NALFA announces 2011 certification classes

Veteran installer and class instructor Anthony Palandro (kneeling).

The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) has announced 2011 dates and locations for its Installer Certification School, which is nearing its first anniversary. Classes will be held for the first time in Seattle this year, along with stops in California, New Jersey and Georgia.

The 2011 Installer Certification School dates are: March 22-23: City of Industry, Calif.; April 19-20: Seattle; May 16-17: Salem, N.J.; June 13-14: Calhoun, Ga.; July 12-13: City of Industry, Calif.; Sept 19-20: Salem, N.J.; Oct. 17-18: Calhoun, Ga.; Nov 8-9: City of Industry, Calif.; and Dec 6-7: Seattle.

The curriculum is an intense two days of instruction that covers all aspects of a quality laminate floor installation. Classes are kept small (a maximum of six people) to ensure the highest level of attention from the instructors and participation from the students, according to NALFA. Hands-on instruction is central throughout the course, allowing participants the opportunity to practice what they learn.

The class is taught by veteran installer, inspector and consultant Anthony Palandro (apfloorinspections.com/index.html). His knowledge of the floor covering industry dates back to 1972. Since 1998, he’s worked as an installation instructor for flooring distributors, manufacturers and industry associations. He’s earned a host of certifications, awards and memberships within the industry.

Installers take part at a NALFA Installer Certification School.

Upon successful completion of the class, installers earn NALFA certification and membership to the organization for one year. They are listed within the search directory on the nalfa.com website and have unlimited access to NALFA marketing assets to help promote their certification in their new business endeavors.

The cost of the program is $500 ($450 for NALFA members) and includes all instructional materials, on-site tools, meals, membership certificate, and an ID card. Certified installers may renew their membership yearly for a cost of $100. Interested participants can call Teiya Eubanks at (423) 316-1566 for more information or to register.