PRESS RELEASE ......Hearth Education Foundation NFI Pellet Certification Available for Hearth Professionals Arlington, VA - The National Fireplace Institute, a national certification agency, will introduce a Pellet Specialist certification beginning March ’03 at the Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association’s EXPO in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the third certification specialty in the NFI program, a program which, in 2002, saw over 750 professionals taking exams in the first two, Gas and Wood burning. There will be two 6-hour review sessions for the Pellet certification as well as for the other two fuel programs at the HPBA EXPO in March. And, there will be opportunities over four days, March 5-8, to take any of the three NFI exams. The NFI conducts nationwide certification testing of hearth professionals in Gas, Wood burning, and now, Pellet fuels. Testing is a multiple choice type exam covering knowledge identified by industry practitioners and experts as fundamental to professional practice in the service and installation of hearth products. This knowledge is covered in the current study manuals available from the HEARTH Education Foundation. Subjects covered in the Pellet exam include standards and instructions, fuel characteristics, combustion, heat transfer, basic construction, safety principles, appliance components and systems, venting and ventilation, installation guidelines, and troubleshooting. Some field experience and basic construction knowledge are recommended as base preparation for successful passing of the exam. “This Pellet Certification rounds out a very thoughtful and thorough program,” says HEARTH Program Director Ben Weathersby, “and I’m pleased with the industry support leading to the completion of the Pellet certification.” The total NFI program represents over three years of planning, surveying, and writing manuals and exams toward development of a respected program conducted in accordance with national testing standards for technical occupations. Those earning NFI status will hold certifications valid for three years. NFI certified professionals have a number of marketing advantages now, including earning a wall certificate, wallet picture ID card, window or truck decals, shirt patches, being the subject of local newspaper articles from supplied press releases, and being listed on the www.nficertified.org site. The NFI logo appears on the HPBA website next to their company’s listing indicating that the firm has certified personnel. “We strongly encourage the voluntary technical credentialing of our professionals,” stresses Sue Kalish, Executive Director of HEARTH. “There has been almost universal enthusiasm for the new manual content developed and updated last year by the HEARTH Education Foundation,” she adds. She continues with a reminder to those holding certifications to use the marketing tools they are sent noting that, by doing so, the consumer will be aware of the respected status. The HEARTH Education Foundation remains the education agency overseeing NFI and produces all of the industry’s reference manuals and training programs. Ms. Kalish suggests that those wishing to enjoy the many benefits of holding NFI status are able to arrange for the NFI exam close to their work or home by calling her office to order a manual or exam application. Call (703) 524-8030 or visit the on-line store at www.nficertified.org. End |