NDA Launched First Certification Program
Published: 11/9, 2023
The demolition industry’s longstanding labor shortage is now increasingly exacerbated by a skills shortage. The industry is constantly evolving, and workers need to be up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques. However, many of them lack the skills necessary to meet the demands of the modern industry.
To address this, NDA launched its first certification program—the Certified Demolition Supervisor (CDS)—earlier this year. The certification is in the beta phase with more than 60 candidates slated to take the remotely proctored pass/fail exam at the end of September..
One of the most comprehensive and respected demolition certification in the industry, the CDS is designed to upskill our workers and raise the bar in the industry while addressing the skills gap. The certfication will help demolition professionals advance their careers while also enabling their demolition company employers gain a competitive edge in the bidding process.
The CDS certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated competence in all aspects of demolition, including safety, environmental, operations, and people management. A CDS is accountable for all aspects of a demolition project site, from planning and permitting to execution and clean-up. The CDS designation promotes safe and quality practice through its ongoing requirements for professional growth in the demolition industry.
In
sum,
pursuing
CDS
certification
will
help
demolition
professionals:
• Gain the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful
demolition supervisor
• Stand out from the competition and advance their careers
• Demonstrate a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship
• Build a professional network and connect with other demolition
professionals
The initial exam fee (first-time application only) is US$595 for NDA members and US$755 for non-members. Here’s the CDS testing and application schedule for 2024:
Test Dates Application Windows
January 1-31 November 1-30
April 1-30 January 1-February 23
July 1-31 April 1-May 31
October 1-31 July 1-August 31
We hope you will consider sending staff, colleagues, or perhaps yourself to take the exam this fall. The certification will change the face of the US demolition industry, and will soon become a must-have for owners and general contractors when reviewing bids on projects. The certification is another example of why companies need to join the NDA to take advantage of our many benefits, including training and certification.
To learn more about the CDS certification or how to join NDA, please visit our website at www.nationaldemolition.org.
Jeff Lambert
Executive Director