06. HARD SKILL CERTIFICATION

This section outlines the process of certifying an installer in all individual hard skills.

What is a hard skill?

A hard skill is defined as a technical ability specific to a job or task. For a California Closets installer, a hard skill is any task they are performing to install a California Closets system. Examples include hanging rail, installing crown moulding, installing drawers or baskets, etc.

What does it mean to be certified in a skill?

For an installer to be certified in an individual skill, it means they are proficient in the skill by utilizing the process outlined in the California Closets Installation Manual. They have dedicated time and practice to learning the skill and have successfully demonstrated the skill in its entirety by completing all applicable certification steps.

Why do we have a certification program?

We have witnessed several situations where a Journeyman in one location is more advanced or less advanced than a Journeyman in a different location. We have witnessed several conversations and debates where an installer on the west coast knows one way to prep a partition while an installer on the east coast knows a different way.

What is the process of certifying a hard skill?

At a glance:

1. An installer trains and practices an individual skill.

2. This installer advises their trainer or manager they are ready for certification.

3. Depending on the installer’s experience, the standard or expedited certification process begins.

4. The trainer/manager determines the date and time of the certification demonstration.

5. The installer demonstrates the skill in its entirety for the trainer/manager.

6. The trainer/manager assesses the demonstration and determines it if is successful or unsuccessful based on the certification steps being met.

7. The installer completes any remaining demonstrations.

8. The installer is certified.

Why do we have two methods?

The Standard process is intended for all new installers regardless of the level they are entering the business at. If they are beginning to learn the California Closets standard of install, they will follow the standard certification process.  This consists of demonstrating each individual skill successfully on 3 separate occasions.

The Expedited process is intended for our existing and experienced installers who are aligning to the program. They are seasoned installers and our efforts are to ensure they know the specifics to the best practice and are required to demonstrate the process once for certification, and continue to utilize it in the field.

Is there a digital version of skill certification pages?

Each certification page is available as a fillable PDF for documenting attempts digitally. These can be stored in SharePoint or printed and stored locally.

In an effort to save paper and for convenience, a digital form (link coming soon) is available to document all certification attempts. For each submission, you will receive a digital copy of the attempt and feedback.

How can I track certifications?

There are two ways to track certification, one for each individual involved.

As the trainer/manager, there is a tab in the Installer Curriculum document, labeled Certification Tracker. On this tab, you can track job #s, dates and times for certification attempts, to assist in your planning efforts.

As an installer progresses through a certification, their scorecard should be updated to reflect this progress. The scorecard contains areas to input attempt numbers, dates, and completion timelines.

How do these relate to the install curriculum and scorecards?

The skill certification pages work as a supplementary resource to the installer curriculum. They are considered the “paper trail” for certification progress, and provide specific feedback regarding the skill to the installer.

NEXT: Accessing & Creating Certification Pages

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