The National Association of the Remodeling Industry announced two new certification programs: The Universal Design Certified Remodeler (UDCR) and the Master Certified Remodeler (MCR). Both will launch in the Fall 2009.

The UDCR certification correlates with the Universal Remodeling Course and recognizes remodeling contractors with expertise in applying Universal Design Principles to residential remodeling projects.

The MCR program will recognize those individuals with minimum of 10 continuous years as a Certified Remodeler (CR), have at least one additional current NARI certification (CKBR, CLC, or GCP) and have demonstrated chapter, community, and/or remodeling industry involvement. 

Also, effective July 1, 2009, NARI announces new prices on its certification programs. The Certified Remodeler and Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler will be reduced to $599 and the Certified Lead Carpenter will be reduced to $395. These prices will be in effect until May 15, 2010. For the CR program only, those participants get an even deeper discount (cost of $479) by testing by Dec. 15, 2009.

In addition, the NARI Certification Board recently completed revision of the Certified Remodeler exam. While the scope of the exam has not changed, the number of questions in the exam has been reduced from 550 to 200, and will be implemented in the Fall 2009.

A CR Program Manual will be available for download at NARI.org by June 15, 2009. This manual will provide an in-depth description of the exam components, sample questions, and an application. 

Source: NARI