The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has devised a new system for developing courses and examinations known as the Job Task Analysis (JTA). The latest course to use the JTA development system is the Substrate and Subfloor Inspector (SSI) category, which is a prerequisite for certification in all IICRC hard surface inspection categories.

Under the leadership of Deborah Campbell, examinations chair, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has devised a new system for developing courses and examinations known as the Job Task Analysis (JTA). As a result, all IICRC examinations are being revised to conform to these guidelines. The new JTA system provides a mission statement and road map or curriculum for each certification course and examination.

The latest course to use the JTA development system is the Substrate and Subfloor Inspector (SSI) category, which is a prerequisite for certification in all IICRC hard surface inspection categories. The JTA for this course was written by industry experts, including members of the Truss Council of America, American Plywood Association, Construction Technology Laboratories, Portland Cement Association, American Concrete Institute, and The Composite Panel Association. These contributors, along with other industry experts involved in creating the curriculum, are well known for their extensive knowledge about substrate and subfloor technology. The SSI introductory course and examination is based on more than 100 current industry standards, documents and publications.

"SSI was developed for individuals engaged in inspecting, installing, creating or interpreting flooring specifications, and for related professions," said Claudia S. Lezell, Inspections Division vice-chair for the IICRC Certification Council. "The SSI mission is to teach a basic understanding of substrates and subfloors as they relate to finished floor coverings by providing an overview of foundational construction components."

Those actively involved in the hard surface industry, or those who merely want to learn the latest information about wood, concrete and other underlayments can access the IICRC web site at www.iicrc.org to see where and when IICRC-approved SSI courses are being offered.

The IICRC continues to use the JTA protocol for developing existing and new flooring inspection categories to include: Senior Carpet Inspector, Marble and Stone Inspector, Ceramic Tile Inspector, Laminate and Wood Inspector and Resilient Flooring Inspector. Other inspection certification categories will be introduced in the near future.