RIA is updating and revamping several of its major certification programs, will be introducing online training for technicians and is holding a special event focusing strictly on contents restoration.

2011 Certification Renewal Reminder
RIA certifications run in three-year cycles beginning on January 1 of a given year through December 31 of the third year in the “cycle.”

In June 2011, certificants whose most recent cycle began in January 2009 were emailed their first of three certification renewal invoices, which must be paid prior to year end. Additionally, certificants are required to earn four continuing education credits within their current three-year cycle, and submit the appropriate paperwork to RIA by December 31. To obtain an update on a certificant record, please email certification@restorationindustry.org.

Certification Deadlines Approaching
There is still time to apply for one or more of RIA’s advanced certifications: Certified Restorer (CR), Water Loss SpecialistSM (WLS), and Certified Mold ProfessionalSM (CMP). Deadline for submitting an application for all three certifications is Sept. 1, and each program has specific prerequisites that must be met in order to sit for the exam. Preparation courses and testing will be held throughout October and November.

New Online Water Loss Series
The RIA Basic Water Loss Training Series is intended to educate a company’s staff about the basics of water loss damage. The series is not designed to fully train an individual, but will complement both in-house and certified training programs.

There are eight modules in the series, each focusing on a different aspect of Basic Water Loss. RIA anticipates launching this online basic water loss training in late summer 2011 along with another online training series titled “Restoration Basic Training.” Future online training programs will include Contents Restoration: Science and Theory.

New Event Goes Strictly Contents
RIA has developed a new 400-level learning experience focused specifically on contents restoration. Strictly Contents is a two-day interactive event that will be held at J.C. Restoration, Inc. in Rolling Meadows, Ill., Sept. 15-16.

Author and speaker Peter Crosa, creator of the “Soft Selling Hardened Claims Adjusters” books and workshops, will deliver the keynote presentation. Crosa has extensive experience as a licensed independent adjuster and private investigator and has handled large, complex losses for more than 35 years throughout the U.S. and Latin America.

The event includes specialized tracks for owners and managers, lectures from some of the top contents specialists in the industry, a tour of a contents restoration facility, exhibitors specializing in state-of-the art technology and a behind-the-scenes tour of The Conservation Center.

For more information on these or any other RIA Education opportunities, go to www.restorationindustry.org.