What Does it Mean for a Woodworking Firm to be QCP Licensed?

If you’re a woodworker who’s new to the AWI’s Quality Certification Program, you may have some questions around QCP licensing and what that actually means for your woodworking firm. In this article we aim to explain what QCP licensing is, what it enables you to do, and the benefits of being QCP licensed. We’ll also explain the difference between your firm being QCP licensed and the project you’re working on being QCP certified, as they are two very distinct things.

What is QCP Licensing?

QCP offers 35 different licenses for woodworking firms. These licenses cover the fabrication, finishing or installation of woodwork as it pertains to the Architectural Woodworking Standards as recognized by the AWI.

Holding a QCP license allows the woodworking firm to work on projects that require QCP certification. In order for a project to be certified, the woodworking firm must hold the QCP license for the type of work they are contracted to do on a project and should decide which combination of these licenses most accurately reflects the products and services it provides and which could be subject to certification.

QCP-Certified Projects vs Being QCP Licensed

Licensing is closely related to project certification, but they are two different components of QCP. While holding a QCP license means a woodworking firm can conform with the Architectural Woodwork Institute-recognized fabrication and/or installation standards, QCP project certification is the tick in the box needed to confirm that a single project complies with the standards.

What QCP Licensing Enables a Woodworking Firm to do

Becoming a QCP-licensed woodworking firm and following the guidelines set out by QCP ensures that projects they work on meet not only the latest edition of the Architectural Woodwork Standards, but also other compliance and quality expectations. It helps to streamline processes, deliver industry best practice, and put the same stamp of excellence on every project.

Once your firm has been granted a QCP license, you can then self-certify your projects as QCP-compliant. This means that after you’ve passed the two inspections necessary to become a license holder, you do not then need to undergo an inspection on every project – you just need to renew your QCP license every year and undergo an inspection once every three years.

Once you are licensed, you can continue with that license for years to come and have the ability to certify projects past just the one you are working on. Additionally:

With QCP licensing, documents clearly convey all expectations to architects and general contractors with regard to project specifications and execution procedures
You can ensure all project specifications are fulfilled and improve communication between all members of the team
A nationwide inspection team comprised of highly experienced former architectural woodworkers, who have also served as millwork industry owners, managers, engineers, and consultants, ensures all woodworking specifications and benchmark goals are met

The Benefits of Being QCP Licensed

There are myriad benefits to becoming a QCP-licensed woodworking firm:

It ensures that all benchmark woodworking elements are verified and accounted for upon submission
QCP is an industry-wide stamp of approval for architects, general contractors, and clients who can proceed with confidence that the project will be compliant and deliver results
It offers quality assurance for design professionals and building owners

How to Become a QCP-Licensed Woodworking Firm

To apply for a QCP license, woodworking firms need to complete an online application and submit their fee. There are then four more steps to becoming QCP licensed:

Complete and pass two tests
Submit ten trade references
Complete sample shop drawings
Undergo licensing inspections

Contact us to find out more about how to join the Architectural Woodwork Institute’s Quality Certification Program and strengthen your reputation for quality and integrity.