PAMA is very active with IFAI's certification program by assisting in establishing and monitoring standards of craftsmanship. This program keeps the association in a position of leadership in the industry.

IFAI sponsors two professional certification programs that reward and recognize industry professionals for their knowledge, skills and experience in a variety of specialty fabric products and management categories.  The following initials indentify individuals who are certified through IFAI's Professional Certification Programs. IFAI's and  PAMA's printed copy of their membership directory identifies those individuals who are certified.

THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM HAS BEEN REVISED AND RENEWED!

As you will remember, on January 15, 2009, the IFAI Professional Certification program was put “on hold” to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the current structure. After receiving feedback from all stakeholders over the past year or so, IFAI has determined that we need to continue to offer an industry certification program, but with some changes. Working with the IFAI Certification Task Group to meet that goal, the certification program has been revised. The general framework for the revised program is outlined below.

The certification designations we will continue to offer are the Master Fabric Craftsman (MFC) and the Industrial Fabric Manager (IFM) designations. This decision was based on the March 2009 survey of qualifying members who indicated their interest primarily in these two certification categories. The interest in the Certified Craftsman (CC) and Certified Project Planner (CPP) were too low to continue. We will, however continue to recognize those who achieved their CC or CPP designations.

IFAI divisions, with a designated task group will be the administrators of the program, and IFAI will continue to have general oversight for all certification specialties.

The new program will include identifying key elements of knowledge for each specialty; marine, awning or fabric graphics.

There will be an expanded written test.

There will no longer be an oral exam.

The written exam will consist of a minimum of 75 questions.

The task groups are currently working on defining the elements of knowledge, how each will be demonstrated and revising the written exams. We expect to begin accepting new applications again by IFAI Expo 2010 or sooner.

Initial task group meetings have already taken place and we firmly believe we are bringing back a program that is much stronger. The revised certification program will better meet the needs of each specialty; have a clear process, a list of supporting study materials and a mentor program.

For more information about MFC or IFM certification click here.

If you are interested in pursuing your MFC or IFM certification, please contact:


MFC – Awning Specialty

Michelle Sahlin

+1 651-225-6948

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IFM – All Specialties

Beth Hungiville

+1 651-225-6952

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