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Significant changes within the indoor air quality (IAQ) industry have brought about a new level of training and certification for industry professionals. The three leading national trade ssociations involved with the IAQ industry recently combined forces. The unification of the indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQ), and Indoor
Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) brings together over 5,500 professionals who are the premier experts called upon by industry and the general public.

One of the most dramatic changes brought about by the union of the organizations is the change to theeducation and certification programs. IAQA is now responsible for all training and education programs, and AmIAQ is the recommended and endorsed certification body for IAQA members. The prestigious Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) recently accredited the AmIAQ Councilcertified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) designation. IAQA conducts Indoor Environmental Quality education courses that prepare candidates seeking AmIAQ certification. This accreditation of the certification program, and the separation of training from certification, is unique amongst all organizations that specifically deal with IAQ issues.

“The goal to have a clear separation between training and certification is accomplished,” said Joe Hughes, chairman of IAQA’s Education Committee. This new position for IAQA brings an unsurpassed level of professionalism and credibility that will further the certified members’ abilities to accurately and effectively provide services to the public.

Three major educational and certification tracks are either online or in the final stages of consolidation. They include Indoor Environmental Quality Consulting, Microbial consulting/Investigation, and Microbial Remediation. Highly qualified trainers offer these courses across the country to bring this important training directly to those IAQ professionals that aspire to reach the highest level of professionalism in their respective fields. More than 100 IAQA education courses are scheduled in 2006. “The training tracks are the most professional that I have seen and will surely benefit not only the IAQ professionals involved but also any person or company faced with preventing, investigating, or mitigating an IAQ problem,” said Glenn Fellman, executive director of IAQA.

IAQ professionals and those involved with hiring professionals to handle IAQ situations can learn more about the training, certification, and what professional designations to look for by visiting www.iaqa.org.

About IAQA
The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) was established in 1995 to promote uniform standards,
procedures and protocols in the Indoor Air Quality industry. IAQA is the nation’s largest IAQ trade association with over 5,500 members and 41 local chapters. The association is a non-profit, 501(c)(6) organization.