Elevating Industry Standards: NDA’s CDS Certification
Published: 15/1
In the demolition industry, safety, expertise and leadership are essential. The National Demolition Association’s Certified Demolition Supervisor (CDS) certification stands as a crucial measure of professional competence. The CDS validates the capabilities of supervisors in handling complex demolition projects while reinforcing a commitment to safety and efficiency. For industry veteran Jeff Sessler of Sessler Wrecking, Waterloo, N.Y., the decision to encourage his team to pursue the CDS certification comes down to ensuring his workforce is equipped with the knowledge to handle the industry’s challenges.
“The CDS is a thorough way to ensure you have the right people with the right knowledge running the work and leading the team safely and efficiently,” Sessler says, adding that the company is moving toward making the CDS a requirement for anyone to hold the title of superintendent.
“The demolition industry is extremely complex, and some sites change conditions daily, or even faster. It’s making sure that your team is led by someone who has the experience and expertise,” he says.
Don Collier of MILBURN Demolition, Bellwood, Ill., shares similar sentiments. Having been involved with the NDA Certification Board from the program’s inception, Collier views the CDS certification as a badge of honor for those willing to put in the effort.
“It’s a true national measurement to test their abilities to be a safe and successful, high-level field supervisor,” Collier says. He further explains that the rigorous nature of the CDS certification process helps distinguish between those who simply want to lead and those who are truly qualified.
“It vets out the ‘wanters’ from the qualified people,” he adds.
Addressing Industry Complexities
Both Sessler and Collier recognize the unique challenges that come with managing demolition projects. These challenges are one of the reasons why the CDS program has been carefully structured to address the real-world complexities of the industry. Sessler notes that certification is increasingly being required in job specifications, giving companies like Sessler Wrecking a competitive edge.
“We’ve been awarded work by showing the additional trainings that our superintendents carry,” he says.
Collier cites the years of experience and effort that have gone into developing the CDS certification have made it truly unique.
“The processes that have been put in place, from the sponsorships to the way the exam content is structured, all ensure that those earning the CDS are truly qualified to lead,” he says. “The certification is designed to maintain a high standard in the industry, something that benefits not only the certified individuals but the companies they work for and the industry as a whole.”
For companies that may not yet be actively encouraging CDS certification, both Sessler and Collier have strong words of advice. Sessler says that the certification can advance individual careers while also benefiting the entire organization.
“If you want to advance yourself, get the certification,” he says. “It shows that you are a leader willing to take the time to become certified to be a better leader for your team and organization.”
Collier is equally passionate about the benefits of the CDS certification, particularly when it comes to safety and profitability.
“If you keep an organized project, and you run it safely and successfully, and you have a talented supervisor, you’re making money,” he says.
Advice for aspiring Certified Demolition Supervisors
Collier stresses that the CDS program is not for everybody, but rather “for those high-level supervisors that want more.” His key recommendation for potential candidates is preparation:
“Go over the content outline, go over the reference material, and do it again,” he says. “When it comes time to sit for the exam, relax, take a breath, and choose with your gut, because those people are the people that we want.”
Sessler concurs, stressing that the CDS certification is an investment in both individual careers and the future success of demolition companies.
“By obtaining the certification,” he says, “supervisors can demonstrate their commitment to leading safely and efficiently in one of the most challenging industries.”