What is certification?
Certification is a process to provide official documentation to a status or level of achievement for a contractor. The program requires steps to achieve SMA Contractor certification.
What is involved to become certified?
The process includes education with testing to verify comprehension of stucco, codes and good practices, through the SMA Training Program. To become “certified” a contractor must employ or be a supervisor who carries a valid SMA supervisors’ card. Go to STUCCO TRAINING to learn more about this process.
SMA Contractor Certification includes being in business more than 2 years, submitting project references and completing a background check.
Why is certification needed?
Training and education have continually dropped in the industry, so the SMA decided to take action and develop a program to address the need.
Lath and plastering are skilled trades: training and knowledge are critical to a successful installation. The certification process helps provide assurance the job will be done right.
How long will it take to become certified?
The process starts with the supervisor, which can be the contractor or upper management. They must pass the lath and plaster tests. They will then qualify to enter the supervisor’s program and must pass that test. Depending on the supervisor’s knowledge of lath and plaster, this may be a short as one day or as long as a few weeks.
Once a supervisor card is in hand and they are listed on the SMA website, a contractor fills out the Agreement, reference forms, submits the fee and awaits the review that ends with a vote from the SMA board of directors. This can be as soon as a few weeks or up to a few months.
How much does it cost?
The cost to become an SMA certified contractor is two parts: the supervisor and the contractor.
The supervisor must pass the supervisor course/test which includes the Lath/Plaster test. The total cost is $150.00.
The contractor fee is $1,490.00. There is a reduced rate to SMA contractor members.
How long is it good for?
The certification is based on the supervisor. The supervisor card expires every five years. The SMA knows that codes and standards change, and having supervisors come back for a brief update on codes and standards ensures they are up to date.
What benefits does SMA certification have?
You have the right to use and display the SMA certified logo on your stationary, cards, vehicles, or hard hats. Displaying the symbol shows you are a step above the competition.
Awarding work to the lowest bidder is a scary proposition to owners. Being certified demonstrates qualification and gives them a sense of security.
On the occasion where you may be asked to perform work that may not meet standards, the SMA can help and your certification verifies you are committed to doing it right.
The SMA now offers 
