How to Determine if a Contractor is QCP-Licensed
July 20, 2022
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Your success in the construction industry is defined by your reputation. When you become known for accurately estimating projects and delivering outstanding results on time, you’re much more likely to receive repeat business from satisfied clients.
To ensure the highest quality of craftsmanship and materials in interior architectural woodworking, many architects certify their projects through the Architectural Woodwork Institute’s Quality Certification Program (AWI-QCP). That means only woodworking firms that hold a QCP license are eligible for the job.
With so many woodworking firms to choose from, it’s important to know how to determine if a contractor is QCP licensed. Luckily, while earning a QCP license isn’t easy, finding a licensed contractor certainly is.
How to find a QCP-licensed interior architectural woodworking firm
There are two online tools available for architects, specifiers, and general contractors to match with their ideal woodworking firm:
- QCP Quick Search tool – Enter your geographical information, and you’ll receive a list of QCP-licensed woodworkers in your local area. You can also use advanced filters to specify licensing status or licenses held.
- AWI Member Directory – Our online directory lets you search for AWI Member companies that offer a specific service, such as veneers, doors, or countertops. Checking ‘yes’ for QCP Participant will narrow down your search to QCP license holders only.
If you’d like further evidence that a contractor holds a valid license, simply ask to see it. All QCP-licensed firms receive a certificate of achievement that features:
- The firm’s name.
- License expiry date.
- Quality Standards Grade.
- License scope.
- License number.
- A signature from the AWI-QCP executive director.
Why choose a QCP-licensed contractor for interior architectural woodworking
With 35 separate licenses across fabrication, installation, and finishing, a QCP-licensed firm holds a stamp of approval that proves their work conforms to AWI woodworking Standards. This is further confirmed by a quality assurance inspection from an AWI-QCP expert on a certified project. That means you can inspire confidence in your clients by ensuring the highest quality of interior architectural woodwork.
Including QCP specifications in your project documentation also clearly defines the required standards of woodwork and grade of materials to all parties. By doing so, you lower the risk of miscommunication, and protect yourself against disputes over quality during your project.
How do woodworkers become QCP-licensed?
A woodworking firm must pass a series of rigorous tests and inspections to demonstrate exceptional knowledge and skill in order to earn their desired QCP license. During the licensing process, firms must:
- Complete a 75-question multiple choice test on the latest edition of the Architectural Woodwork Standards.
- Complete a 50-question multiple choice test on QCP Policies.
- Submit 10 trade references from a range of industry clients.
- Provide sample shop drawings relating to the license they wish to earn.
- Allow a QCP representative to visit their facility to assess licensing samples against Standardized Minimum Sample Criteria, and visit two projects completed within the last two years.
How to specify a QCP-certified project
All you need to do to specify a QCP-certified project is include the specification language of the Standards in the quality assurance section of your documentation. This includes specifications for fabrication and installation.
Register your project today
If your project is QCP-certified, we highly recommend getting it registered. When you do, we allocate a project number that all parties can reference throughout, and store related documents, reports, and correspondence on our database for ease of access. You can also update progress information, apply for QCP inspection, and close out your project online to streamline your working process.
