About Certification

Nothing can hurt our industry more than unqualified mason contractors selected by construction customers simply because they are the lowest bidder. The result is often poorly constructed masonry buildings, poor service and an unhappy client who may not select masonry for future projects.

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), has been working in assessing needs of the design community for many years and has concluded that the best way to stop low bidding, sub-par contractors from reducing the masonry industry's standards is to raise the level of professionalism and quality within the industry.

The MCAA has developed the national Masonry Certification program to provide customers with a tool to assist with selecting mason contractors who are committed to quality. Quality of work is the foundation of the certification program.

Without certification, construction customers do not have an objective measurable method for determining a contractor's quality. Currently, the only basis for selection is through comparing bids and choosing the lowest.

Certification provides customers an objective basis to select and specify a quality contractor and allows our industry to promote and provide a tool to measure quality to the design community and masonry customers.

Why Become Certified?

By demonstrating a commitment to quality, reliability and the highest professional standards that are associated with obtaining certification, you will place your comapny in a league of its own. Becoming a certified mason contractor is evidence of your proven level of education, knowledge and experience in the masonry industry. As architects, specifiers and owners search for a certified contractor, your firm will stand out.

Mason contractors that earn their certification will immediately be able to display the certification seal which represents an expertise in the masonry field and gives you and your firm an advantage in marketing to clients and potential customers.

Who Will Be Certified?

The certification program will certify the company. However, the primary owner will be responsible for earning credits and will take the certification exam.

The primary owner will earn continuing education credits. Once the basic minimum requirements have been met, the primary owner will be eligible to take the certification exam that will measure their command of running a quality masonry firm.

Owners must be the driving force in making sure that their companies are certified and follow the quality principles that will guarantee a professional performance.

The certification program is unique in that it ties an ongoing educational program for the contractor's employees with the contractor's ability to achieve and maintain certification.

How to Earn Credits

Certification credits are earned by taking education courses related to the masonry industry and running your business.

Any classes related to the business of a mason contractor (with the exception of formal apprenticeship training programs that teach the craft) are eligible for credit. The most productive and easiest way to earn credits is utilizing the MCAA Approved Provider Network.

The Approved Provider Network has simplified the reporting and tracking process. All approved provider courses are automatically accepted by the MCAA and attendance at the programs is reported by the provider.

Once registered, the MCAA will send you a username and password that will allow access to the certification database. The database will track your progress to certification and will keep you informed of what credits are needed and in what disciplines you need them in. This service is included in the initial registration fee.

Credits may be self reported; however, detailed documentation of the courses taken and MCAA approval after the course has been taken are required. Courses taken outside the approved provider network may not be approved for credit.

The MCAA website will list all approved provider class offerings with full details on the class, day and time. A list of approved provider classes will also be printed in each issue of Masonry magazine.

The Grandfather Clause

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.

Please contact the MCAA for more details regarding the grandfather clause.

Certification Exam

The exam is 100 questions in length and is open book. In order to pass the exam and become certified, the mason contractor must receive a score of 80% or better. If you do not pass the exam on the first attempt, you will be allowed to retake it at a future date.

Maintaining Certification

Certification must be renewed every 3 years. 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.

Certification Revocation

Contractor certification may be revoked in certain cases. Certification can be revoked if contractors do not maintain the required level of quality expected from a certified mason contractor.

The certification committee is currently addressing the revocation policy and procedures for revocation and the appeals process. A supplemental information sheet will be available when this process is complete.

Certification Fees

The initial fee for certification is $600.00 per company. The fee includes all tracking services and exam fee (up to two tests).

An information packet will be mailed upon registration which will include recommended readings and classes that will help with the exam, important information about the certification process and a username and password to access the MCAA certification website.

The renewal fee is $500.00 every three years.

Additional Questions?

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

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