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Editor's Notepad

Are you a Master Deck Builder?

Rob Yagid , senior editor

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Chances are you’re probably not. (Officially anyway).  However, that can change thanks to the North American Deck and Railing Association’s new education program, which they just launched in March. This four-part education series culminates in a final exam. Upon passing the exam, you’ll earn your Master Deck Builder certificate. It’s the first education and certification program of its kind in the deck industry, and certainly a way to improve your skill set and distinguish yourself from the competition.
More information can be found at www.NADRA.org 

Although the program is brand new, I spoke with NADRA technical advisor Glenn Mathewson recently. He helped develop the education series and is excited about the new program. They've gotten a lot of interest and a lot of positive feedback.

Are any of you looking into getting certified?

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Comments (1)

MikeGuertin writes: Rob,

Check with Mike or Glenn again on the specifics regarding the MDB designation.

I took the first class in March at JLC Live.

1 - You have to be a NADRA member to get the designation (anyone can take the classes and tests though)

2 - You don't have to take the classes in order to become a MDB - you only have to take the tests.

3 - at this point, as far as I know, there are 4 exams (or maybe they are administering the exams in conjunction with the classes).

4 - The exams are open book and the course is based on Glenn's book (see my blog on the book here: http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/9688/deck-construction-book-ala-code

5 - NADRA and Glenn plan to have his sessions available via web-video courses at some point. They taped the March class.

I'm still awaiting a grade on the test I took a month ago. It was pretty straight forward. If you know the building code and have Glenn's book in front of you, there's no reason you can't pass a test.

Posted: 8:34 pm on April 18th

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