A Fourth NFI Certification Is Coming Soon

Yes, you read that title correctly, we are working on a new certification. NFI currently certifies people in three fuel types; Woodburning, Gas & Pellet. There is one group that we can serve better.

The HPBEF Board of Governors met yesterday to give final approval for the development of a certification program designed for the sales personnel in your store. Installers specialize in Woodburning, Gas or Pellet appliances. The sales person needs to know and understand the basics of all three fuel types. Most of the major installation decisions are made in the sales process. What good does it do to only train the installers when the decisions are already made by the time the job lands on their desk?

So, we're going to design a certification for sales personnel. We're not sure of the final title, maybe something like Certified Hearth System Designer. Maybe we'll come up with a better name. All those details will be worked out in the coming months.

Here's the current timeline:

Mid 2017: Sales Manual will be available

3rd Quarter 2017: Exam Development

1st Quarter 2018: The first sales certification exams will be offered.

The Board has given the development duties to our very capable NFI Committee. Most of their work will be done behind the scenes over the next several months. By the time we all meet in Atlanta for HPBExpo 2017, we should have more details. We will be happy to answer your questions at the Member Services Booth or feel free to call us any time at 703-524-8030.