Report of the MCAA Certification Committee

Words: Danks Burton

Certification Program

The Certification Committee met via conference call on November 18, 2015. The Certification Committee was tasked by the Board to determine the feasibility of continuing the Certification Program. The Committee was unanimous in the decision to recommend continuing the program. With twenty-seven companies having reached certification and another seventy currently pursuing certification, we felt the program should not be abandoned. We should continue to offer certification to companies that attain all the required education courses.

Additional Credentialing

The Certification Committee is currently developing individual certifications on subjects pertaining to flashing, grouting, Storm Shelter construction, and the new and improved MQI.

Storm Shelter Credential Development

The MCAA is working to develop a Storm Shelter Credential Program through a grant from the NCMA Foundation. The course will have five components to it:
  • Drilling and Epoxies (To be completed by March 31, 2016)
  • Proper Rebar Placement (To be completed by March 31, 2016)
  • Masonry Grouting (To be completed by January 15, 2016)
  • Roof Connections (To be completed by March 31, 2016)
  • Overview (To be completed by March 31, 2016)
When complete, the attendee would receive the credential. We are currently coordinating with the individuals writing and developing the components of the program. The video production completion date is two months after the program is first presented.
Stop Juggling: The Best Way to Master Your Masonry Job Sites
January 2026

You’re in the business of building structures that will stand for generations. Yet, too often, the process of managing the job site feels built on quicksand. Every construction project manager knows the feeling: the constant, fra

Brick Jointers: Purpose, Patterns, & Practical Applications
January 2026

After leads have been built and bricks have been laid, it’s crucial to tool the joints before the mortar sets. The tool of choice for this task is a brick jointer, but it can be tricky to decide which one to use. This guide will walk through the purpose o

Laying It Straight: Line-Holding Accessories for Masons Who Demand Precision
January 2026

When it comes to laying brick, block, or stone, nothing replaces a good line. A tight, true mason’s line is the backbone of straight courses and clean elevations, and the hardware holding that line is every bit as critical. Bon Tool’s lineup of Line & Lin

The Importance of Eye Protection in Masonry
January 2026

There are few stereotypes more iconic than the image of a construction worker wearing a hard hat and safety glasses. Protective glasses are among the most common items worn by workers in the masonry field, second only to the hard hat. According to OSHA, w