In this age of increased competition, customers are seeking credentials that recognize knowledge and experience. This designation gives you and your company a "competitive edge". It is also recognized with respect by other floor covering industry individuals. After successfully completing the program, you can use your certification designation on business cards, stationery and in company brochures and proposals-wherever your name appears.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Certification requires:

• be a floor covering business owner, manager or industry executive
• minimum of three years in the floor covering industry
• two written professional references
• subscribe to "Code of Conduct"
• completed at least 50 hours of professional development seminars and workshops during the five years prior to certification application.
• pass the CFE certification examination

Getting your WFCA Certified Flooring Executive (CFE) designation is a four-step process:

1. Complete the Certification Application Package and submit it to WFCA Certification Headquarters with your initial application fee of $99 (WFCA members) and $150 (non-WFCA members). The application remains valid for a period of one year, during which the remaining steps in the process must be completed.

2. Complete the Competency Rating Form (in application package) that includes work experience and professional development programs you have participated in during the past five years. You must have completed a minimum of 50 classroom hours of seminar, institute, educational or conference business training sessions to be eligible for the CFE designation.

The Competency Rating Form is a résumé of professional development and work experience including how past training was applied to the job. This evidence of professional participation in the floor covering industry is designed to provide an assessment of professional activities and industry experience as documented by you. Upon review of your completed Competency Rating Form at WFCA Certification Headquarters, additional documentation may be requested to substantiate any information you provide.

3. Competency Demonstration. An examination containing questions pertaining to the operation of a business must be taken and passed. The examination has three sections covering ten areas of competency listed in the application packet. Section 1: Managing (25%); Section 2: Marketing (25%); and, Section 3: Problem Solving (50%). The examination fee of $40 (WFCA members) and $70 (non-WFCA members) is due prior to taking the exam. For information on testing opportunities call 800-624-6880.
4. Designation Award. Upon successfully completing certification you will receive a designation certificate, a personalized certification wall plaque, lapel pin, sample business card and a media press release to promote yourself as a certified professional.

Your enrollment in the WFCA Designation Program-and any information you provide on your application-is kept confidential.

Other policies and processes:

• Re-Certification. The WFCA certification is valid for three years. To maintain the credential, you must re-certify at the end of that period. Re-certification will require documenting at least 15 hours of approved professional development related to the floor covering industry and a payment of a renewal fee of $50. Renewal will be for a three-year period. Certified professionals will receive information concerning their renewal six months before the expiration of their certification.
• Grandfathering. On a case-by-case basis, and at the discretion of the WFCA, those individuals who have been in the floor covering industry more than 15 years, have added to the body of industry knowledge, and participated in community advocacy may be eligible to have the certification examin ation waived.

Achieving this mark of industry distinction is well within your reach. A small personal investment NOW can create greater success and rewards for you in the future.

For more information please call 800-624-6880.

Click here to download a listing of Certified Flooring Executives,Professionals and Sales Consultants.