FAQ’S About IDEA Certification

Q: CAN I GET IDEA CERTIFIED FOR EACH TRAINING?

Yes! All of our trainings give you the opportunity to get IDEA Certified.

However, those taking our 2-DAY INTRODUCTION TO THE INDUSTRY RESIDENTIAL TRAINING may wish to wait and get certified as part of our 3-DAY RESIDENTIAL TRAINING.

Also, please note that COMMERCIAL OPENERS are covered on the COMMERCIAL SECTIONAL test and there are specifications for each.

Q: CAN I GET IDEA CERTIFIED IF I TAKE YOUR ONLINE COURSE?

YES! You can take the IDEA residential certification but will need to locate a testing center. This can be located on IDEA’s site linked below.  If you attend one of our in-person trainings, we do offer the test at our facility.

Q: HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO I NEED FOR THE IDEA RESIDENTIAL TESTING?

While prior knowledge will be very helpful in passing the IDEA residential test, no former experience is required. All commercial certifications, however, require at least 2 years of experience.

Q: DO I SIGN UP FOR MY TEST THROUGH MOUNT ONSITE TRAINING?

A: You will sign up for each certification on the IDEA website linked on our TESTING page. Mount Onsite Training does proxy some of the test or a representative from IDEA will administer the test. All testing is given at our facility.

Q: ON THE APPLICATION IDEA IS ASKING ME FOR A “SANCTIONED TRAINER” AND A DATE AND LOCATION OF THE WRITTEN EXAM. WHAT SHOULD I PUT DOWN?

When filling out your form on the IDEA website, they will ask you a few questions that may not seem obvious. When asked for the date and location of the exam, please enter our address 1950 Bethel Rd, Finksburg, MD 21048 – and the date you signed up to take the written exam at our facility. They will also ask you “Sanctioned Trainer”, please enter Dave Mount.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T PASS MY TEST?

Sometimes it does happen where you may not pass and that is ok! IDEA will give you the chance to retest at no charge. However, you must make arrangements through IDEA to retest.

Q: HOW MUCH DOES THE TEST COST AND WHO DO I PAY?

All tests are purchased and registered with IDEA on their site. The tests can be purchased per class or they can be bundled. The Residential, Commercial Sectional and Rolling Steel tests are $250.00 each and the Rolling Fire Door is $300.00. IDEA does offer a Master Tech bundle which includes ALL 4 tests for $850.00 or The Residential/Commercial bundle for $400.00 and the Rolling Steel/Fire Door bundle for $450.00.

Q: HOW IS THE TEST GRADED AND WILL I KNOW THAT DAY IF I PASSED?

Good question! The test is a pass or fail grading system. You must have at least 70% for Residential, Commercial Sectional and the Rolling Steel to pass. You must however, have at least 80% to pass the Fire Door test. Please note, the RESIDENTIAL certification is the ONLY certification that you do not need at least 2 years of experience to receive your certification. What does that mean? That means that you are free to take any of the tests BUT you will not receive your certification from IDEA until you have 2 years of experience in the industry except for RESIDENTIAL. Typically, you will hear from IDEA in about 2 weeks if you have passed. This information does NOT come from Mount Onsite Training but IDEA.

Q: HOW SHOULD I STUDY FOR THIS TEST?

Like we have heard all of our lives from our teachers, you should study OFTEN! A PDF study guide will be sent to you from IDEA once you have registered and paid for your test(s). After that, it is up to you to put the time in. Our hands on training as well as the study guide and your experience to this point should set you up for great success BUT you must study.