Certification Process
Procedure/Rules for Project Evaluations
The Certification requires submittal of 3 paying client projects for evaluation. The projects are judged on the following:
- Quality
Depending on the aesthetic goal of the design, quality criteria may include smooth and straight edges, tight, even seams, crisp detail, smooth, pinhole-free finish, even sheen, etc.
- Engineering Execution
How well engineering challenges or design constraints were taken into account in planning and execution of the project.
- Features
Incorporation of features such as edging, creative colors or patterning such as variegation, embedments, drain boards, hard points, edge returns, integral sinks, odd shapes and 3-dimensional shapes.
- Fit
How well the countertop fits into the installed setting, both from a physical standpoint and from a design standpoint.
- Project Execution
How well you handled the project from a client interaction standpoint, judging your level of service and problem solving skills.
- Client Satisfaction
CCI surveys the clients after completion of their project. We ask them about their satisfaction with the process and the end result.
You can submit the projects one at a time right after you complete them, or you can wait until you've done all 3. We recommend you submit them as you go along so that you can get feedback and incorporate that into your processes.
The projects must be for paying clients.
The projects can be any size. You do not need to submit fancy projects with a lot of features. We will evaluate your execution of any special features, but the main point is that the client is satisfied and the work is high quality.
Photos must be in electronic format, and you can email them or mail them to us on a disk. Most likely you will need to mail them on a disk because they will be too large and too many to email. Photos must be in focus and clear!
Process
- See below for photos to take during creation of the project. Photo documentation must be complete.
- When your project is complete, supply the following via mail or email to CCI:
- A write-up up to one page long that explains what you did and why, how you and the client decided on the features and color, any special features you would like to point out, and any explanations as to why your project is of high quality and should pass the test.
- A write-up up to one page long that explains how the client interaction went during the project: did you do samples, what were the client's main concerns, what problems did you encounter during the project and how did you handle them.
- The name, address, email and phone number of the client. (Of course you should forewarn the client that we will be contacting them for an evaluation.)
- Copies of all project documentation such as contract, owner's guide, etc. that was given to client.
- Photos of any samples that were submitted to client.
- The photos specified below.
You must take photos of the countertop at each of the following stages.
- To show structural design: After it is formed and wired for reinforcing (not applicable for GFRC)
- To demonstrate proper curing practices: During curing
- To show initial quality: When you strip the forms
- To show finish quality: When it is finished in the shop (not applicable for cast in place)
- To show quality of the completed countertop in its installed setting: At least 2 different photos from each of the different areas:
- An overall view
- A close-up of the surface
- A close-up of edges
- A close-up of seams (if applicable)
- A close-up of a sink and faucet holes (if applicable)
- A close-up of any embedments and/or drain boards
- A close-up of the lower cabinet and countertop seam/intersection
- A close-up of a cooktop opening (if applicable)
- A close-up of any special brackets or supports (e.g. bartop overhangs, mantles, etc.)
- A close-up of any special feature
- A close-up of concrete backsplashes, including finished ends and seams
- At least 3 finished photos worthy of your portfolio.
Upon evaluation of each project, CCI will contact candidate to discuss the results of the evaluation. This discussion time is outside of the available monthly support time. Discussion will include any suggestions for improvement, and there is no limit to how long the discussion may last.
Projects either pass or fail, and if a project fails, candidate can continue to submit projects until 3 projects pass.
Procedure/Rules for Written Exam
The exam occurs after the first project has been submitted. This allows the candidate to be fully prepared and have at least one real-world project under his/her belt.
The exam is in the form of a written "take-home" test on concrete principles such as mix design and reinforcement, sales and marketing, problem-solving and other important principles that you use every day in your business. Candidate has one week to complete the exam and fax or email it back to The Concrete Countertop Institute.
CCI then contacts the candidate to discuss the results of the exam. The discussion includes any suggestions for improvement. Results of the exam are either pass or fail, and if the candidate fails the exam s/he may retake it after the next project is submitted.
Procedure/Rules for Sealer Testing
It does not matter what sealer you use. However, you must prove that you understand and have tested the performance of your sealer with respect to staining. If you use multiple sealers, each sealer must be tested and submitted. Your certification will specify Grade 1, 2, 3 or 4 in accordance with the CCI Standards. Sealer testing must be performed and documented in accordance with the CCI Sealer Testing Methodology.
Process
Mail or email the following to CCI:
- The name of the sealer you use, where you get it, and the instructions that you follow to apply it.
- Photos of your stain testing samples before testing begins, then at the following stages of stain testing: 15 minutes, 1 hour, 8 hours and 24 hours.
- The documentation that you provide the homeowner regarding care and maintenance of the sealer. At a minimum, documentation should include expectations outlined in your contract and a care and maintenance guide you leave behind upon installation.
Get Started
Click here to contact CCI. Check "Certification - Get Started" on the form.
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