How to Renew Your IICRC Certification: A Step-by-Step CEC Guide
Everything you need to know about keeping your IICRC certification active—annual fees, CEC requirements, how to submit your hours, and what to do if you've already expired.
The Two Things You Must Do to Keep Your Certification Active
Keeping your IICRC certification active requires two separate actions. Both are mandatory—completing one without the other is not enough.
Pay Your Annual Renewal Fee
The IICRC requires an annual renewal fee to keep each certification active. Your first renewal is due one year after passing your certification exam, and every year after that. The fee amount varies depending on how many certifications you hold and what type they are.
The IICRC will send you an invoice by email (or mail, if no email is on file) before your renewal is due. To pay, log into your account at iicrc.org, navigate to your open invoice, and submit payment online. The IICRC does not process renewals by phone.
Tip: Check that the email address in your IICRC profile is current. Renewal notifications come from @iicrcnet.org and can end up in spam folders or be blocked by network firewalls. If you have not received your invoice, contact renewals@iicrcnet.org.
Earn Your Continuing Education Credits (CECs)
In addition to the annual fee, you must earn a set number of CEC hours within your renewal cycle. The IICRC will request proof of your completed CEC hours when it is time to renew.
One CEC equals one hour of eligible education. You can earn CECs through several methods: completing approved online CEC courses, attending a different IICRC certification course, retaking your original certification course (without the exam), or participating in qualifying industry events.
Key point: You do not need to earn CECs in the same subject as your certification. A WRT-certified technician can earn credits by taking a fire restoration or mold remediation course. Any accepted CEC activity counts toward your total regardless of the topic.
How Many CEC Hours Do You Need?
The number of CEC hours required depends on your certification level:
| Certification Level | CEC Hours Required | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Technicians (WRT, FSRT, AMRT, OCT, etc.) | 14 hours | Every 4 years |
| Master Designations (MWR, MSR, MTC) | 14 hours | Every 2 years |
| Inspector Certifications | 14 hours | Every 2 years |
For technicians, the IICRC will request proof of your 14 CEC hours every four years when you process your renewal. For masters and inspectors, proof is required every two years. Keep your certificates of completion organised and accessible so you can provide them when asked.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete Your Renewal
Check Your CEC Status
Log into your IICRC profile at iicrc.org. Under your account, you can view your current CEC status—how many hours you have earned and how many you still need. This tells you exactly where you stand before your renewal is due.
Earn Your CEC Hours
If you are short on CEC hours, complete approved continuing education courses to meet your requirement. Online, self-paced CEC courses are the fastest and most flexible option—you can start and finish on your own schedule without travelling to a classroom. RestoreTech360 offers CEC courses in both English and Spanish that cover water damage, fire and smoke restoration, mold remediation, and odour control.
Submit Your CEC Documentation
It is your responsibility to submit proof of your completed CEC hours to the IICRC. You have two options:
Option A: Email your certificate(s) of completion directly to renewals@iicrcnet.org.
Option B: Log into your IICRC profile at iicrc.org, select "Report CECs" under your account links, and follow the prompts to enter your CEC information.
Some CEC providers, including RestoreTech360, will submit your certificate to the IICRC on your behalf at no additional charge. Check with your provider to see if this service is offered.
Pay Your Annual Renewal Fee
When you receive your renewal invoice from the IICRC, log into your account at iicrc.org and pay online. Your fee amount depends on how many and what type of certifications you hold. Once payment is processed, your certifications remain active for the next year.
Keep Your Records Organised
Save copies of every CEC certificate of completion you earn—the course name, provider, date, and number of credit hours awarded. Store them digitally in a dedicated folder so you can produce them immediately if the IICRC requests documentation or if you need to verify your training for an employer or insurance carrier.
What Happens If Your Certification Expires?
If you miss your annual renewal payment or fail to earn your required CEC hours, your IICRC certification becomes inactive. Here is what the reinstatement process looks like:
Expired less than 24 months: Email renewals@iicrcnet.org to request your invoice. Pay the applicable fees and your certification can be reinstated.
Expired more than 24 months: Email reinstatements@iicrcnet.org to request a reinstatement. Additional fees may be assessed, and the process may take longer.
The longer you wait, the more complicated and expensive reinstatement becomes. If you are unsure how long you have been expired, contact renewals@iicrcnet.org to check your status.
Important: Your certifications belong to you, not your employer. If you change companies, your certifications follow you. Update your profile information at iicrc.org so the IICRC can reach you with renewal notices regardless of where you work.
Tips to Never Miss a Renewal
- Set a calendar reminder: mark your renewal date and set an alert 60 days before so you have time to complete any missing CEC hours.
- Earn CECs throughout the year: do not wait until the last month before your renewal to start earning hours. Spread your continuing education out and you will never be scrambling.
- Keep your IICRC email current: renewal invoices and notices are sent to the email in your profile. If it is outdated, you will miss them.
- Check your spam folder: IICRC emails come from @iicrcnet.org and are frequently caught by spam filters.
- Save every certificate: create a "CEC Records" folder and save each certificate of completion as you earn it—not months later when you are trying to remember what you took.
- Use a provider that submits for you: some providers, including RestoreTech360, handle CEC submission to the IICRC on your behalf, which removes one step from the process.
Need CEC Hours? Start Earning Today
RestoreTech360 offers online, self-paced CEC courses in English and Spanish. Earn up to 14 IICRC CEC hours, get your certificate instantly, and we will submit it to the IICRC on your behalf.
The IICRC does not endorse specific providers, products, or offerings. Confirm accepted CEC status for your circumstances before relying on any course for renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to renew my IICRC certification?
You must pay your annual renewal fee every year. In addition, you must earn 14 CEC hours — every four years for technician certifications, or every two years for master designations and inspector certifications.
Can I earn IICRC CEC credits online?
Yes. Online, self-paced CEC courses are accepted by the IICRC. One hour of eligible online training counts as one CEC hour, the same as in-person training.
Do I have to take CEC courses in the same subject as my certification?
No. You can take any accepted CEC course regardless of the subject. A WRT-certified technician can earn credits by taking a fire restoration, mold remediation, or odour control course.
What happens if I let my certification expire?
If expired less than 24 months, you can request reinstatement by emailing renewals@iicrcnet.org. If expired more than 24 months, you must email reinstatements@iicrcnet.org. Additional fees may apply, and the process becomes more complex the longer you wait.
Does my certification stay with me if I change employers?
Yes. Your IICRC certifications are in your name and follow you regardless of which company you work for. If you change jobs, update your profile at iicrc.org so the IICRC can send renewal notices to your current contact information.
How do I submit my CEC hours to the IICRC?
You can email your certificates of completion to renewals@iicrcnet.org, or log into your profile at iicrc.org and use the "Report CECs" feature. Some providers, including RestoreTech360, will submit your documentation to the IICRC on your behalf at no additional charge.