Masonry Magazine May 2007 Page. 21
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MCAA CERTIFICATION
BY MICHAEL ADELIZZI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Our efforts to certify the industry's contractors is a highly welcomed move. Virtually all of the people with whom I've spoken with believe that this program is a strong effort that will ultimately result in the industry's ability to promote quality, while at the same time weeding out those less-than-stellar contractors who have dragged our industry down. Members of the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and non-members alike seem eager to start earning their certification. But there are questions about the specifics of the program. Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions and their answers, which may help you in your efforts toward certification.
Question: Which educational programs count toward my certification?
There are two, mandatory classes that count toward your certification. The Masonry Quality Institute (MQI) is worth 20 points and the Code Seminar is worth 5 points. Beyond these classes, it's up to the contractors to determine their individual core curriculum.
For the remaining certification points necessary, virtually everything else will count: local association educational programs; safety classes, such as the OSHA 10-hour Safety Class, or if the owner participates in MCAA's two-day Foreman Development class, which will count for 20 points. The American Institute of Architects' programs that relate to our industry will count, as well as college courses that have a direct relationship with running a masonry business could potentially count.
Question: Why did you make the MQI program a mandatory program?
MQI educates mason contractors on business relations with our industry's customers. MQI talks about meeting the customer's requirements 100 percent of the time and how to strive for zero punch lists on projects. MQI is the one program that can raise the standard of our industry, which is why we are requiring the course. Also, the customer groups with which we spoke found great interest in the MQI.
Question: When will the MQI program be offered next and where?
By the time this article appears, we will have two programs offered: one in Chicago on May 31 and June 1, and one in New York on June 13 and 14. The fall schedule will be set at a later date. You can visit the MCAA website, located at www.masoncontractors.org, to get updates on future educational program dates and locations.
I urge everyone who is interested in certification to enroll in a program right away to get that requirement completed.
Question: Does the MCAA keep track of my points as I earn them?
No, you will keep your records, but make sure that you have verifiable proof that you took each class. Once you believe that you have achieved the minimum requirements to take the