The CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® designation is awarded to those CSIA Certified professionals who have committed to continuing education and practical knowledge in the chimney and venting industry.
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What Does Your Certification Get You?
You get so many things with your certification – like access to some of the most experienced and knowledgeable experts in your field, national recognition of your accomplishment, the use of the CSIA® credential trademark on your website and marketing materials, and more. But here are three of the best things that come with your certification: #1 Extensive Industry Training & Knowledge from the Best
Don’t go into a job guessing. Don’t hope you’re doing it right. When you earn your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credential, you’ll have the knowledge, expert training, and education you need to maintain and evaluate chimney and venting systems properly. And you’ll be learning from the best. #2 Increased Confidence
Confidence comes from knowing you know your stuff. To earn your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credential, you have to prove that you do. Which means when you wear that badge, you can go into each job with confidence. But it’s not just you who will be more confident – your customers will be, too. #3 Marketing for Your Business
Homeowners are searching for experienced, certified pros they can trust. Through the CSIA® Listings2Leads search tool here on our website, you’ll get your business out in front of thousands of high-quality leads for FREE. You can even get the contact info of interested folks through your listing, so you can reach out and schedule them while they’re hot. FAQ CSIA® Certification
How Often Do You Have to Renew Your Credential?
This isn’t the kind of credential you get and forget. Part of what makes the credential so valuable is that maintaining it means committing to ongoing education and training for the lifetime of your career.
You’ll need to renew your credential every three years. Is there an annual Fee?
There is an annual fee of $199 for CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps®. On a renewal year, that fee is waived. Held to Higher Standards
CSIA® Certified Chimney Sweeps® don’t just stand apart in terms of education and training – they’re also held to higher ethical standards.
Each one of our credential holders must sign and agree to adhere to our Code of Ethics at the time of their exam. |
Step 1: You’ll need to purchase and study the following three reference books for the Certified Chimney Sweep® CNTA, Review & Exam or ONLINE Proctored Exam:
Resource Material:
Chimney & Venting Essentials Manual- Purchase Here
International Residential Code (no longer available to purchase through CSIA)- Purchase Here
NFPA 211 (no longer available to purchase through CSIA)- Purchase Here
Resource Material:
Chimney & Venting Essentials Manual- Purchase Here
International Residential Code (no longer available to purchase through CSIA)- Purchase Here
NFPA 211 (no longer available to purchase through CSIA)- Purchase Here
CNTA
Course Overview: This 6-day course combines classroom and hands-on training at the Chimney Safety Institute of America: Center for Education, Research & Training. The classroom time is dedicated to developing a working knowledge of the terminology, theory, tools, and systems of the chimney service trade. Hands-on training provides you with an opportunity to practice using the tools of the trade and become familiar with different chimney systems.
Course Overview: This 6-day course combines classroom and hands-on training at the Chimney Safety Institute of America: Center for Education, Research & Training. The classroom time is dedicated to developing a working knowledge of the terminology, theory, tools, and systems of the chimney service trade. Hands-on training provides you with an opportunity to practice using the tools of the trade and become familiar with different chimney systems.
Review & Exam
Course Overview: The CCS Review & Exam is designed to allow candidates the opportunity to review the content covered in the Chimney & Venting Essentials Manual, to assist them in successfully completing the Certified Chimney Sweep exam.
Course Overview: The CCS Review & Exam is designed to allow candidates the opportunity to review the content covered in the Chimney & Venting Essentials Manual, to assist them in successfully completing the Certified Chimney Sweep exam.
Examination Structure
Part 1- Chimney & Venting Essentials Exam (CVE), 100-questions, multiple choice exam timed at 1 hour. Content covered in this section is included in the Chimney & Venting Essentials Manual and the 2019 NFPA 211* (*2024 version is available for purchase).
Part 2- International Residential Code Exam (IRC), 30-questions, multiple choice exam timed at 1 hour 30 minutes. This is an open book exam using the 2021 IRC. Please ensure you have your own available copy on hand for the exam.
Part 1- Chimney & Venting Essentials Exam (CVE), 100-questions, multiple choice exam timed at 1 hour. Content covered in this section is included in the Chimney & Venting Essentials Manual and the 2019 NFPA 211* (*2024 version is available for purchase).
Part 2- International Residential Code Exam (IRC), 30-questions, multiple choice exam timed at 1 hour 30 minutes. This is an open book exam using the 2021 IRC. Please ensure you have your own available copy on hand for the exam.
ONLINE Proctored Exam
You must meet these exam requirements prior to testing:
If you have never been certified or your certification has lapsed, you are required to take either an in-person or online review prior to sitting for the exam.
If you are renewing your credential, you need to either have 9 CEUs or take a review.
All testing is done online and requires an individual email. You can test from your home or office with ProctorFree, using a Windows laptop or Mac with new iOS with a webcam, or through a testing center like a Sylvan Learning or University Testing Center. When testing with ProctorFree you cannot use a tablet or Chromebook.
You must meet these exam requirements prior to testing:
If you have never been certified or your certification has lapsed, you are required to take either an in-person or online review prior to sitting for the exam.
If you are renewing your credential, you need to either have 9 CEUs or take a review.
All testing is done online and requires an individual email. You can test from your home or office with ProctorFree, using a Windows laptop or Mac with new iOS with a webcam, or through a testing center like a Sylvan Learning or University Testing Center. When testing with ProctorFree you cannot use a tablet or Chromebook.
This is a two-part exam.
Part 1: Chimney & Venting Essentials - 1 hour Closed Book
Part 2: International Residential Code Book - 1.5 hours Open Book
When registering choose the test date and time you want to test and your Proctor. If you are using ProctorFree CSIA Certification team will send your information to ProctorFree. If you are using a testing center, you will need to set up a date and time with them before registering. Please schedule three hours of uninterrupted time. For exams, please allow three business days prior to your exam date. Exam results can be viewed immediately, 80% passing on Chimney and Venting Essentials, 70% passing on the International Residential Code.
PLEASE make sure you are registering in the event that correlates with the date of your exam. (Example - if exam is in October you will register in the Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 event.)
Part 1: Chimney & Venting Essentials - 1 hour Closed Book
Part 2: International Residential Code Book - 1.5 hours Open Book
When registering choose the test date and time you want to test and your Proctor. If you are using ProctorFree CSIA Certification team will send your information to ProctorFree. If you are using a testing center, you will need to set up a date and time with them before registering. Please schedule three hours of uninterrupted time. For exams, please allow three business days prior to your exam date. Exam results can be viewed immediately, 80% passing on Chimney and Venting Essentials, 70% passing on the International Residential Code.
PLEASE make sure you are registering in the event that correlates with the date of your exam. (Example - if exam is in October you will register in the Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 event.)