ABOUT
CFI
Beginnings
CFI was founded in November of 1993 by eleven installers who committed their time and
talent to promote quality floor covering installation. As of 1999, over 500 Certifications
have been conducted across the nation by a volunteer effort that began with this group.
Still
Growing
The CFI continues to grow at an unbelievable pace from Montana to North Carolina to
Maine to California. The total membership is now more than 10,000. Over 85 Certifications
will be conducted during 2000. A record Certification was held in New Jersey, which was
sponsored by four Distributors with 176 attendees. Carpet One is sponsoring
Certifications, the LD Brinkman Company has selected CFI as the LD Brinkman University and
Mohawk Industries and DuPont are co-sponsoring Certifications throughout the nation
promoting CFI Certified Installers. There are 35 Chapters with new ones forming. The
Chapters provide a source for continuing education and sharing of ideas between
professional Installers.
Educational
Courses
The CFI Technical Certification began in Dalton, Georgia over six years ago and is
available to all in the Industry who are not Installers and are seeking information that
will assist them in working with installers and their customers to resolve problems. This
involves attending the Installation Seminar, taking the same tests as the Certified
Installers and constructing seams to better understand what is involved in quality
installation. The 2000 Tech Conference is scheduled September 22-23. The CFI
conducts Inspector and Estimator Courses, which focus on installation. Those who
successfully pass the tests are included in the CFI Directory.
Quality
Installers
Many in the architectural community have selected CFI craftspeople as their choice to
provide quality installation to their clients. Carpet Manufacturers such as
Axminster Carpet, Barrett, Beaulieu, Burtco, Carriage, Couristan, Constantine, Collins
& Aikman, Columbus, Coronet, Durkan, Gulistan, J. P. Stevens, Karastan, Lotus, Louis
de Poortere, Masland, Milliken, Monterey, Mohawk, Queen, Patcraft, Shaw Industries,
Stanton, and Wools of New Zealand are recommending CFI Installers to their Retailers. Many
are using the CFI Installers to inspect and to provide customer satisfaction when problems
arise. AMOCO, Carpet One, Home Depot, DuPont, Dow Chemical, Allied, Latter Day Saints
Church, Synthetic Industries, Solutia, U. S. Government facilities, numerous school
districts, city, state and federal facilities and retailers nationwide are recommending
and using the CFI Installers.
Directory
The CFI celebrates seven years of continuous training and Certification in October of
2000. The sixth printing of the CFI Directory lists all Certified Installers, Associate
Members and Technically Certified Member. This valuable tool assists the industry
representatives in locating qualified Installers and is available only to the membership.
Certification
Installers may register for any Certification. The five categories of Certification
are R-I Entry-level residential; R-II dense cut-pile, Berber and pattern carpets; C-I
entry-level commercial; CI-II double-glue, attached backings and patterns; Master Category
includes working with specialty carpets and hand sewing. The Master Certification is
a separate testing program. All testing requires the installer to be proficient in
seam construction, seam sealing, power stretching and stair upholstery. The written
test must be passed with an 80% grade. Study Guides are provided prior to testing to
prepare the installers to achieve the required score.
Installer
Guarantee
Certified Installers are required to attend two educational events each
year through the Distributor or Chapter networks. They are required to guarantee all
workmanship for a period of one year, to dress and act as professionals with the
understanding that customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal. CFI Installers sign an
agreement with CFI that any complaint registered against them must be rectified that is
deemed to be their responsibility. If this is not achieved, the CFI Certification is
voided and information concerning this is published. As of September 1999, only fifteen
complaints have been registered and all have been rectified to the satisfaction of the
customer, with the exception of one.
THANK
YOU Associates!
Much of the success of the CFI is credited to the support of over 400 Associate
Members who have donated time, materials and financial assistance. CFI is looking forward
to adding thousands of members during 2000 as the organization continues to promote pride
and professionalism for the individual Installers.
Copyright © 2000 - CFI. All Rights Reserved
International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association, Inc.
2400 East Truman Road - Kansas City, MO 64127
tel/816.231.4646 fax/816.231.4343
