Certification Programs

Becoming Certified

Further your profession by becoming DHI certified! Through DHI certification programs, door security and safety professionals have established themselves as qualified professionals in the industry. Their skills provide the balance of life safety and security for millions of building occupants. Those who are working toward or have already achieved a certified consultant status, know the hundreds of hours it takes to learn every aspect of the door and hardware industry, plus the attention and effort required to hone that knowledge into a skill that will satisfy the many different needs of a building.

Why Earn a DHI Certification

  • More than 78% of certification holders agree that employers tend to hire certified professionals rather than hire non-certified.
  • DHI certificants cite recognition and respect from peers and supervisors as the top value of certification.
  • By achieving your DHI certification, you gain confidence and demonstrate professional competence in the application of your knowledge.

Certification Programs

The Certified Fire & Egress Door Assembly Inspector (CFDAI) certification focuses on responsibilities of fire and egress door inspectors, emphasizing the importance of clear communication with building owners and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Individuals with a CFDAI know how to perform and document inspections, have an intermediate understanding of door, frame, and hardware products, as well as familiarity with relevant codes to conduct through inspections.

Prerequisite:

  • Individuals are required to complete DAI600 – Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspection.

Learn more about the CFDAI Program

The Architectural Hardware Consultants (AHC) certification is one of DHI’s long-standing programs established in 1940. The AHC has been designed to test the individual’s competency in hardware requirements for door openings (i.e., public, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings). AHCs are able to coordinate hardware products and options to ensure door openings comply with fire, life safety, accessibility and building code requirements. One of the skills set AHC’s are tested on is their proficient to write and edit CSI format specifications for mechanical, doors and frames, and electrified hardware.

The AHC exam covers the following competencies:

  • Advanced mechanical and electrified hardware product.
  • Code application knowledge.
  • Write and edit CSI/DHI format specifications for mechanical and electrified hardware.
  • Understanding large and complex projects and existing facility renovations.

DHI does not require candidates to meet prerequisites prior to applying for the AHC exam. However, it is highly recommended that candidates take the following courses to better prepare for testing:

  • AHC305 - Introduction to Specification Writing
  • AHC307 – Advanced Detailing Doors, Frames and Hardware
  • AHC310 – Writing Door and Frame Specifications
  • AHC315 – Writing Hardware Specifications

Exam Format:

The AHC exam is a two-day, 8-hour exam administered through paper and pencil. Candidates are tested in three areas: Scheduling, Specifications, and Multiple-Choice. Candidates are responsible for finding an AHC proctor to administer the exam. If you need to locate a proctor, Find A Pro is a tool available to candidates.

The Electrified Hardware Consultant (EHC) certification was developed to test individuals’ competency in electrified architectural hardware products into access control monitoring and fire alarm systems, while maintaining compliance with fire, life safety, accessibility, and building code requirements. EHC’s have an understanding of electronic access control systems.

The EHC exam covers the following competencies:

  • Advanced mechanical and electrified hardware product.
  • Code application knowledge with an understanding of electronic access control systems.
  • Understanding fire, life safety, accessibility, and building code requirements.
  • Understanding of architectural door openings and security needs.

DHI does not require candidates to meet prerequisites prior to applying for the EHC exam. However, it is highly recommended that candidates take the following courses to better prepare for testing:

  • EHC403 – Electrified Hardware Drawings and Documentation
  • EHC413 – Advanced Electrified Hardware Drawings
  • EHC423 – Advanced Electrified Architectural Hardware

Exam Format:

The EHC exam is an 8-hour exam administered through paper and pencil. Candidates have three sections they will be tested on: short answer, long answer, and multiple choice. Candidates are responsible for finding an EHC proctor to administer the exam. If you need to locate a proctor, Find A Pro is a tool available to candidates.

 

Ready to Apply for the Exam?

SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

Steps to Apply

Step 1 – Passing the exam is an important part of earning your credential. Find the resources to prepare by learning more about the credential!

Step 2 – Identify a proctor and submit your exam application.

Step 3 – With eligibility confirmed and the exam fee paid, DHI staff will communicate with your proctor and mail the exam materials in advance of your testing date. 

Step 4 – Certificants that hold a CFDAI, AHC, and/or EHC are required to maintain continuing education units. Renewal cycle is required every 3 years. For information on certification maintenance, visit the Continuing Education Program page. 
  

Exam Fees


FEE

  MEMBER PRICE  NON-MEMBER PRICE


AHC Exam

  $850.00 USD  $1050.00 USD
              EHC Exam  $550.00 USD  $850.00 USD


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For questions about the different certifications or testing contact the DHI Certification Staff certification@dhi.org