Columbia, MD – Restoration Industry Association (RIA) certificants holding the Certified Restorer(CR) and Water Loss Specialist (WLS) certification have joined an elite group of professionals recognized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Center for Healthy Homes (NCHH) as being among the top industry professionals to help Americans maintain safe and healthy homes.

The new database, managed by NCHH and commissioned by HUD’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, involved reviewing the credentials of more than 80 different certification programs. RIA’s WLS and CR certificants are among the 22 certification/credential programs selected for the public resource. The individuals holding the credentials will be included in a website (www.hhcontractors.org) designed to help consumers make informed decisions when considering a contractor or consultant to help resolve any healthy home issues.

“RIA’s certificants who hold the Water Loss Specialist and Certified Restorer certifications are in excellent company with this program and it demonstrates the importance of becoming certified through RIA,” said Cynthia Hereth, RIA’s director of training and certification.