Architects, woodworkers, and general contractors across North America and around the world use QCP certification to ensure quality, precision, and compliance in their projects. The certification confirms that interior architectural woodworking meets the industry standards set by AWI, giving clients an assurance of a high quality final product.
But even though many woodworking projects are eligible for QCP certification, no project requires it by law. Despite the benefits certification carries, including it is ultimately a choice.
So, for a construction professional to decide whether they should include QCP certification in their bid, it’s important to understand what types of projects QCP certification is best for.
What Buildings are Most Likely to Require QCP Certification?
QCP certification ensures that their interior architectural woodwork will be in compliance with the industry standards specified. So, it often comes attached to projects of high value and importance, where custom woodwork and quality materials are essential.
The types of buildings that most commonly include QCP certification in the specification documents are those with a governmental, educational, institutional, or performance purpose. These can include:
- Medical Facilities
- Schools and colleges
- Court rooms and municipalities
- Corporate boardrooms and executive offices
- Museums
- Performance centers
- Theaters
Because these projects receive significant traffic from the public or influential figures, clients can’t risk poor quality workmanship that might cause injury or restrict access. With QCP certification, they can have confidence that reliable and talented woodworking firms will contribute.
What are the Benefits of a QCP-Certified Project?
Having a QCP-certified project carries a wide range of benefits. It enables you to:
- Ensure superior quality with third-party inspections.
- Establish trust and credibility in the construction industry.
- Communicate with contractors in mutually understood terms.
- Work with a pre-vetted firm dedicated to meeting industry standards.
But perhaps the most significant benefit is one we’ve already mentioned: QCP certification often comes attached to projects of high value and importance.
In other words, when you qualify to work on a QCP-certified project, you have an opportunity to fund the growth of your business. Proving yourself as a reliable partner in high-profile builds helps you develop a reputation for quality. This places you in a better competitive position in the long term, and encourages repeat business or additional work through referrals.
QCP Certification vs QCP Licensing
It’s easy to get tripped up with the difference between QCP certification and QCP licensing. Put simply, a project can be QCP certified, whereas a firm can be QCP licensed.
But QCP licensing isn’t a single award. In fact, woodworking firms have over 35 separate licenses to choose from. These are contained within broader categories like casework, wall paneling, countertops, factory finishing, and even historic restoration.
Rather than select an interior architectural woodworking firm with general skills, the variety of QCP licenses available means you can find a specialist that suits the needs of your project. You can find a QCP-licensed firm with ease by using our online Quick Search tool.
Here’s Why You Should Choose QCP Certification
Over time, more and more woodworking firms are earning QCP licenses, and more projects are being QCP certified. It’s becoming an expectation for interior architectural woodwork to carry this internationally recognised stamp of excellence. And while that’s a great sign for the future of the construction industry, it means not providing this quality assurance can be a serious red flag for potential customers.
To inspire confidence in your clients and build a leading reputation, register your woodworking project for QCP certification today with our convenient online registration form.