For many restoration professionals, the IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) certification is the first step toward building a successful career in restoration. WRT provides the foundation for understanding water damage, extraction, drying principles, and restoration procedures. But once you've earned your WRT certification, what's next?
The answer depends on your career goals, the services your company offers, and the types of losses you encounter most often. Here are some of the most common certifications restoration professionals pursue after WRT.
Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
For many technicians, ASD is the natural next step after WRT.
The Applied Structural Drying (ASD) certification builds on the concepts introduced in WRT and focuses on advanced drying techniques, psychrometry, moisture measurement, and developing effective drying plans for complex water losses. Because WRT is a prerequisite for ASD, these certifications are often earned together or in close succession.
ASD is ideal for technicians who want to deepen their understanding of drying science and improve their ability to manage water damage projects.
Because ASD requires a current WRT certification, many restoration professionals take ASD immediately after completing WRT, or even choose to take a WRT/ASD Combo course where both certifications can be earned in a single training event.
Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
Water damage and microbial growth often go hand in hand. The Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) class teaches restoration professionals how to safely remediate mold contamination, establish containment, and protect occupants and workers during remediation projects.
If your company performs mold remediation services or frequently encounters microbial growth during water losses, AMRT is a valuable next certification.
Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
Many restoration companies provide both water and fire restoration services. The Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) class teaches technicians how to evaluate fire and smoke damage, select appropriate cleaning methods, and restore affected structures and contents.
For technicians looking to expand beyond water losses, FSRT is often one of the most practical certifications to pursue.
Odor Control Technician (OCT)
Persistent odors can result from water damage, fire damage, microbial growth, pets, smoke, and other contamination sources. Odor Control Technician (OCT) focuses on odor identification, deodorization techniques, and selecting the appropriate treatment methods for different situations.
This certification is particularly valuable for technicians involved in both water and fire restoration projects.
Working Toward an IICRC Master Designation
Many restoration professionals pursue additional certifications as part of their journey toward an IICRC Master Designation. Building expertise across multiple restoration disciplines not only expands your technical knowledge but can also increase your value to employers and customers.
Which Certification Should You Take Next?
For most WRT-certified technicians, Applied Structural Drying (ASD) is the logical next step because it builds directly on the principles learned in WRT. From there, certifications such as AMRT, FSRT, and OCT allow you to specialize further and broaden the services you can provide.
Whether your goal is career advancement, technical expertise, or achieving an IICRC Master Designation, continuing your education after WRT is one of the best investments you can make in your future.
Find Your Next IICRC Certification Class
Ready to take the next step after WRT? AG Pro Training makes it easy to find upcoming IICRC certification classes taught by experienced instructors online and across the United States. Whether you're pursuing ASD, AMRT, FSRT, or another advanced certification, you can compare training options, view schedules, and register online—all in one place.