CEDIA Region 1 originally introduced certification in 2003 as a way of improving skills, and as a mark of experience and knowledge. CEDIA Certification is now a mandatory requirement for all UK and Irish CEDIA ESP (Electronic Systems Professional) member companies.
The standard forms part of a global strategy to support and encourage quality in the residential custom install industry. Mandatory certification is also intended to ensure that the CEDIA name remains synonymous with expertise.
Certified status is achieved through success in the CEDIA Installer Level 1, Advanced Installer or Designer Level 1 examinations. CEDIA Certification is valid for a period of three years during which time the individual must obtain 30 CEUs through further training. All courses accredited by CEDIA Region 1 have CEU points attached to them, together with an increasing number of CEDIA Trade Suppliers training sessions.
Matt Nimmons, CEDIA’s operations director, told II: “Since we introduced mandatory certification we have been pleased with the response from the industry – 500 is a great milestone to achieve. Members are embracing the qualification, which gives us a great amount of support, and more importantly new entrants to the industry are aware there’s a quality standard and are keen to become certified.”
