The Cabinet Makers Association is bringing a new professional credentialing program to the cabinetmaking and custom woodworking industry. Using both live and Web-based technologies, this program will allow industry professionals to earn both basic- and master-level professional certification credentials, according to the trade group.

“When we looked at the industry, we saw a gaping hole,” CMA executive director Dave Grulke said in a statement. “While there are other professional educational and standards programs available that address design, technique, construction standards and a smattering of other areas, there was nothing that seemed to address the entire business of running a successful custom woodworking or cabinet shop. That’s where CMA’s professional certifications differ. We address the entire business and include the all-important customer’s perspective in our program.”

The CMA’s program requires testing in major areas of business operations and classroom instruction will be offered. All participants in the program will begin with an intensive business ethics session. Enrollees will then move into basic certification curriculum. The basic level graduate will exhibit advanced knowledge in business management, machinery, wood physics, design, finishing, safety education and the basics of measuring. Master-level graduates will show expert knowledge in at least seven of the following areas:

• Tools

• Portable power tools

• Machinery (master level)

• Shop/design drawings

• Software

• CNC machinery

• Marketing

• Lean manufacturing

• Finance and computer-assisted bookkeeping

• Shop/job site safety

• Green manufacturing

Once an enrollee has passed the required testing, they will also be interviewed face to face by the CMA certification board before being certified.

“Custom cabinet shops and woodworking businesses can now be among the first to set themselves apart from their competitors by earning CMA credentials. CMA certifications for cabinetmakers and custom woodworkers are designed by industry experts and will allow them to prove to everyone they are the trusted, local experts in their field. That unique type of competitive advantage can catapult their businesses forward to even greater heights,” Grulke says.

For information, visit www.cabinetmakers.org.