The following is a summary of the requirements and obligations of Certified Inspector after certification and also the functions performed by a certified inspector. This sketch is neither designed to be an extensive exposition on conducting inspections, nor a complete analysis of "who a certified inspector is."

The purpose of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC) in certifying inspectors is to insure that the inspector possesses the knowledge and skills necessary in presenting all pertinent and necessary information to the client/customer to reach a decision.

PREREQUISITES
In order for a person to take the IICRC Certified Inspector certification program one must have completed the carpet cleaning and Repair and Reinstallation technician courses Regardless if the path to certification is through manufacturing, cleaning, retail or installation, that person is required to complete these two courses.

REQUISITE
In order to become IICRC certified as a Certified Inspector one must take the IICRC approved Certified Inspector course and pass test #801. The course covers 6 days. Day one reviews the carpet cleaning technician course and the sixth day consists of a review and an open book, 1 hour exam.

The probationary period extends one year, during which time an inspector must present 10 inspections to the IICRC for review. The probationary period terminates upon reception of satisfactory notice from the evaluation team of the IICRC. At that time the inspector may proclaim himself as "Practicing" or " Credentialed." If "Practicing," he pays $80.00 per year, and if "Credentialed" $40.00 per year. If "Practicing," one will be listed in the Official Green Book Registry and on the 800 number Consumer Help Line. After the probationary period you must continue with the continuing education credits and pay annual dues to the IICRC in order to remain certified. There is no longer a need to produce a specific, or for that matter, any number of inspections, after the probationary period unless requested by the IICRC.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CEC)    
Certified Inspector, because of frequent changes and progress in carpet fiber, yarn, dye, manufacturing, finishing and related technologies, must attain 2 continuing education credits (CEC) every two years.
   
That two year requirement commences after the probationary period. The inspectors must re-attend one or more of the following IICRC approved schools or workshops:
a) IICRC approved carpet inspector school. For this school you receive 2 CEC'S.
b) "Inspector Update" workshop. For this school you receive 1 CEC.
   
A continuing education credit (CEC) is earned at the rate of 1 CEC per seven hours of classroom instruction. A 1/2 credit may be earned for half day workshops.
    
The following are areas of expertise in which an inspector ought to be constantly increasing his knowledge and skill:

• Carpet construction
• Spinning, dyeing and heat setting of fibers
• Actual and potential defects
• Explicit and implicit warranties
• Padding performance
• Installation procedures
• Appropriate application of adhesives
• Correct cleaning and maintenance methods
• Laboratory testing procedures
• Investigation process that will determine cause
• Problem analysis and solution
• Writing accurate, objective and informative reports

Additional reading of trade publications and attending seminars should keep the independent inspector current with industry trends and changes.

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ROLE AND FUNCTION OF THE INSPECTOR

The role and function of the carpet inspector is to investigate and determine the causes of a complaint that has been filed. His role is to gather only the facts surrounding the claim. He must be able to determine the specific cause of the problem in each case.
    
Following inspection investigating, a report written in an accurate, objective and informative manner is delivered to the commissioning party. Credibility and integrity of the inspector inspires the client to produce the final decision on the claim settlement.

This is the recommended report format advised by the IICRC:

• Statement of the problem
• Detailed physical description
• Claims history
• Testing
• Applied industry standards
• Conclusions
• Identification of the responsible party
• Recommendation (* Summary of corrections)
• Confidential information

THE CURRENT SITUATION

Many carpet manufacturers do not have enough claims personnel to actively inspect each complaint received. Therefore, mills are turning to the independent inspector to fill the void.
Frequently, neither dealers, distributors nor consumers are familiar with the variety of defects, improper installation or warranties involved in a claim. More and more these people are looking to the expert witness - inspector - who can explain how and why.

As of March 31, 1996 in the United States there were 271 IICRC Certified Inspectors. Of these there are 49 credentialed and 222 practicing. Canada has 9 IICRC Certified Inspectors classified as practicing. There are several reasons for this very low number, the following are but a few reasons:

• not passing the exam #801
• not presenting 10 inspections during the probationary period
• presenting 1 0 inspections that when received were graded unsatisfactory
• not continuing their CEC

Without question the need for Certified Inspectors is enormous.
Most carpet problems occur within the first two years when carpet value is highest.

*USAGE PERIOD	REMAINING VALUE
First 90 days	100 %
91 days to 1 year	80 %
within the 2nd year	60 %
within the 3nd year	40 %
within the 4nd year	20 %
within the 4nd year	10%
after 5 years	0 %

The need for inspectors is great, the number of practicing inspectors is very low (222), the claim amounts are substantial, they are about $300,000,000 a year. The possibility of building a successful inspection business is very good.

The following is neither pro forma nor exact. It is solely a general statement, a suggestion. Accept for the moment that the average inspection would bring you $125.00 (exclude other income from travel etc.)

INSPECTIONS PER WEEK	WEEKLY INCOME	MONTHLY INCOME	ANNUAL INCOME
3	$ 375.00	$ 1500.00	$ 18,000.00
(1 PER DAY)	$ 625.00	$ 2,500.00	$ 30,000.00
10 (2 PER DAY)	$ 1,500.00	$ 6,000.00	$ 72,000.00
15 (3 PER DAY)	$ 1,875.00	$ 7,500.00	$ 90,000.00

The above 3 inspections per week or 5 inspections per week could be added income to your current salary until you successfully establish your inspection business on a full time basis.  When marketing your carpet inspection skills, as a Certified Inspector, recall that the independent carpet inspector is called upon by carpet mills, distributors, dealers, installation companies, contractors and consumers. The professional, well educated independent inspector provides an valuable service to the floorcovering industry. The volume of carpet sales are increasing yearly, the amount of carpet claims also are increasing. With their impartial evaluations, independent carpet inspectors have the possibility of building a very successful and lucrative business.

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Senior Inspector Course Outline
 

Maintenance - One Day
This full day of study is designed to bring those not familiar with cleaning technology on a par with those from the maintenance field. Topics include pH and Polarity, Soil and Cleaning Theory, Chemistry of Cleaning, Topical Treatments, Spotting Theory, Bleaches and Strippers, Cleaning Systems and Methods.

Certified Inspector - Five Days
The IICRC Certification for Certified Inspector is internationally respected and the IICRC Registry (Green Book) and 800 number are promoted throughout the industry. This intense comprehensive seminar leads to one of the most prestigious credentials in the industry. You will leave this course prepared to handle any type of carpet inspection. Includes all study materials and tours, the Academy of Textiles and Flooring 400 plus page inspection and Claims Handling Manual, 30 other books and publications and administration of the IICRC tests.

Certified Update - Three Days
A must for Senior Inspectors who have not attended this school. These three days go beyond your previous school experiences and include the latest information on current inspection problems. There is a major segment on inspection report writing along with the new CRI responsibility guidelines, vinyl backings, adhesive technology, and litigation preparation are just a few of the important new areas covered. Senior update students will also take the mill and laboratory tour and receive the 400 plus page Inspection and Claims Handling Manual.

Mill and Laboratory Tour - One Day
After a briefing, students spend the morning in an NVLAP (National Voluntary Laboratory Accredation Program) Certified laboratory reviewing testing procedures. Actual samples of numerous carpet problems and in-process test makes this one of the most popular parts of the class. After a no host lunch we tour an integrated carpet mill. Included are a number of the most sophisticated computerized tufing machines and all types of dyeing.