Whether you’re maintaining your first IICRC certification or renewing multiple credentials, understanding Continuing Education Credits (CECs) is an important part of staying active in the industry.
Earning CECs is usually straightforward if you stay involved in IICRC training courses, webinars, and industry events. Many approved classes allow technicians to maintain certifications while also expanding their skills and earning potential.
The challenge? Waiting until the last minute can create problems — and the IICRC is strict about renewal deadlines and requirements.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Continuing Education Credits (CECs)?
Continuing Education Credits (CECs) are training hours recognized by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) that help certified professionals stay current on industry standards, techniques, and best practices.
CECs are required to renew and maintain active IICRC certifications.
These credits can be earned through approved training courses, refresher classes, webinars, conventions, and other educational opportunities.
When Should CECs Be Submitted?
Your renewal cycle depends on your certification type.
- Technicians - Technician certifications require renewal every 4 years.
- Master Technicians - Master certifications must be renewed every 2 years.
- Inspectors - Inspector certifications renew every 2 years.
One common mistake technicians make is assuming they can wait until the last few weeks before renewal. That can become risky if classes are full, schedules change, or credits have not yet been processed by the IICRC.
What Is Required for CECs?
All certified technicians are required to earn 14 hours of Continuing Education Credits (CECs) .
If the required CECs are not completed, the certification remains inactive and cannot be renewed until the requirement is met.
A few important things to understand:
- CECs must come from a pre-approved IICRC provider
- You can earn CECs from any approved course, regardless of your existing certification
- The IICRC does not typically provide extensions for missed deadlines
For example:
If you currently hold a Water Restoration Technician (WRT) certification, you could still earn your 14 required CEC hours by attending a Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) course or another approved class.
That flexibility helps technicians expand their skill set while maintaining certifications at the same time.
Ways to Earn IICRC CECs
There are several ways to earn Continuing Education Credits:
- Attend a New Certification Course - Taking a new IICRC-approved class is one of the most common ways to earn credits while also adding certifications to your resume.
- Attend a Refresher Course - Many instructors and schools offer refresher classes designed specifically for technicians who want to maintain certifications and sharpen their knowledge.
- Visit the IICRC Booth at a Convention - Industry conventions and trade shows often provide opportunities to earn CECs through the IICRC booth or educational sessions.
- Attend IICRC Webinars - Certified firms can earn 1 CEC by attending the monthly IICRC webinar.
How to Submit Your CECs
Submitting your credits is handled directly through your account on the IICRC website.
Steps to Report CECs
- Log in to your account at the IICRC website
- Click My Account
- Select Report CECs
- Upload your training information and documentation
Once submitted, it typically takes 2–4 business days for the credits to appear in your account.
One thing worth paying attention to: don’t assume your instructor or school automatically reported your hours unless they specifically tell you they do. Always verify that your CECs appear correctly in your account well before your renewal deadline.
Popular IICRC Courses That Provide CECs
Many technicians use certification courses to satisfy renewal requirements while building additional skills.
Popular options include:
- Water Restoration Technician (WRT) – 14 CECs
- Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) – 14 CECs
- Odor Control Technician (OCT) – 7 CECs
- Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician (RRT) – 14 CECs
- Health and Safety Technician (HST) – 14 CECs
- Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT) – 14 CECs
Spanish IICRC Classes
Many approved providers now offer live-stream Spanish IICRC classes for technicians who prefer training in Spanish. These courses allow Spanish-speaking professionals to earn certifications and Continuing Education Credits while learning from fluent instructors in their native language.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
One of the biggest issues technicians run into is discovering too late that:
- Their credits were never submitted
- Their renewal deadline already passed
- The class they need is sold out
- They misunderstood how many CECs they actually had
The easiest approach is to treat CECs as part of your ongoing professional development instead of a last-minute renewal task.
The technicians who consistently invest in training usually gain more than just certification renewals — they build broader technical knowledge, increase credibility with customers, and often improve their earning potential over time.
Need CECs? Find classes through AG Pro Training
Browse our Always Growing schedule of IICRC certification classes taught by the industry’s most respected instructors. New courses are added regularly!
Check out our full list of available classes or browse through popular categories, such as Carpet Cleaning, Janitorial, Restoration, and Business/Marketing.
New to IICRC certifications?
Read our complete IICRC Certification FAQ Guide for answers about exams, classes, certifications, and training requirements.