Certification Programs
More than 2,000 door security and safety professionals from around the world have earned professional credentials through DHI. 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.
The changing dynamics of our industry and the evolving needs of our members who work in this market, combined with certain shifting roles within the distribution channel, together have precipitated this most significant change to DHI's certification program in decades, if not ever. We learned this from our members during our recent research activities, formal surveys, informal communications, and personal meetings. There was consistent, critical commentary that we need to improve our program. Use DHI’s Credentials + Certifications Guide to promote your individual and company marks of excellence to your customers.
New Certifications and Credentials
Our new program features three tiers, various new credentials and certifications for each level of technical competence, respective award criteria, and recommended DHI educational courses to prepare for the exams. For an in-depth breakdown of the new program and recommended courses for each level, download this brochure. Building these new offerings are our highest priority and we are committing the necessary resources to complete each stage as quickly as possible. We will release segments as completed to enable you to embrace this new direction as we evolve. We are making these efforts our highest priority and committing the necessary resources to complete each stage as quickly as possible. Learn more about the new program in our video. Click on the + links below to expand credential information!
Level One: Basic Technical Understanding
The Door + Hardware Industry Associate (DHIA) certificate is the first step in DHI's new credential and certification program. It recognizes individuals working in a variety of positions within the industry who have achieved a basic technical understanding of product and code applications. To obtain the DHIA certificate, recipients must have completed COR101 - Fundamentals of Architectural Doors and Hardware, and COR102 - Introduction to Codes and Standards, and passed the exams. This is a certificate of completion and is not used as a credential after your name. Click on the bundle below to get started on your path as a door security + safety professional. For more information contact
education@dhi.org.
BUY BUNDLELevel Two: Intermediate Technical Competence
The DHT credential recognizes those who have displayed the competence to provide detailing, estimating, and project management skills on projects with an intermediate level of complexity of occupancy type, and product and code application.
Thousands of industry members like you have already qualified by taking DHI education over the years, or from other education, being mentored, or good old fashioned on-the-job training and experience! Now, you just need to take the DHT exam. Not sure if you’re ready? We also offer a free DHT Practice Exam.
DHT EXAM INFO
Level Three: Advanced Technical Expertise
For an in-depth breakdown of the new program, download the brochure and poster and watch the animated video below or go to our YouTube page. If you are interested in obtaining one of these new credentials or certifications, contact certification@dhi.org and let’s get started!
Legacy Certifications
Legacy certifications are long-standing and well recognized within the industry and by industry stakeholders. The brand equity for these certifications has evolved over a considerable period of time: 75 years for the AHC, 35 years for the CDC, and 10 years for the EHC. DHI is committed to preserving the value of these certifications to our members who have already earned them, and will continue to offer them until the new certification program has deployed within the industry.
Use DHI’s Credentials + Certifications Guide to promote your individual and company marks of excellence to your customers. Click on the + links below to expand credential information!
Individuals trained to recognize a builder’s hardware requirements for door openings in all types of public, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. AHCs coordinate thousands of builders' hardware items and options to ensure door openings are in compliance with fire, life safety, accessibility and building code requirements.
Individuals trained in the construction and application of standard and custom hollow metal doors and frames, architectural flush and stile and rail wood doors and aluminum doors and frames. CDCs must master a myriad of fire, life safety, accessibility and building code requirements for all types of buildings.
Individuals who specialize in the coordination of architectural door openings with the increased security needs of public buildings in today’s society. EHCs are experts at interfacing electrified architectural hardware products into access control monitoring and fire alarm systems, while maintaining compliance with fire, life safety, accessibility and building code requirements.
Individuals who have attained AHC, CDC and EHC professional certifications. AOCs have mastered all facets of the commercial door and hardware industry and exemplify the highest standards of expertise and professionalism. Consultants pursue an accreditation and maintenance program that broadens and enriches their understanding of the architectural openings industry and encourages continuing education.
If you are interested in obtaining one of these certifications, contact education@dhi.org and let’s get you started on your certification path.