Anthony Palandro, instructor for NALFA Installer Certification School

The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) has launched the NALFA Installer Certification School for 2009.  The comprehensive training curriculum covers all aspects of a quality laminate installation and will give the attendees the skills necessary to perform installations to high standards and craftsmanship in the field.

“Being certified by the only trade association dedicated solely to the laminate flooring industry is beneficial to both dealers and installers,” says E.C. “Bill” Dearing, president of NALFA.  “Dealers can feel confident that their installers have the expertise necessary to do quality laminate installations, thereby reducing claims and resulting in satisfied customers.  Installers get direct access to laminate manufacturers’ technical experts, so they are kept current on latest industry information, and they are given a NALFA Installer card which can translate into a competitive advantage for their services.” 

Each Installer Certification session lasts two days and classes are available at 10 different times and locations throughout the year.  Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.  Classes will be held on the East and West coasts, and exact locations are being finalized.  Classes will be offered on the following dates:

•    February 23, 24

•    March 23, 24

•    April 20, 21

•    May 25, 26

•    June 22, 23

•    July 20, 21

•    Aug 24, 25

•    September 21, 22

•    October 26, 27

•    November 23, 24

Topics covered include: what is laminate, HPL and DPL, types and joints, abrasion class and wear class, job site evaluation, floor preparation, wood sub-floors, concrete sub-floors, moisture meters, acclimation, safety issues and emergency procedures, insurance, using manufacturer instructions, measuring and balancing, installation direction, sub-floor issues, special areas, correcting errors, measurement and estimation, installation techniques, board replacement, floor removal and cleaning.  

The NALFA Installer Certification School is designed for individuals with at least two years of experience as a flooring installer. The topics and techniques covered in the course require a level of competence and understanding that requires field experience as an installer. 

The cost of registering and attending the NALFA Installer Certification School is $450 per person for NALFA members and $500 per person for non-members.  The registration fee includes all the necessary instructional materials, use of on-site tools and materials, meals, a NALFA Installer Certification certificate and use of the associated logo and marketing materials.  In addition there is an annual renewal fee for certified installers of $100. This guarantees that NALFA-certified installers receive constantly updated information from NALFA members regarding the latest products, tools and techniques in the laminate flooring industry.

To learn more, visit the NALFA booth #123 at Surfaces 2009.  To register or for more information, please call (202) 785-9500.