Q:  What are the criteria to become certified by the WCAA?

The initial certification application form clearly outlines what is needed for submission in order to be considered for certification. 

Q:  Do I need to be a member to purchase the Certified Window Treatment Consultant (CWTC) or Certified Window Treatment Workroom (CWTW) certification materials?

Yes, you must be a member to purchase and hold our designations.  As is the case for most professional designations, if your membership in the certifying body lapses, so does your certification.

Q:  Is certification in one of the WCAA areas a requirement for membership?

WCAA Certification is not a requirement for membership, but it is strongly encouraged. Becoming certified in your area of expertise establishes you as an expert in your field, shows that you are motivated to learn and demonstrates that you understand the standards required to deliver a quality product. WCAA membership is required to obtain and maintain certification in any area. 

Q:  Once certified, am I required to keep the certification current?

Yes. Certification requires continuing education in business and your specialty area (Design, Workroom or Installation) – 10 credits per every two-year recertification period after the initial two years of certification.  If your certification lapses after two years, you will be required to retake the test to keep your certification current. Lifelong learning is an important part of the soft furnishings industry and allows consumers to build trust in the quality and expertise of the soft furnishings industry in general, and you, a WCAA-certified designer, workroom or installer, specifically.

Q:  How much do the programs cost?

There is a non refundable application fee of $50 for NEW certifications only.  That fee is good for one year from date of application and covers reviewing the 5 pieces of documentation, communication with member, and administrative duties. 

The study guide for each certification may be purchased as a one time download for $35 or $50 buys hard copy mailed to your address.  Replacement copies are charged same as initial copies.

There is a test fee of $175 per certification for the initial sitting.  If you are not successful in your initial exam sitting, you may retake the test.  There is a $75 fee to reset the exam within 3 months of initial testing, or $175 if you choose to retake the test more than 90 days after the original try.

Q:  Once I've completed my studies and am ready, how do I take the exam?

The WCAA has invested in a state of the art online testing system.  You will need an internet connection to sign into the exam and our preferred browsers are Internet Explorer, Google and Firefox.  

 Q:  When I register for one of the programs, do I have to take my exam within a certain period of time?

Once you are registered, you have up to a year to prepare for the exam. Once you are ready to take the exam, simply sign into the tester using the log in and password supplied when you purchase the certification.

Q:  What if I miss the deadline and don't get to my exam within the year?

Contact National office at 888 298 9222 and we can extend you.  There are fees associated with the extension.

Q:  Do I need to do anything special to take the exam on-line?

When you purchase the certification, your package of materials comes with a letter outlining your user name and password for the exam.  You will also have received an email from National Office with this information.  If you have misplaced these things, you can you can call the WCAA National office at 888-298-9222 and we will provide them to you.

Q:  How long is the exam?

You are allotted 2.5 hours to complete your exam.

Q:  Do I need to complete the exam in one sitting?

Yes, you do.  Once you begin the clock starts on your 2.5 hours and you must complete the full exam in that time period. 

Q:  What is the format of the exam?

Each exam is comprised of multiple-choice questions, true-false questions and matching sections.

Q:  Can I use my books, notes, study guides or a crib sheet during the exam?  Is it open book?

The exam is closed book.  No aids are allowed. 

Q:  What score do I need to achieve to pass the exam?

You need to achieve at least an 80% or better to pass.

Q:  What do I get when I pass?

You get a certificate that identifies you as a CWTC or a CWTW, a special lapel pin, a press release template and logos to use on your website and business cards.  We also provide a press release template for you.

Q:  How long is the initial certification valid and is there a fee to keep my certifications current?

The initial certification period is two years.  You may recertify in two year increments by submitting proof of continuing education the fees below.  

Single Certification  $75 for each certification area 

Two certifications: $125

Three certifications: $175

Four certifications: $200

Five certifications: $225

Q:  What do I have to do to keep my certification current?

There are a variety of activities you can take part in for each specialty area (Design, Workroom, Installation), as well as general Business activities. These include attending tradeshows, doing book reviews, attending hands-on workshops and writing how-to articles. WCAA membership is required to obtain and maintain certification in any area.  

Q:  How many continuing education credits must I take?

The policy requires successful completion of 10 credits during the two-year recertification period.  Four credits must be in business and the remaining credits in the specialty area.  The credits have different values, so you can break them up into 6 credits the first half of the period and 4 the second, or 5 and 5, 7 and 3, etc. We don't recommend, however, waiting until the last month of the two-year period to complete all 10 credits. 

Q:  May I count continuing education credits I've already accrued outside of this time period?

Members may not 'bank' credits from one reporting period to the next. You may only count those hours taken during the specified two-year reporting period. For the first reporting period, only credits earned between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013, will fulfill the requirement. The only exception is if you've passed your certification exams before January 1, 2010, and you attended Inspire 2011, you may include appropriate show-related credits for the January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013 reporting period.

Q:  My clients don't seem overly concerned whether I'm certified, why should I to to the trouble of becoming certified and keeping up my credits?

Perhaps your clients care more than you think. One of the best things you can do is educate them about your certification and the new things you learn to stay current with your certification and the window coverings/soft furnishings industry, and then demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge. The more your clients know about your achievements, the more you'll set yourself apart from your competitors. Posting the WCAA certification logos on your website and printed promotional materials will help you gain credibility with your clients. 

Q:  Who are approved continuing education credit providers?

Your continuing education is more about what you learn rather than where you learn it. WCAA will recognize continuing education coursework (courses, workshops, distance learning programs, conferences, seminars, webinars, etc.) from a variety of providers, including WCAA Industry Partners and other industry-related organizations (e.g., ASID, IDS, NKBA).

Q:  Is there any limitation on the subject matter of my continuing education?

Yes and no. The opportunities for continuing education are vast within the business and specialty area sections.  These activities are clearly defined in the recertification documents.

Q:  What if I've completed an activity that isn't on the list of approved activities and I want to use it to fulfill my requirement?

We're open to exploring other types of activities to complete your business and specialty area credits. If you encounter or think of something you believe would be a good type of activity, contact us at info@wcaa.org

Q:  What records will I have to keep?

It is the responsibility of each certified WCAA member to maintain personal files documenting successful completion of all continuing education credits. WCAA requires an education credit form and defined documentation (per recertification document) for each activity submitted for credit.  This documentation (the Continuing Education Credit Form and supporting documentation) should also be maintained by you for four years from the date of credit completion. If you are selected for an audit, you must present WCAA with any additional detailed information requested.

Q:  What is the cost for the continuing education program?

The annual maintenance fee to keep your certification current is outlined in the fee schedule. This fee is collected to maintain your credit records, website listing and provide continued support for WCAA certified professionals. The annual maintenance fee should not be confused with your annual WCAA membership dues. 

Q:  What is the recertification period?

The grid below defines the re-certification dependent upon your original certification date. 

Q:  What if there are special circumstances that prevent me from earning my credits?

The WCAA may grant an adjustment to the requirement for poor health, certified by a physician; a specific physical or mental disability, certified by an appropriate health care professional; extended duty with the armed forces; or for extreme hardship, which, in the WCAA's judgment, makes it impossible for the member to comply. Requests for an adjustment to the continuing education requirement must be made no less than three months before the end of the current reporting period.  This request must be sent to info@wcaa.org

Q:  I just completed my certification and am in my first reporting period. Do I immediately need to begin taking continuing education?

The grid will define when your recertification cycle begins.

Q:  Who gets audited?

A random audit of WCAA-certified members will be held during each recertification cycle to check for compliance.

Q:  What will I have to provide if there is an audit of my continuing education records?

If you are selected for an audit, you must present WCAA with a printed copy of the Continuing Education Credit Form for each activity plus any supporting documentation completed during the reporting period being audited.

Q:  What if I fail to complete the required number of credits by the end of the reporting period?

The WCAA, at its discretion, may issue you a conditional extension (probationary period) during which you will be required to remedy the continuing education deficiency. If the requirement remains unmet during the next reporting period, your certification status will be discontinued, and you'll need to pay for, retake and pass the appropriate test to regain your certification status.

Members who are found to be not compliant with the credits and annual maintenance fees, will have 60 days to complete the paperwork for the recertification cycle and pay any delinquent maintenance fees. At the end of the 60-day period if all criteria have not been met, then certification will be revoked and the member will be notified.  To reinstate certification, the member must take the appropriate exam again, but if all criteria are met within that 60-day period, the member will maintain an active status with certification.

Q:  If I don't recertify, may I still be a member of the WCAA?

Your basic WCAA membership will not be affected by your certification/recertification status.

Q:  Can I reactivate my designation if it lapses? 

Yes, you may reactivate a lapsed designation by bringing your WCAA membership current and taking part in the continuing education program.  Depending on how long you have been lapsed, you may need to retake the examination.