Report of the MCAA Certification Committee

Words: Danks Burton

Certification Program

The Certification Committee met via conference call on November 18, 2015. The Certification Committee was tasked by the Board to determine the feasibility of continuing the Certification Program. The Committee was unanimous in the decision to recommend continuing the program. With twenty-seven companies having reached certification and another seventy currently pursuing certification, we felt the program should not be abandoned. We should continue to offer certification to companies that attain all the required education courses.

Additional Credentialing

The Certification Committee is currently developing individual certifications on subjects pertaining to flashing, grouting, Storm Shelter construction, and the new and improved MQI.

Storm Shelter Credential Development

The MCAA is working to develop a Storm Shelter Credential Program through a grant from the NCMA Foundation. The course will have five components to it:
  • Drilling and Epoxies (To be completed by March 31, 2016)
  • Proper Rebar Placement (To be completed by March 31, 2016)
  • Masonry Grouting (To be completed by January 15, 2016)
  • Roof Connections (To be completed by March 31, 2016)
  • Overview (To be completed by March 31, 2016)
When complete, the attendee would receive the credential. We are currently coordinating with the individuals writing and developing the components of the program. The video production completion date is two months after the program is first presented.
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More