CFI Flooring Installer Programs

All attendees receive a certificate of completion from the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association [CFI]. Installers who complete requirements of the Installation Certification Carpet Course are awarded the R-I, C-I, R-II or C-II completed certification. Installers who complete the requirements of the Hard Surface Workshop quality for the CFI Certified Hard Surface Installer. For some courses, the manufacturer also offers a certification test.

Customer Service - The "People Skills" that achieve Customer Satisfaction

• Preparing to be the BEST
• Attitudes and responsibilities that make the difference
• The steps to the goal of achieving the ultimate in customer satisfaction

Concentrated hands-on, skills training and knowledge for the entry-level flooring installers with certification awarded if the requirements of this level are achieved and installers pass the written test.  Assistance is given and all skills are assessed and new ideas offered to achieve satisfaction and pride.

Entry level and advanced installation certification.  No assistance is provided other than the Advanced CFI Study Guide.  However, courses are available at the hosting site to prepare the installers for this test.  It is a two-day course, but has been shortened to 1-day for those who do not have the additional time. All of the materials are not covered in the one-day course.  However, courses can be developed online that would assist in successful completion of the course.

• Addresses preparation, installation and problem solving techniques - 1 day
• CFI has prepared the CFI Proven Methods of Installation for Direct-Glue by which the workshop is structured.

• Addresses preparation, installation and problem solving techniques – 1 day
• CFI has prepared the CFI Proven Methods of Installation for Double-Glue by which the workshop is structured

• Addresses preparation, installation and problem solving techniques – 1 day
• CFI has prepared the CFI Proven Methods of Stretch-in Installation by which the workshop is structured

The CFI Skills Workshop is a “working” event to introduce new techniques and tools for the installation of woven and patterned carpets and techniques to provide solutions should problems occur in the field. 

PROGRAM INCLUDES

• Importance of Customer Satisfaction
• CFI and the Patterned Carpet Installation Professional Introduction
• Identification and Characteristics of the Weaves – Axminster, Velvet, Wilton
• Backing Identification
• Patterned – Woven Carpets – Commercial Setting – Direct Glue - Attached Cushion Commercial
• Type of Pattern – Importance of the Pattern Count – Understanding Terminology
• Seam Construction – Matching Tolerant and Deviant Patterns
• Pattern Tolerances - Hook Consideration and Pattern Loss
• Powerstretching and Wall Trimmer Installation Techniques – Stretch-In
• Tools – Deadman, Restretcher, Cottonhead, Dry Line, Square
• Installation of Patterns over Cushion - Installation of Woven Patterns
• Addresses preparation, installation and problem solving techniques for woven carpets
• Hand Sewing Techniques

• Stair upholstery without the use of staples – a “painted on” stair
• Methods to upholster all types of stair applications

All hard-surface courses address:

• The characteristics of the various types of flooring.
• Job-site evaluation
• Preparation Importance of substrate acceptable for flooring
• Subfloors, grades – on, above, below
• Effect of moisture and testing procedures - Acclimation
• Maintaining properly controlled installation environment
• Proper handling of materials - Tools
• Following manufacturer’s installation and supplier guidelines
• Estimating and proper planning
• Cleanup - Maintenance

Certification includes knowledge of installation and product use

• Various types of manufactured materials with different fastening systems are addressed
• Technical handouts provided for future reference –
• Use of manufacturer’s recommended installation supplies
• Types of laminate floors –
• Specific installation properties and characteristics for each type of flooring
• Glue vs. Click - Adhesives
• Plank-lay direction - Startup and row stagger
• Room size – Spacers - Silicone sealant
• Stairs - Transition systems - Expansion issues - Board repair
• Armstrong Certification available

 Hard Surface Certification includes knowledge of installation and product use

• Classroom and demonstrations with product provided by several different manufacturers
• Properties and characteristics of tile vs. stone 
• Setting materials
• Substrate preparation
• Deflection
• Balancing floors
• Backerboards
• Membrane systems
• Estimating and layout
• Radiant systems
• Tools required
• Demonstration of installation techniques

• The course provides the opportunity to understand an installation from start to finish.  TCNA and ANSI guidelines are covered. 

              CTEF Certification – additional $50.00

• Demonstration of installation techniques

The course provides the opportunity to understand an installation from start to finish.  TCNA and ANSI guidelines are covered. 

Certification includes knowledge of installation and product use

• Classroom and demonstrations of pre-finished hardwoods presented with various types of manufactured products
• Nail-down, glue-down and floating floor installations
• Re-coating
• Transitions – two parts
• Balancing floors
• Properties and characteristics of unfinished and pre-finished floors (solid -types of cuts- plain, quarter sawn, rift sawn)
• Strip and plank
• Engineered and parquet
• Janka hardness
• Cork and bamboo
• Factory finishes (UV-cured, acrylic impregnated, ceramic and aluminum oxide)
• Nail-down, staples and cleats
• Radiant systems.
• Installation of floating and direct-glue installations

NWFA Online Certification – additional $50.00