When your home suffers water damage or you discover mold, you want the company you hire to know exactly what they're doing. But how do you verify that? The answer is IICRC certification — the most widely recognized credential in the restoration industry.
What Is IICRC?
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a global standards body and certification organization for the cleaning, restoration, and inspection industries. Founded in 1972, the IICRC:
- Develops industry standards (the S500, S520, and other "S-series" standards)
- Certifies individual technicians through rigorous training and examination
- Registers firms that meet quality and ethical standards
- Is recognized by insurance companies, government agencies, and consumers worldwide
Key IICRC Certifications for Restoration
WRT — Water Damage Restoration Technician
This is the foundational certification for anyone performing water damage restoration. WRT-certified technicians understand:
- Water damage categories and classes
- Proper extraction, drying, and dehumidification techniques
- Moisture measurement and monitoring
- Structural drying science
- Health and safety considerations
AMRT — Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
This certification covers professional mold remediation:
- Mold biology and ecology
- Health effects of mold exposure
- Proper containment procedures
- HEPA filtration and air scrubbing
- Post-remediation verification
ASD — Applied Structural Drying
An advanced certification for complex structural drying situations:
- Psychrometric science (the relationship between temperature, humidity, and moisture)
- Advanced drying techniques for different materials
- Drying system design and optimization
- Monitoring and documentation
Why IICRC Certification Matters to You
1. Proper Techniques Prevent Further Damage
Untrained restoration workers often make costly mistakes:
- Using household fans instead of commercial air movers (insufficient airflow)
- Failing to remove wet materials behind walls (hidden moisture causes mold)
- Not monitoring moisture levels during drying (premature stopping leads to mold)
- Using the wrong cleaning agents for different types of soot or contamination
IICRC-certified technicians are trained to avoid these mistakes.
2. Insurance Companies Prefer IICRC-Certified Firms
Most insurance companies prefer (and some require) that restoration work be performed by IICRC-certified professionals. Working with a certified firm can:
- Speed up your claims process
- Reduce disputes over work quality
- Ensure your restoration meets industry standards
3. Accountability
IICRC-certified firms agree to abide by a code of ethics and maintain their certifications through continuing education. This means:
- Technicians stay current with the latest techniques and equipment
- The firm can be held accountable to industry standards
- You have recourse if something goes wrong
4. Health and Safety
Water damage and mold remediation can involve serious health hazards. Certified technicians understand:
- When personal protective equipment (PPE) is required
- How to set up containment to protect your family
- Proper handling and disposal of contaminated materials
- Air quality monitoring during and after the job
How to Verify IICRC Certification
You can verify any company's IICRC certification through the IICRC Global Locator at iicrc.org. Simply search by location or company name to confirm their certifications are current and valid.
Stars and Bars Restoration: IICRC Certified
Our team holds multiple IICRC certifications:
- ✅ WRT — Water Damage Restoration Technician
- ✅ AMRT — Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
- ✅ ASD — Applied Structural Drying
We serve all of Southern Colorado with IICRC-certified restoration services, including Colorado City, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Trinidad, Walsenburg, Cañon City, Alamosa, and surrounding areas.
Call (719) 676-2456 for certified restoration you can trust.
Stars and Bars Restoration | IICRC Certified | Veteran-Owned | services@sb-resto.com

Stars and Bars Restoration