The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association, The CFI established in October of 1993 as a non-profit association. The Pittsburgh Chapter is the # 7 Chapter, established in the fall of 1994. The CFI, founded to identify individual floorcovering installers according to the skill and knowledge possessed.

 The Installers who apply for certification agree to abide by the manufacturer’s specifications for the installation of the merchandise and to perform the work accordingly. They may be certified in all or one of the five categories of carpet installation. The categories are;

Residential One – Entry level merchandise
Residential Two – The finer materials including the Berbers, patterns and dense cut-pile carpet.
Commercial One - Entry level merchandise
Commercial Two – Patterned and designed carpets, double-glue installations and job layout.
The Master II – Certified in all categories, hand sews a bullnose birdcage, patterned carpet and woven carpet. This is a three-day test.

 All installers are required to be tested on OSHA and EPA standards, diagramming and estimating, oral and written questions concerning specifications and to perform seam construction and the installation of the stair and pattern matching.

 The Certified Installer will sign an agreement that states that the work is guaranteed for a minimum of one year; all recalls are answered in a timely manner, and will agree to abide by the code of ethics, professionalism and attitude of the Certified Floorcovering Installers Association. The CFI Installer will receive a shirt with the logo, an identification card with a photo, a certificate and CFI decals for the van and the toolbox to identify the installer as a certified professional.

 The motto of the CFI, “IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME”, is working throughout the nation as installers have either registered or are certified over the years. The associate, Technical and sales associate membership is growing. Members are worldwide.

 Since organizing in 1993 we have added certification for Resilient, Wood and Ceramic.

 Retailers, manufacturers and distributors have supported the CFI since the beginning stages and agree that a difference is taking place following certification. The professional installer has found the CFI to be the “tool” that identifies the quality-minded craftsperson.

 The Associate Membership is open to all involved in the floorcovering industry. The Certified Membership is available to all installers who successfully pass the testing and agree to abide by the CFI agreement.

 The testing now involves the installation of carpet but has expanded to other surfaces (Resilient, Wood and Ceramic). The CFI is a main force for the carpet installation trade throughout the country.

 Since organizing in November of 1993, the CFI has:

 Achieved the ASID designation in the “Materials and Components of Interior Design”, the interior design handbook published by Prentice Hall which is used extensively for training in colleges and the ASID program. The ASID is recommending that the services of CFI Installers be used when available.

 CFI Installers are now required to install carpet in the school districts of Florida and Maryland, in several school districts in the state of Missouri and Kansas and the CFI is now listed with numerous architectural firms who are recommending the CFI installer.

 The CFI has conducted numerous certifications and the calendar is full. Only an Installer who has been certified a minimum of four categories can perform the testing of another individual. The certified members have donated an abundance of hours to the task of promoting the organization across the United States.

 The CFI is recognized by members of the Press as an organization that is attempting to make a difference in the manner in which the individual qualified installer is perceived.

 Since the beginning of the organization in Kansas City, Missouri the chapters have grown to 41 around the country. The original chapters were formed as a way for the installer, manufacturer, retailer and distributor members of the local community to inform and provide education for the installation workforce.

 The first educational Convention was held in Kansas City in August of 1994 and was well attended by 164 members of the industry. The theme, “TO EARN MORE,  LEARN MORE.” Last year convention #15, 2008 theme was “YOU ARE A CFI VIP! VERY IMPORTANT PIECE”. The benefit of being around experienced installers is valuable. Hope you will be part of the CFI Family! 



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