The janitorial field offers professional certifications for businesses and individuals. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most employees do not need specialized education, but those who obtain certificates may advance to supervisory or management positions within companies. Janitorial business owners may seek general certification or certification in specific areas such as green cleaning.

Learn about your various certification options. Consider the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification from ISSA, one of three certifications from the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA), or several certification choices available from the National Association of Certified Building Contractors (NACBC). Supervisors, managers and those aspiring to such positions should examine options such as Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH) and Registered Executive Housekeeper (REH) offered by the International Executive Housekeepers Association.

Familiarize yourself with the requirements for certification from the major certifying organizations in the janitorial cleaning services industry. Some requirements pertain to individuals within the business while other certifications apply to the company at large. Requirements vary depending on the certification sought and may include educational level, on-site inspection, online courses, examinations and different renewal procedures.

Study for exams or take courses as applicable to the certification you have chosen. For instance, IJSCA offers online certification courses, while NACBC requires candidates to purchase course materials and study independently. ISSA offers an on-site evaluation. Visit http://www.issa.com to review requirements to pass this inspection.

Pass examinations or complete on-site assessments as required for certification. Most examinations can be retaken if the passing score is not met, though additional fees may apply. ISSA's on-site evaluation involves a preliminary review to determine areas needing improvement before the official inspection date.

Tip

Be prepared to pay fees associated with certification. Some organizations do not request fees outright, but require candidates to pay for courses or purchase study materials.

Tip

Consider location when choosing a certification course or seminar. Those offered online provide the most convenient options for both business owners and employees.

Warning

Understand that janitorial business certifications are fairly new options, so no single certifying body or agency exists. Program quality and requirements vary widely. Networking with individuals in the janitorial cleaning services industry remains the best method of finding high-quality, well-respected programs and certifications.

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References

Tips

  • Be prepared to pay fees associated with certification. Some organizations do not request fees outright, but require candidates to pay for courses or purchase study materials.
  • Consider location when choosing a certification course or seminar. Those offered online provide the most convenient options for both business owners and employees.

Warnings

  • Understand that janitorial business certifications are fairly new options, so no single certifying body or agency exists. Program quality and requirements vary widely. Networking with individuals in the janitorial cleaning services industry remains the best method of finding high-quality, well-respected programs and certifications.

Writer Bio

Kristin Urbauer has been freelance writing since 2009 when she began publishing work for various websites. She enjoys writing on a variety of topics including children, education, gardening, pets, mental health and alternative medicine. She attended the University of Nebraska where she majored in English.