About Certification

From the phone calls received, our efforts to certify the industry's contractors is a highly welcomed move. Virtually all of the comments believe that this program is a strong effort which will ultimately result in our ability to promote quality while at the same time, weed out those less stellar contractors that have dragged our industry down. Members of the Mason Contractors Association of America and non-members alike seem engaged toward earning their certification.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers that may help you in your efforts toward certification:

How can I start working towards certification?

To start your certification today, please download the registration form and return it to the MCAA office.

When will the next [insert program name] be held and where?

You can view a list of all approved courses and when they will be held at the Upcoming Education page of this website. Clicking on the name of the program will provide you with additional details about the course.

When will the certification exam be offered and where?

The certification exam will be held at least twice during the year - once at our office in Chicago and once at the MCAA Convention in Las Vegas. The exam will also be offered in areas throughout the country based on demand.

It has been 20 years since I took a test; what if I don't pass?

The certification exam will be open book. That does not mean that the exam will be easy, but if you go through the educational programs, understand the material such as the masonry code, and know where to find answers, you will do fine. Not everyone will pass the first time. If you don't pass, keep working, and if you are dedicated, you will pass. We will not publish a list of people that don't pass, only those that do.

Can I lose my certification?

Yes, although the mechanism by which a contractor can lose their certification has not yet been determined. Again, this goes to the heart of our customers comfort level. If they specify a certified mason contractor, they should have some reasonable assurance that they will get a quality project. The question is what happens if they get a very poor performance and that level of poor performance is habitual. The Certification Seal will become a brand that we must stand behind. If someone abuses that, they will undoubtedly lose their right to use the brand.

How do I Keep My Certification? Will I have to take another test?

Certification must be renewed every 3 years (tying into the code cycle). The renewal process is relatively simple. The primary in the firm must have a total of 75 continuing education course credits within the three year period. Supervisors in the firm must have an additional 15 hours during the same three year period. Once the renewal fee is paid and hours verified, the certification will renew. You are not required to retake the exam.

I heard that you will grandfather some education that I already have taken. What will count and how far back will you go?

During the initial period that certification begins, the MCAA will grandfather education courses taken for both the primary owner and supervisors. You may go back up to five years and submit courses taken during that period. Documentation proving the courses were taken such as a certificate of completion, proof of payment for a course and a description of the course will be required.

Why are you requiring all of my supervisors to take educational classes in order for me to be eligible to take the exam?

The committee felt that the success of a contractor and his ability to perform quality work is in his supervisory personnel. Requiring foremen to gain a minimum level of education is of strong interest to customers that we have talked to. We actually looked at requiring 60% of all a contractors personnel having achieve the 15 credits but members felt it was too difficult to achieve that level but that 100% of supervisory personnel were reasonable.

My supervisors went through a formal apprentice training class. Will that count toward their educational credits?

No. The committee believes that the training that is sought should go directly to the heart of being an effective foremen and superintendent and the basic bricklayer techniques. However, any formal training provided by the union or an Approved Provider will be given credit as long as it is not considered to be basic.

What disciplines do my supervisor's credits have to be in?

Supervisors can earn their 15 credits in any discipline. There are no discipline requirements for supervisors.

Did the MCAA create certification just to make money?

Absolutely not. You do not have to be a member and we only are mandating one program, the Masonry Quality Institute, that we conduct. Everything else can be obtained at the local level.

Why is the Masonry Quality Institute program mandatory?

The Masonry Quality Institute (MQI) talks directly to our industry's customers. MQI talks about meeting the customer's requirements 100% of the time and to strive for zero punch lists on projects. The Masonry Quality Institute is the one program that can raise the standard of our industry which is why we are requiring the program. The customer groups that we talked to found great interest in the MQI.

How can I receive more information?

For more information regarding the Masonry Certification program, please contact the Mason Contractors Association of America at 800-536-2225.