CATx Blueprint Vol. 007 | What Training and Certifications Do I Need to Start Commercial?

If you’re serious about breaking into commercial restoration, you need to go beyond the basic residential certifications. Commercial projects come with stricter regulations, higher risk, and more complex insurance claims, so the right training and certifications will set you apart, build credibility, and help you win bigger jobs.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential training and certifications to start and scale in commercial restoration.

1. Core Industry Certifications (Must-Have)

These certifications form the foundation of any restoration business, including commercial work.

📌 IICRC Certifications (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification)

🔹 WRT – Water Restoration Technician (Entry-level but essential for water damage jobs.)

🔹 ASD – Applied Structural Drying (Advanced drying techniques, crucial for commercial buildings.)

🔹 AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (Required for mold remediation.)

🔹 FSRT – Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician (Covers smoke, soot, and odor removal.)

🔹 CCT – Carpet Cleaning Technician (Useful for commercial carpet restoration in office buildings, hotels, etc.)

✅ Why You Need Them:

✔️ Most insurance companies require IICRC certification for coverage.

✔️ Gives you the technical knowledge to handle complex commercial losses.

✔️ Many property managers and facility directors require IICRC-certified vendors.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you own the business, ensure your project managers and lead techs are certified—it boosts credibility when bidding on commercial jobs.

2. Large-Loss & Commercial Project Management Training

🏗 Commercial restoration requires a higher level of planning, execution, and compliance than residential work.

📌 Large-Loss Mastery Programs

🔹 IICRC CDS – Commercial Drying Specialist (Focuses on complex drying strategies for large commercial structures.)

🔹 Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Large Loss Training (Advanced training for handling million-dollar losses.)

🔹 Xactimate & Commercial Estimating Training (Mastering commercial estimating is critical for large projects.)

✅ Why You Need It:

✔️ Teaches how to manage large, multi-phase commercial projects.

✔️ Helps you understand business interruption (BI) insurance and claims negotiations.

✔️ Positions you as an expert in handling complex commercial losses.

💡 Pro Tip: Many national franchises have dedicated large-loss teams—getting this training gives you a competitive edge.

3. OSHA & Safety Certifications (Critical for Compliance)

📌 Commercial job sites have strict OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations. If you don’t comply, you risk job shutdowns, fines, and lawsuits.

🔹 OSHA 10 & OSHA 30 Certifications (OSHA 10 for workers, OSHA 30 for supervisors & business owners.)

🔹 Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Training (Required for handling biohazards, sewage, and hazardous material spills.)

🔹 Confined Space Entry Training (Required if working in tunnels, tanks, or restricted spaces.)

🔹 Lead & Asbestos Abatement Certifications (Mandatory for older buildings with asbestos-containing materials.)

✅ Why You Need Them:

✔️ Keeps your job sites OSHA-compliant and safe.

✔️ Many commercial clients won’t hire uncertified contractors due to liability.

✔️ Some projects require lead and asbestos removal permits before work can begin.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re working in hospitals, schools, or government buildings, safety compliance is even more strict—these certifications are a must.

4. Indoor Air Quality & Environmental Certifications

🏢 Many commercial properties, like hospitals and high-rises, require specialized environmental controls during restoration.

🔹 ACAC – Council-Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) (Validates expertise in air quality, ventilation, and environmental concerns.)

🔹 NADCA – National Air Duct Cleaners Association Certification (Important for HVAC & air duct contamination.)

🔹 EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Certification (Required for handling lead-based paint in older buildings.)

✅ Why You Need Them:

✔️ Helps you win high-risk, high-value contracts (e.g., hospitals, universities, high-rise buildings).

✔️ Ensures compliance with indoor air quality standards in sensitive environments.

✔️ Some insurance policies require certified indoor air quality specialists.

💡 Pro Tip: Property managers trust contractors with environmental certifications—this is a great way to stand out.

5. Commercial Contracts & Insurance Training

📌 If you don’t understand how commercial insurance and contracts work, you’ll lose money.

🔹 Commercial Property Insurance & Business Interruption (BI) Claims Training (Teaches how BI coverage impacts restoration projects.)

🔹 Xactimate for Commercial Estimating (Focuses on large-loss pricing, T&M billing, and complex scopes.)

🔹 Contract Law for Contractors (Helps you structure contracts that protect you from slow payments and liability.)

✅ Why You Need Them:

✔️ Commercial insurance works differently than residential—understanding BI claims is crucial.

✔️ Knowing how to write solid contracts protects you from non-payment and disputes.

✔️ Insurance carriers negotiate hard—being trained in commercial claims helps you win negotiations.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with large-loss claims, hiring a public adjuster consultant can also help navigate complex claims.

6. Specialized Training for High-Value Commercial Clients

Want to stand out in niche commercial restoration markets? Consider these advanced certifications.

🏥 For Healthcare Facilities:

✅ Healthcare Restoration Training (Specific protocols for working in hospitals and medical facilities.)

✅ Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) Certification (Required for restoration inside hospitals and sterile environments.)

🛏 For Hospitality & High-Rise Buildings:

✅ Fire/Smoke Damage Restoration for Hotels & High-Rise Structures (Covers ventilation, odor removal, and tenant safety.)

🏗 For Government & Military Contracts:

✅ Government Contracting & Procurement Training (Needed for bidding on federal or military restoration projects.)

✅ Why You Need Them:

✔️ Helps you land high-paying, specialized commercial jobs.

✔️ Many commercial industries require certifications before hiring a restoration company.

✔️ Gives you a competitive edge over generalist contractors.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want to break into medical, hospitality, or government restoration, these certifications will open doors.

Final Thoughts

Which Certifications Should You Get First?

If you’re just getting started in commercial restoration, focus on:

1️⃣ IICRC WRT & ASD (Basic water restoration & drying skills.)

2️⃣ OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 (Safety compliance for job sites.)

3️⃣ Xactimate for Commercial Estimating (So you can price jobs correctly.)

4️⃣ Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) (If you want to handle large-scale drying projects.)

Once you’re established, invest in more advanced certifications to target high-value industries like healthcare, hospitality, and government contracts.

📩 Want expert guidance on building your commercial restoration business?

Contact CATx today—we’ll help you get the right training and certifications to succeed in commercial restoration!

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