NARI Certifications

Why Certify?

A certification identifies you as a dedicated professional and acknowledges your personal achievements, improves your level of practice and highlights you as an industry leader.

NARI’s certification is also a powerful marketing tool, providing clients with assurance that they’re choosing expert professionals with not only years of experience and a commitment to ethical conduct, but also a dedication to ongoing training.

Check out NARI Atlanta's Certified Professionals.

Consumers view certified individuals as:
  • Better trained
  • More highly skilled
  • More professional
  • More reliable
  • More ethical
  • More knowledgeable, with up-to-date information on the latest tools, trends, techniques and materials
  • Quality-oriented with a sense of pride in his/her work
How does a remodeling contractor become certified?
  1. Receive an acceptable review by the NARI Certification Board by providing an outline detailing their hands-on experience, industry training, involvement in continuing education, technical skills, practices in business management, as well as association and community service.
  2. Commit to intensive study on a broad range of critical home improvement industry issues. Most certification candidates participate in a formal study group and spend eight to twelve weeks studying in preparation for a written exam.
  3. Successfully complete a comprehensive written examination covering critical subject areas such as sound business management practices, knowledge of building codes and construction law, plans and specification, proper and safe use of tools and equipment, safety, standards of practice, math, and several special skill areas. Once awarded their certification, NARI certified remodeling professionals must meet annual recertification requirements involving continuing education and participation in industry-related programs.
Types of certifications offered by NARI:
  • CR/CRS/CRA (Certified Remodeler, Certified Remodeler Specialist, Certified Remodeler Associate)
  • MCR (Master Certified Remodeler)
  • CKBR (Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler)
  • MCKBR (Master Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler)
  • CLC (Certified Lead Carpenter)
  • CRPM (Certified Remodeling Project Manager)
  • UDCP (Universal Design Certified Professional)

Need CEUs?

NARI has a library of on-demand webinars that can be viewed at your leisure. Visit NARI.org/learning to see a list of webinars.

NARI also has partnered with a variety of online providers and tradeshows to help NARI members stay current and gain CEUs. Click here for a list of outside providers.

Master Certified Remodeler (MCR)/ Master Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (MCKBR)

This designation recognizes Certified Remodelers/Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers that have demonstrated commitment to the remodeling industry through support of their local chapter, NARI National, and/or their local community. The MCR/MCKBR identifies Certified Remodelers/Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers that have withstood the test of time and continue to be successful within the industry.

To qualify for the MCR/MCKBR designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

  • Hold the Certified Remodeler/Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler designation for a minimum of ten consecutive years
  • Hold another NARI Certification (CR, CKBR, GCP, CRPM, CLC or UDCP)
  • Adhere to NARI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
  • Must have been involved with their local NARI Chapter (committee, board member, or officer) and/ or involvement as a leader in their local community (city council member, school board, church officer, etc.)
  • Must submit a letter of recommendation from their chapter executive or chapter president or three letters of recommendation from recent clients
  • Successfully complete a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
  • Submit all required application materials and fees
Certified Remodeler (CR)

NARI Certified Remodelers (CRs) are professional remodelers who provide a full range of remodeling services. To become a CR, candidates must possess skill and knowledge in a broad range of business management and technical skill areas.

To qualify for the CR designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

  • Be employed by or own a firm that derives at least 90% of its sales volume through remodeling work
  • Adhere to NARI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
  • Have a minimum of five years continuous experience in the remodeling industry
  • Completed 16 hours of continuing education
  • Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
  • Successfully complete a one-day written examination addressing 20 knowledge areas related to general remodeling practices and business
  • Submit all required application materials and fees
Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS)

NARI Certified Remodeler Specialists (CRSs) are professional remodelers who focus on specific type of work and serve the needs of homeowners interested in their area of technical excellence, such as concrete and masonry work, electrical work, insulation, mechanical systems, plumbing systems, and roofing and siding.

To qualify for a CRS, applicants must meet the same requirements as a CR.

Certified Remodeler Associate (CRA)

NARI Certified Remodeler Associates (CRAs) actively support the remodeling industry in professions such as architects, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants.

To qualify for a CRA, applicants must meet the same requirements as a CR.

Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR)

NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers (CKBRs) provide remodeling services specific to kitchens and bathrooms. To become a CKBR, candidates must possess skills and knowledge focused on the requirement of materials, layout, and installation of kitchens and bathrooms.

To qualify for the CKBR designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

  • Be employed by or own a firm engaged in remodeling kitchens and bathrooms
  • Adhere to NARI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
  • Have a minimum of five years continuous experience in the remodeling industry
  • Have completed 4 kitchens and/or bathrooms per year
  • Completed 16 hours of continuing education
  • Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
  • Successfully complete a one-day written examination on business, construction, and remodeling practices related to kitchen and bathrooms
  • Submit all required application materials and fees
Certified Remodeling Project Manager (CRPM)

NARI Certified Remodeling Project Managers (CRPMs) are the field personnel who oversee every aspect of the project: customer satisfaction, personnel management, administration, etc. while working on the project or projects.

To qualify for the CRPM designation, applicants must meet the following:

  • Be employed by or own a firm primarily engaged in remodeling that operates in compliance with the NARI Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
  • Completed at least 16 hours of continuing education directly related to developing project management skills and knowledge or be enrolled in the NARI CRPM education program.
  • Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
  • Two (2) years continuous experience in the remodeling industry (any role) AND one (1) year as a remodeling project manager.
  • Receive NARI’s approval of the application
  • Successfully complete a written examination (in one sitting) that covers the six CRPM knowledge domains: project planning, communications, project cost management, quality assurance, recordkeeping, and risk management.
Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP)

NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals are recognized as experienced remodelers with skills and knowledge in all aspects of universal design and remodeling.

  • Be primarily engaged in remodeling.
  • Have a minimum of two years continuous experience in the remodeling industry
  • Adhere to NARI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
  • Completed a minimum of 8 hours of universal design remodeling/building-related education or be enrolled in the NARI Universal Design course.
  • Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
  • Successfully complete a written examination addressing knowledge areas related to universal design fundamentals, client needs assessments, project design, construction techniques, electrical systems, plumbing systems and exterior universal design considerations.
  • Submit all required application materials and fees.
Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC)

NARI Certified Lead Carpenters (CLCs) are the hands-on field personnel who oversee every aspect of the project: customer satisfaction, personnel management, administration, etc. while working on the project.

To qualify for the CLC designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

  • Have a minimum of five years continuous practice in the remodeling industry, with at least two of those years as a lead carpenter - defined as a remodeling professional who is involved in tasks and has responsibilities beyond the technical production aspects of a project; he or she is responsible for customer contact and communication, supervision of subcontractors and employees, managing the job site, scheduling, and safety issues
  • Adhere to NARI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
  • Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
  • Successfully complete a half-day written examination on pre-construction issues, technical knowledge, and special skills (people and job management)
  • Submit all required application materials and fees
  • Taking appropriate action to preserve the health and safety of employees, trade contractors and clients.

It's no wonder homeowners feel more comfortable relying on remodeling contractors who have earned NARI certification.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only national association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. NARI's focus is on professional conduct, continuing education and training, and fair and ethical treatment within the home improvement industry. NARI certification of professional remodeling contractors serves as the association's recognition of remodeling professionals who have met stringent criteria for experience and pledged a commitment to the highest standards of practice and to NARI's Code of Ethics.

Among the factors NARI encourages homeowners to consider when selecting a remodeling contractor, in addition to NARI certification, is an assessment of and satisfaction with the remodeling contractor's workmanship, reputation and integrity, durability of materials used, and equipment. Before hiring any home improvement contractor, homeowners are urged to check references and if possible, visit and inspect similar projects that he or she has completed.