includes the cost of the exam as well as access to NAPC's online library of resources and materials related to professional cleaning.

NAPC Certification is valid for three years after which time recertification will be required in order to maintain certification status.

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

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an international non-profit organization that sets the standards for professional cleaning, inspection, and restoration services. It is the leading certification body in the industry, providing education and certifications to professionals who specialize in cleaning, inspection, and restoration services.

The IICRC offers a variety of certifications for individuals who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in these areas. The certifications are divided into three main categories: Technician Certifications, Professional Certifications, and Master Certifications. Each category has its own set of requirements for obtaining certification.

The Technician Certification requires a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction or online training from an IICRC-approved school. After completing the coursework, students must pass an exam to receive their certification. This process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete.

The Professional Certification requires at least two years of experience in the field as well as completion of an IICRC-approved course or program. After passing the exam, students receive their certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

The Master Certification requires five years of experience in the field along with completion of an IICRC-approved course or program. After passing the exam, students receive their certification which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

In order to get certified by the IICRC, individuals must first register with them online or by mail and pay a fee which varies depending on the type of certification they are pursuing ($50-$200). Once registered, applicants can then find approved schools where they can take courses or programs that meet IICRC’s standards for certification. After completing all requirements and passing the exams, applicants will receive their official certificate from IICRC confirming their status as a certified professional in the industry.

6. American Institute for Cleaning Sciences (AICS) Janitorial Technician Certification

The American Institute for Cleaning Sciences (AICS) Janitorial Technician Certification is a professional certification program that provides janitorial technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties in an effective and safe manner. The certification program is designed to ensure that janitorial technicians have the necessary training and experience to properly clean, maintain, and sanitize facilities.

The AICS Janitorial Technician Certification consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires the successful completion of a comprehensive exam. The Basic level covers basic cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and industry standards; the Intermediate level covers more advanced topics such as sanitation methods, hazardous materials handling, and infection control; and the Advanced level covers specialized topics such as building maintenance systems, green cleaning practices, and customer service.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the AICS Janitorial Technician Certification program. During this time period, individuals must complete coursework related to each level of certification as well as pass the corresponding exams.

To get certified through AICS, individuals must first register for the program by completing an online application form or contacting AICS directly. Once registered, individuals will be provided with course materials which need to be completed before taking each exam. Upon successful completion of all three exams within 12 months of registering for the program, individuals will receive their AICS Janitorial Technician Certification certificate.

The cost of becoming certified through AICS depends on whether you are registering as an individual or a group. For individual registration fees range from $225-$375 depending on which courses you take; however discounts may be available if multiple courses are taken at once or if you are part of an organization such as a union or trade association. Group rates are also available for organizations that wish to certify multiple employees at once; these rates start at $100 per person for groups of 10 or more people.

7. Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) Certified Janitorial Supervisor Program

The Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) Certified Janitorial Supervisor Program is a certification program designed to provide janitors with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage a janitorial staff. The program is designed to help supervisors understand the basics of supervision, such as communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and personnel management. The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Supervision, Supervision Basics, Advanced Supervision Skills, and Managing People. Each course is approximately 8 hours in length and can be completed online or in-person.

In order to become certified as a BSCAI Certified Janitorial Supervisor, individuals must complete all four courses and pass an exam at the end of each course. The cost for the entire program is $595 USD. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals will receive a certificate from BSCAI indicating their certification as a BSCAI Certified Janitorial Supervisor.

8. Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) Certified Janitorial Technician Program

The Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) Certified Janitorial Technician Program is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the janitorial industry. This certification is intended for those who are currently employed as janitorial technicians or those who wish to pursue a career in the janitorial field.

The program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course provides participants with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the janitorial field, such as safety, sanitation, cleaning techniques, customer service, and more. The exam tests participants’ understanding of the material covered in the online course.

The program typically takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, depending on how quickly you can complete the online course and exam. To get started, you must first register for the program by visiting BSCAI’s website. Once registered, you will be given access to the online course materials and exam.

The cost of the program is $150 USD for members of BSCAI and $200 USD for non-members. After successfully completing both components of the program, you will receive your certification from BSCAI which will be valid for three years.

9. National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) Certified Commercial Cleaning Technician Program

The National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) Certified Commercial Cleaning Technician Program is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of commercial cleaning. The program consists of two parts: a written exam and an on-site practical evaluation.

The written exam covers topics such as safety, cleaning techniques, materials and equipment, and building systems. It is administered by NEBB and can be taken at any approved testing center. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and costs $150.

The on-site practical evaluation is conducted by an NEBB-certified evaluator at the applicant’s place of work or other designated location. During this evaluation, the applicant must demonstrate their ability to properly clean various types of surfaces, use appropriate cleaning products and equipment, follow safety protocols, and understand building systems related to commercial cleaning operations. This portion of the program typically takes one day to complete and costs $250.

Once both portions of the program are successfully completed, applicants will receive their NEBB Certified Commercial Cleaning Technician certificate from NEBB. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued.

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

The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) is a certification program that provides an industry-recognized standard for professional cleaning organizations. The CIMS program was developed to help organizations improve their operations and services, while also providing customers with assurance of quality.

The CIMS certification process involves a comprehensive review of the organization’s policies, procedures, and practices related to cleaning operations and management. This includes evaluating the organization’s commitment to customer service, safety, training, and quality assurance. Organizations must demonstrate compliance with all applicable standards in order to be certified.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Organizations should plan on dedicating at least two full days for an on-site assessment by an ISSA-approved assessor. The cost of the assessment varies depending on the size of the organization and other factors, but can range from $2,000-$5,000 USD.

Organizations interested in obtaining CIMS certification should contact ISSA directly for more information about the process and requirements.

Do You Really Need a Janitor Certificate?

No, you do not need a janitor certificate to become a janitor. However, having one can certainly help you stand out from the competition and make it easier for you to find work.

A janitor certificate is a professional credential that shows employers that you have completed job-specific training and have the necessary skills to be an effective janitor. It is designed to give hiring managers confidence in your abilities and show them that you are committed to the job. The certificate also serves as proof of your qualifications and can help increase your chances of being hired.

The requirements for obtaining a janitor certificate vary by state or country, but generally involve completing a training program or course related to the cleaning industry. Some programs may require additional certifications such as OSHA safety certification or hazardous materials certification.

Having a janitor certificate can also open up opportunities for higher pay and more advanced positions within the industry. It demonstrates to employers that you are serious about your job and willing to take on extra responsibility in order to excel in the field.

Overall, having a janitor certificate can be beneficial if you're looking for work in this field, but it is not necessary in order to become a successful janitor. Ultimately, it's up to each individual if they would like to pursue this type of certification, as it could potentially provide some added benefits when seeking employment.

Related: Janitor Resume Examples

FAQs About Janitor Certifications

Q1. What is a Janitor Certification?

A1. A Janitor Certification is a formal recognition of an individual's knowledge and skills related to cleaning, maintenance and safety in the workplace. It is earned through a combination of on-the-job experience and specialized training courses.

Q2. How do I obtain a Janitor Certification?

A2. In order to earn a Janitor Certification, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your certification from ISSA.

Q3. How long does it take to get a Janitor Certification?

A3. The length of time needed to obtain a Janitor Certification varies depending on the individual’s background and experience in the field, but typically requires at least several weeks or months of study and practice before taking the ISSA exam.

Q4. What are some benefits of having a Janitor Certification?

A4. Having a Janitor Certification shows employers that you have the necessary skills for success in this field, as well as demonstrates your commitment to professional development and excellence in the workplace. It can also give you access to higher-level positions or better job opportunities with more competitive pay rates.

Q5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my Janitor Certification?

A5: Yes, it is important to keep up with industry changes and best practices by participating in continuing education activities every few years in order to maintain your certification status with ISSA.