Can You Earn IICRC CEC Credits Online?
Everything you need to know about earning your IICRC continuing education credits online—how it works, whether it counts the same as in-person, and where to get started.
Short Answer
Yes. You can earn IICRC CEC credits online.
The IICRC treats one hour of eligible online training the same as one hour of in-person training. There is no difference in how the credits apply to your certification renewal.
How Online IICRC CEC Courses Work
Online CEC courses are structured learning programmes that you complete on your computer, tablet, or phone. You enrol, work through the course material at your own pace, pass an assessment, and receive a certificate of completion. That certificate documents the number of CEC hours you earned and can be submitted to the IICRC for credit.
The process is straightforward: one hour of eligible online training equals one CEC hour. A course that takes 14 hours to complete earns you 14 CEC hours—the full amount needed for a technician certification renewal cycle. You do not need to supplement online hours with in-person training unless you choose to.
The key word is "eligible." Not every online course qualifies for IICRC CEC credit. The training needs to be approved or accepted by the IICRC for continuing education purposes. Always verify that a course is accepted for CEC credit before relying on it for your renewal.
Online vs. In-Person CEC Training: How They Compare
Both methods earn you the same CEC hours. The difference is in how the training fits into your life and work schedule.
| Factor | Online CEC Courses | In-Person CEC Courses |
|---|---|---|
| CEC hours earned | Same | Same |
| IICRC acceptance | Accepted | Accepted |
| Start immediately | Yes — enrol and begin today | No — wait for scheduled date |
| Self-paced | Yes — stop and start anytime | No — fixed schedule |
| Travel required | None | Yes — travel to classroom |
| Days off work | None — learn around your jobs | 2–3 full days typically |
| Certificate delivery | Instant download on completion | Days to weeks after course |
| Available in Spanish | Yes — with some providers | Rare |
| Any device | Computer, tablet, or phone | Classroom only |
For most working restoration technicians, online CEC courses are the practical choice. You keep working, you keep earning, and you get your credits done without losing billable days.
What to Look For in an Online CEC Course
Not all online courses are equal. Before you enrol, make sure the course meets these criteria:
- Accepted for IICRC CEC credit: verify that the course is approved or accepted by the IICRC for continuing education hours. This is the most important factor — without it, the hours do not count toward your renewal.
- Clear CEC hour count: the course should state exactly how many CEC hours it awards upon completion. For a full technician renewal, you need a course that provides 14 hours.
- Restoration-specific content: generic safety or construction courses may not be accepted for IICRC CEC credit. Look for courses that cover restoration topics like water damage, fire and smoke, mold remediation, or odour control.
- More than just a video and a quiz: the best online courses include multiple learning methods — video instruction, illustrated manuals, interactive simulations, and adaptive learning. This ensures you actually retain the material, not just click through it.
- Instant certificate on completion: you should be able to download your certificate of completion immediately after passing the exam — not wait days or weeks for it to be emailed.
- CEC submission support: some providers will submit your certificate to the IICRC on your behalf. This saves you time and ensures the documentation reaches the right place.
- Language options: if your primary language is Spanish, make sure the course offers full instruction, exams, and certificates in Spanish — not just translated subtitles.
How Many Online CEC Hours Do You Need?
The number of CEC hours required depends on your certification level. All of these can be earned entirely online:
- Certified Technicians (WRT, FSRT, AMRT, OCT, etc.) — 14 CEC hours every 4 years
- Master Designations (MWR, MSR, MTC) — 14 CEC hours every 2 years
- Inspector Certifications — 14 CEC hours every 2 years
You do not need to take your CEC course in the same subject as your certification. A WRT-certified technician can earn all 14 hours from a fire restoration course, a mold remediation course, or any other accepted CEC course. Choose based on what interests you or where you want to grow your skills.
Online CEC Courses Available on RestoreTech360
RestoreTech360 offers self-paced, online CEC courses in both English and Spanish. Each course is IICRC-reviewed and includes video instruction, manuals, simulations, adaptive learning, and instant certificates on completion.
Water Damage Restoration (CEC)
Drying science, inspection, moisture monitoring, equipment, documentation.
View Course →Fire & Smoke Restoration (CEC)
Fire damage assessment, soot removal, odour treatment, project management.
View Course →Mold Remediation (CEC)
Assessment, containment, remediation techniques, post-remediation verification.
View Course →Odour Control (CEC)
Odour sources, treatment methods, equipment, and elimination techniques.
View Course →WRT CEC (Español)
Water damage training fully in Spanish. Same content, same credits.
Ver Curso →FSRT CEC (Español)
Fire and smoke restoration training fully in Spanish.
Ver Curso →Start Earning Your CEC Hours Today
Enrol now, start immediately, learn at your pace, and get your certificate the moment you pass. RestoreTech360 can also submit your CEC documentation to the IICRC on your behalf — at no extra charge.
The IICRC does not endorse specific providers, products, or offerings. Confirm accepted CEC status for your certification type and renewal window before relying on any course for renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do online CEC hours count the same as in-person hours?
Yes. The IICRC treats one hour of eligible online training the same as one hour of in-person training. There is no difference in how the credits are applied to your certification renewal.
Can I earn all 14 CEC hours online from one course?
Yes. Courses like RestoreTech360's WRT CEC course award 14 IICRC CEC hours upon completion. One course can cover your entire technician renewal requirement.
Do I need to take the CEC course in the same subject as my certification?
No. You can earn CEC credits from any accepted course regardless of the subject. A WRT-certified technician can take a fire, mold, or odour control CEC course and the hours count the same.
How do I submit my online CEC hours to the IICRC?
You can email your certificate of completion to renewals@iicrcnet.org, or log into your IICRC profile and use the "Report CECs" feature. Some providers, including RestoreTech360, will submit your documentation on your behalf at no additional charge.
Can I take CEC courses on my phone?
Yes. RestoreTech360's platform is compatible with computers, tablets, and smartphones. You can start and stop whenever it fits your schedule and the platform saves your progress.
Are online CEC courses available in Spanish?
Yes. RestoreTech360 offers CEC courses fully in Spanish, including video instruction, manuals, exams, and certificates. The WRT and FSRT CEC courses are both available in Spanish with the same CEC hours as the English versions.
How long do I have to complete an online CEC course?
On RestoreTech360, you have 30 days from enrolment to complete the course. Most students finish in a few focused days, but you can spread it across multiple sessions at your own pace.
What if my certification has already expired?
You can still complete CEC courses to earn your hours. However, you will also need to contact the IICRC to process a reinstatement. Email renewals@iicrcnet.org if expired less than 24 months, or reinstatements@iicrcnet.org if expired more than 24 months.