Insulation Certification (Individuals)

PCP insulation certifications have set the standard for the SPF insulation industry. Customers, contractors and organization, etc. recognize and specify the SPFA Professional Certification Program (PCP) because of its comprehensive testing methods which validate an individual’s entire body of knowledge, skills and abilities.

Combining study, discussion and hands-on practice, the SPFA PCP Insulation Certification elevates the skill level of Assistants, Installers, Master Installers and Project Managers. Areas with specific focus include the basics of SPF Chemistry, Safety, Application, Equipment, Troubleshooting, Building Science and Project Management.

The industry-leading program and certification levels strengthen the entire SPF insulation industry by bringing a clear pathway to professionalism for both individuals and companies. Consumers, home owners, building managers and design-build professionals know that PCP Certified Individuals have demonstrated they have the knowledge, skills and abilities to do safe, efficient and professional installation which are key elements in maximizing the benefits of SPF insulation as one of the most energy efficient insulation.
 

 Level 1 - SPF Assistant

The SPF Assistant certification level is specifically designed for individuals involved in the assistance of safe and consistent installation of SPF in thermal and/or roofing installation.
 

Level 2 - SPF Insulation Installer

The SPF Insulation Installer level is specifically designed for individuals with limited experience in the spraying of SPF in a safe and consistent manner. It is an apprentice level.
 

Level 3 - SPF Insulation Master Installer

The SPF Master installer has extensive experience spraying SPF in various applications and has demonstrated competence in SPF installation.
 

Level 4 - SPF Insulation Project Manager

The SPF Project Manager has extensive project management experience project management experience in SPF applications.


SPF Assistant - Level 1

The SPF Assistant certification is specifically designed for individuals involved in the assistance of the installation of spray polyurethane foam in thermal insulation or roofing installations.
The SPF Assistant certification is the first level for BOTH Insulation AND Roofing.

Who Should Apply?
Anyone wanting to begin a career as a SPF Insulation worker should apply. This is their pathway to professionalism in the SPF industry.

Assistant’s duties may include assisting in equipment and job set-up, substrate preparation, material handling  and staging, moving of hoses/scaffolding/ladders, masking, trimming, clean-up and other non-spraying tasks. No experience required.
 
Steps to Certification
Step 1 – Complete and submit documentation
  • Enroll in the program
  • Sign Agreement
Step 2 – Certification Exam
  • Certification Assistant Level Written Exam administered in person
OR
  • Certification Assistant Level Written Exam administered remotely (in your home, office or anywhere with internet) through ProctorU
 
Assistant Exam 
Written Exam (1 part)
Part 1 – Assistant
Knowledge Areas Covered in Written Exam
Part 1 – Assistant
  • SPF Product Knowledge               
  • Chemical Health and Safety
  • Health and Safety – General
  • Jobsite Safety 
    
Ways to Prepare for Exams
  • Exam Prep Courses – They are offered in the following ways:
    • Online through SPFA – available on-demand
    • In person through SPFA at our annual convention (next one scheduled for 2023)
    • In person through suppliers (check calendar of events online for upcoming sessions)
Maintaining Certification
  • Renew certifications annually (based on calendar year)
    • Complete renewal application
  • Recertify your credentials every 7 years
    • Complete renewal/recertification application
    • Proof of CEU required with re-certification (7 years)
      • 10 CEU required for Assistant
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SPF Insulation Installer - Level 2
 
This certification is specifically designed for individuals with limited experience in the installation of spray polyurethane foam. It is effectively similar to an apprentice level. The SPF Insulation Installer has some experience in spraying foam with the guidance of a more experienced Master Installer or Project Manager.

Who Should Apply?
Anyone wanting to advance his career in the sprayfoam industry. The SPF Insulation Installer typically does not have the skills and abilities to install on his own. This person ideally needs to be supervised by a skilled Master Installer or Project Manager. The SPF Installers duties may include spraying SPF in different applications as well as equipment set-up/start-up/shut-down.

Steps to Certification
Step 1 – Complete and submit documentation
Step 2 – Certification Exam
  • Certification Insulation Installer Level Written Exam administered in person
OR
  • Certification Insulation Installer Level Written Exam administered remotely (in your home, office or anywhere with internet) through ProctorU
 
Insulation Installer Exam 
Written Exam (Combined - 2 part)
Part 1 – Assistant
Part 2 – Insulation Installer
Knowledge Areas Covered in Written Exam
Part 1 – Assistant
  • SPF Product Knowledge               
  • Chemical Health and Safety
  • Health and Safety – General
  • Jobsite Safety 
Part 2 – Insulation Installer
  • Pre-Job Planning
  • Jobsite Set-Up Procedures
  • Substrate Preparation
  • Start-Up Procedures
  • Installation Methodology
  • Shut Down
   
Ways to Prepare for Exams
  • Exam Prep Courses – They are offered in the following ways:
    • Online through SPFA – available on-demand
    • In person through SPFA at our annual convention (next one scheduled for 2023)
    • In person through suppliers (check calendar of events online for upcoming sessions)
Maintaining Certification
  • Renew certifications annually (based on calendar year)
    • Complete renewal application
  • Recertify your credentials every 7 years
    • Complete renewal/recertification application
    • Proof of CEU required with re-certification (7 years)
      • 15 CEU required for Installer
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SPF Insulation Master Installer - Level 3
 
This certification is specifically designed for individuals experienced in the installation of spray polyurethane foam. The SPF Insulation Master Installer has extensive experience spraying SPF in various applications and has demonstrated competence in SPF applications through a field examination.

Who Should Apply?
Anyone wanting to advance his career and be recognized for being a master in the installation of spray polyurethane foam by a third party, internationally recognzied set of standards.The SPF Master Installer’s duties may include all aspects of the installation of the SPF as well as equipment function/maintenance/repair, and an understanding of other systems as well as the proper installation of protective coatings.

Steps to Certification
Step 1 – Complete and submit documentation
Step 2 – Certification Exams
  • Certification Insulation Master Installer Level Written Exam administered in person
OR
  • Certification Insulation Master Installer Level Written Exam administered remotely (in your home, office or anywhere with internet) through ProctorU
  • Certification Master Installer Field Examination
 
Insulation Master Installer Exam 
Written Exam (Combined – 3 part)
Part 1 – Assistant
Part 2 – Insulation Installer
Part 3 – Master Installer
Available in both English and Spanish
Knowledge Areas Covered in Written Exam
Part 1 – Assistant
  • SPF Product Knowledge               
  • Chemical Health and Safety
  • Health and Safety – General
  • Jobsite Safety 
Part 2 – Insulation Installer
  • Pre-Job Planning
  • Jobsite Set-Up Procedures
  • Substrate Preparation
  • Start-Up Procedures
  • Installation Methodology
  • Shut Down
Part 3 – Master Insulation Installer
  • Troubleshooting and Repair
  • Inspection of SPF Building Envelope (BE) Systems
  • Thermal and Ignition Barrier Requirements
  • Sealant Foams – One and Two Component
  • Hybrid Insulation Systems
  • SPF Equipment/Components, Function & Operations
  • Coating Equipment (Components, Operations, Trouble Shooting)

Field Exam The SPF field examination covers critical-task areas of abilities that each candidate must have. The field examination is an “over the shoulder” demonstration of the SPF Master Installer’s ability to manufacture quality open cell and/or closed cell sprayfoam in place.
 
Abilities Covered in Field Exam
  • Documentation and PPE
  • Pre-Application
  • Equipment/Rig
  • Application
  • Start-Up/Shut-Down
    
Ways to Prepare for Exams
  • Exam Prep Courses – They are offered in the following ways:
    • Online through SPFA – available on-demand
    • In person through SPFA at our annual convention (next one scheduled for Feb 2022)
    • In person through suppliers (check calendar of events online for upcoming sessions)

Maintaining Certification
  • Renew certifications annually (based on calendar year)
    • Complete renewal application
  • Recertify your credentials every 7 years
    • Complete renewal/recertification application
    • Proof of CEU required with re-certification (7 years)
      • 20 CEU required for Master Installer  
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SPF Insulation Project Manager - Level 4
 
This certification is specifically designed for individuals involved in all aspects of the installation and project management of SPF. The SPF Project Manager has extensive Knowledge and Skills in all aspects of SPF in various installations.

Who Should Apply?
Anyone wanting to be recognized as an SPF project manager at the top of the profession after earning this credential compliant with a third party, internationally recognzied set of standards. The SPF Project Manager’s  duties may include managing all aspects of the project and installation of the SPF, as well as knowledge and skills in building science/design, material selection/estimating, and codes and standards compliance.

Steps to Certification
Step 1 – Complete and submit documentation
Step 2 – Certification Exam
  • Certification Project Manager Level Written Exam administered in person
OR
  • Certification Project Manager Level Written Exam administered remotely (in your home, office or anywhere with internet) through ProctorU
 
Insulation Project Manager Exam 
Written Exam (Combined - 4 part)
Part 1 – Assistant
Part 2 – Insulation Installer
Part 3 – Insulation Master Installer
Part 4 – Insulation Project Manager

Knowledge Areas Covered in Written Exam
Part 1 – Assistant
  • SPF Product Knowledge               
  • Chemical Health and Safety
  • Health and Safety – General
  • Jobsite Safety 
Part 2 – Insulation Installer
  • Pre-Job Planning
  • Jobsite Set-Up Procedures
  • Substrate Preparation
  • Start-Up Procedures
  • Installation Methodology
  • Shut Down
Part 3 – Master Insulation Installer
  • Troubleshooting and Repair
  • Inspection of SPF Building Envelope (BE) Systems
  • Thermal and Ignition Barrier Requirements
  • Sealant Foams – One and Two Component
  • Hybrid Insulation Systems
  • SPF Equipment/Components, Function & Operations
  • Coating Equipment (Components, Operations, Trouble Shooting)
Part 4 – Project Manager
  • SPF Estimating Guidelines for Materials Usage
  • Building Science Basics and HAM
  • Building Envelope Design
  • Understanding HVAC & Mechanical Systems
  • Codes & Standards
  • Material Design & Selection
    
Ways to Prepare for Exams
  • Exam Prep Courses – They are offered in the following ways:
    • Online through SPFA – available on-demand
    • In person through SPFA at our annual convention (next one scheduled for Feb 2022)
    • In person through suppliers (check calendar of events online for upcoming sessions)

Maintaining Certification
  • Renew certifications annually (based on calendar year)
    • Complete renewal application
  • Recertify your credentials every 7 years
    • Complete renewal/recertification application
    • Proof of CEU required with re-certification (7 years)
      • 25 CEU required for Project Manager
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