DHI CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Certifications and Credentials
Earning a DHI Certificate
As a professional in the dynamic field of door and hardware technology, earning a certificate from DHI serves as an important milestone in advancing your career and setting yourself apart in the industry. DHI’s comprehensive certification programs are designed to equip individuals with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to excel in roles ranging from specification and installation to maintenance and compliance. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional seeking to enhance your credentials, a DHI certificate signifies your commitment to quality, safety, and innovation in every aspect of architectural openings and security systems. Join DHI in unlocking new opportunities and elevating standards within the industry through the pursuit of excellence with DHI certificate.
DHI Certificates Offered
Door and Hardware Industry Associate - DHIA Certificate
The Door + Hardware Industry Associate (DHIA) certificate program is designed for individuals seeking a foundational understanding of architectural doors and hardware, including product applications, and building codes. Tailored for individuals entering or transitioning within the industry, DHIA equips participants with essential knowledge and skills necessary for success. Through a structured curriculum encompassing COR101 - Fundamentals of Architectural Doors and Hardware and COR102 - Introduction to Codes and Standards, individuals will learn the intricacies of door and hardware products, applications, and regulatory frameworks.
Courses required to be awarded the DHIA certificate:
- COR101 – Fundamentals of Architectural Doors and Hardware
- COR102 - Introduction to Codes and Standards
Door + Hardware Technican - DHT Certificate
The Door + Hardware Technician (DHT) certificate was created to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in identifying suitable products for assembly in accordance with industry codes and standards. DHT certificants possess fundamental expertise in detailing and estimating, equipped to aid contractors, and building owners in addressing construction project concerns effectively.
Courses required to be awarded the DHT certificate:
- COR103 - Understanding and Using Construction Documents
- COR117 - Door, Frame, + Architectural Hardware Applications
- COR123 - Using Door, Frame and Hardware Standards
- COR125 - Take-off and Estimating
- COR133 - Electrified Architectural Hardware
- COR140 – Using Codes and Standards
Information on the DHT Exam: The DHT exam will be sunset December 31, 2024. Individuals may purchase the DHT exam prior to November 1, 2024, in lieu of taking the DHT courses. Individuals that pass the DHT exam will be awarded the DHT certificate.
Starting January 1, 2025, all individuals will be required to take six courses to be awarded the DHT certificate.
Door + Hardware Consultant - DHC Certificate
The Door + Hardware Consultant (DHC) certificate distinguishes individuals with advanced expertise in product and code applications. DHC certificants showcase proficiency in handling large-scale, intricate projects, as well as renovations of existing facilities. Moreover, DHCs offer valuable technical consultation to architects, contractors, and building owners throughout various project phases.
Courses required to be awarded the DHC certificate:
- DHC218 – Understanding Specialty Doors
- DHC246 - Introduction to Detailing Doors, Frames and Hardware
- DHC247 - Intermediate Detailing Doors, Frames and Hardware
- DHC253 - Installation Coordination and Project Management
- DHC260 - Material Purchasing Concepts
- DHC263 - Developing Masterkey Systems
Information on the DHC Exam: The DHC exam will be sunset December 31, 2024. Individuals may purchase the DHC exam prior to November 1, 2024, in lieu of taking the DHC courses. Individuals that pass the DHC exam will be awarded the DHC certificate.
Starting January 1, 2025, all individuals will be required to take six courses to be awarded the DHC certificate.
Advanced Certifications
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
Certified Fire + Egress Door Assembly Inspection Program (CFDAI)
A DHI-certified fire and egress door assembly professional has the skill and training necessary to perform a detailed inspection, ensuring fire-rated doors are code compliant.
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 thorough inspections.
Prerequisite:
- Individuals are required to complete DAI600 – Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspection.
Learn more about the CFDAI Program
Architectural Hardware Consultants - AHC Certification
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.
Electrified Hardware Consultants - EHC Certification
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.
What is a DHI Certified Canadian Consultant?
DHI Canada is the focal point for a team of more than 900 Canadian professional consultants. Their goal may be personal and professional achievement, but the attainment of their certified Canadian consultant status guarantees that non-residential doors meet rigorous codes and standards to ensure the safety and security of buildings and their occupants.
Those who have achieved certified consultant status, or who are working to achieve it, 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 tool of skill that will satisfy the many different needs of a building.
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