Armstrong Floor Products, INSTALL and INSTALL’s curriculum provider, the Carpenters International Training Fund (CITF) are partnering to present a joint certification for commercial resilient flooring installation.

The three parties finalized an agreement to mutually recognize the CITF and Armstrong training for certification purposes. Specifically, the CITF resilient certification test, which tests INSTALL professionals for proficiency in this skill, is now recognized as an Armstrong certification test as well. Armstrong, as one of INSTALL’s original partners, supports the concept of a comprehensive, in-depth training program with stringent national standards.

“By promoting the INSTALL program, we hope to bring this training and expertise to an even larger contractor audience. In this way, we can promote and advance minimum industry standards for quality installation, which benefits our entire industry,” said Tim Rawlins, manager, new product development, installation services, Armstrong.

These specially certified professionals also will have access to the INSTALL marketing program and will have earned all the benefits of the Armstrong Certified Installer Program.

As part of the arrangement, each company will continue to conduct all of its own proprietary training and educational programs as before.  Only the standards for qualification and testing will be accepted by both Armstrong and INSTALL. Successful candidates can earn an INSTALL/Armstrong Commercial Resilient Flooring Installation Certification.

“Armstrong benefits from this agreement by getting its certification training into the INSTALL alliance. INSTALL contractors benefit from the plan through a workforce trained not only by the CITF, but also by Armstrong’s professional training network,” said Tim Provence, installation & technical services manager-west region.

Armstrong alone boasts more than 80 years of quality instruction, knowledgeable teaching staff and continued leadership in development of new installation methods and procedures across flooring categories.  The Armstrong Installation Training Network (A.I.T.N.) – the industry’s oldest network, founded in 1923 – will certify approximately 1,100 installers this year alone in the commercial resilient category. 

To help ensure customer confidence, installers certified by Armstrong receive up to $2,500 in material cost for Armstrong branded linoleum and commercial sheet flooring and installation products to correct workmanship error.

“What this means is that should an Armstrong commercial flat lay flooring job fail after being installed by an INSTALL, CITF-Armstrong Certified Installer, Armstrong will provide up to $2,500 in materials to repair or replace the project, and the certified installer contractor will supply all labor,” explained Rawlins.     

“There is tremendous benefit in not recreating the wheel, but rather partnering with the experts, in this case Armstrong, to expose our INSTALL contractors and flooring professionals to a comprehensive program. This is clearly a win-win for all involved, especially the customer, who will get excellent work by a contractor using INSTALL/Armstrong certified flooring professionals,” said John McGrath, director of INSTALL.

For more information, contact your local Armstrong distributor or call 1-877-ARMSTRONG and follow the prompts for the Armstrong Installation School, and visit www.floorexpert.com for installer-specific product and maintenance information for both commercial and residential flooring.