Guide on How to become an IICRC
Master Restorer or Master Cleaner

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to become an IICRC Master Restorer or Master Cleaner. As professionals in the restoration and cleaning industries, aspiring individuals often aspire to reach the pinnacle of expertise and recognition. At Restoration Certified, we are committed to providing you with the guidance and resources needed to achieve this prestigious milestone.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps and requirements involved in obtaining the esteemed title of IICRC Master Restorer or Master Cleaner. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to advance your career to the next level, this guide will serve as your roadmap to success.

From understanding the prerequisites and training requirements to navigating the certification process, we'll cover everything you need to know to embark on this rewarding journey. Join us as we explore the pathways to mastery and unlock the secrets to becoming a distinguished IICRC Master Restorer or Master Cleaner.

The IICRC Master Designation is a prestigious recognition in the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry. It signifies expertise gained through a combination of technical education, hands-on experience, certifications, and advanced designations. Essentially, it's a mark of mastery within the institution of cleaning, restoration, and inspection.

The IICRC Master Track is a specialized program that combines specific certifications with hands-on field experience. Currently, there are three distinct tracks within this program: Master Water Restorer, Master Fire & Smoke Restorer, and Master Textile Cleaner. Each track focuses on honing expertise in its respective area, making it a comprehensive and targeted approach to mastery in the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry.

To become an IICRC Master Restorer or Master Cleaner, start by obtaining basic certifications in your chosen field, such as water restoration, fire restoration or textile cleaning. Gain practical experience in the industry, and then pursue advanced certifications relevant to your track. Successfully complete the program by passing the examination, and maintain your certification through ongoing education.

Becoming an IICRC Master Restorer or Master Cleaner usually takes approximately 3 years to achieve the designations such as Master Water Restorer, Master Fire & Smoke Restorer, or Master Textile Cleaner. The countdown begins from the moment you earn your initial certification in the Master Track, marking the beginning of your journey toward attaining IICRC Journeyman status.

An IICRC Journeyman is a technician who has earned three Master Track certifications in their chosen field (like water restoration, fire, and smoke restoration, or textile cleaning). After maintaining these 3 certifications for at least 12 months, the IICRC automatically grants the technician the Journeyman designation. The technician will be notified about this accomplishment during the certification renewal process, and the Journeyman designation will then appear on their renewed IICRC certification card.

To become an IICRC Master Water Restorer, you need to complete the following courses:

  1. WRT: Water Restoration Technician
  2. HST: Health & Safety Technician
  3. CCT or CCMT: Carpet Cleaning Technician or Commercial Carpet Maintenance Tech
  4. RRT: Repair and Reinstallation Technician
  5. ASD: Applied Structural Drying (In-person class only)
  6. AMRT: Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (in-person class only)

These courses together make up the educational and certification requirements for achieving the Master Water Restorer designation from IICRC.

To become an IICRC Master Fire & Smoke Restorer, you need to complete the following courses:

  1. FSRT: Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
  2. OCT: Odor Control Technician
  3. UFT: Upholstery Cleaning Technician
  4. HST: Health & Safety Technician
  5. CCT or CCMT: Carpet Cleaning Technician or Commercial Carpet Maintenance Tech

These courses collectively form the educational and certification path leading to the Master Fire & Smoke Restorer designation by IICRC.

To become an IICRC Master Textile Cleaner, you need to complete the following courses:

  1. CCT or CCMT: Carpet Cleaning Technician or Commercial Carpet Maintenance Tech
  2. UFT: Upholstery Cleaning Technician
  3. OCT: Odor Control Technician
  4. HST: Health & Safety Technician

These courses together make up the educational and certification track leading to the Master Textile Cleaner designation by IICRC.

Your IICRC Journeyman status or Master designation will remain valid indefinitely, provided you continue to meet the renewal requirements. This involves paying the annual IICRC renewal fees and submitting the required number of Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for your certifications. As long as you fulfill these obligations, your status or designation will not expire.

Maintaining your Master Restorer Designation is straightforward. Simply pay your annual IICRC renewal fee and acquire 14 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) every two years, equivalent to 14 hours of class time. You can choose from a variety of IICRC-approved CEC courses, listed here https://restorationcertified.com/iicrc-classes/. This ensures that you stay current and uphold the high standards associated with your prestigious Master designation.