How to Be a Certified Consultant for Door & Architectural Hardware

Turn your door and hardware skills into a certification with the Door and Hardware Institute.

The Door and Hardware Institute, or DHI, is a non-profit organization that provides education and training for door industry professionals. DHI is the only major organization that offers certification in architectural openings in the U.S.. A DHI certification can improve your career and help you market yourself to potential employers. These certifications may also help you win customers for your business, and some clients may require them. Earn your certification through DHI in any of three fields, including hardware, doors or electronic security.

Instructions

1. Visit the DHI certification website. Review the descriptions for the 3 different DHI certification programs and decide which one is best suited to your interests and career path.

2. Sign up for DHI membership through the link provided in the Resources section. You'll need to be a member to sign up for classes and track your credits.

3. Purchase the DHI self-study course, which is required for all three certification programs. Complete the course and take the end-of-course exam online at the DHI website.

4. Register for the DHI classes required for your chosen certification. Sign up for classes at your local DHI chapter, at the National School each spring, or the DHI convention each fall. All class schedules and enrollment forms can be found at the DHI website.

5. Complete each class and pass the corresponding exam, which is given at the end of each class.

6. Register for challenge exams on the DHI website. These exams allow you to take course exams based on your work experience, rather than completing the applicable DHI class first. If you pass the exam, you'll get credit for the class without attending.

7. Fill out the Consultant Certification Exam Application, found in the Resources section of this article. Make sure you've completed all the required classes or passed the appropriate challenge exams first. Once you submit your form, DHI will contact you to schedule your certification exam, which generally takes two full days.

8. Maintain your certification by completing classes in the DHI continuing education program. You must earn 100 continuing education points every 3 years to maintain your certification credentials.

References

• Door and Hardware Institute: DHI Certification
• DHI: DHI's Continuing Education Program

Resources

• DHI: Consultant Certification Exam Application
• DHI: Membership