MASTERCRAFT CERTIFIED™ — Integrated Credentialing Framework

The Official Credentialing System of the MasterCraft Professional Tradesman & Handyman Association LLC

Powered by the Northwest Training Institute (NWTI)
Supported by ESCO Institute — National HVAC Licensure Partner

How the Credentialing System Integrates with Membership

The MasterCraft Certified™ Credentialing System seamlessly connects to the membership tiers and entry pathways outlined in Option #3. Every member—whether a new apprentice or an experienced tradesman—enters the system through one of the approved MasterCraft membership tracks:

Apprentice Track (Basic Member)

For beginners or those seeking structured mentorship.
→ Progresses through Levels 1–2 of the credential ladder.

Experienced Trades Track (Certified Contractor Tier)

For tradesmen already possessing field experience or licensing.
→ Enters at Level 2–4, depending on evaluation and skill validation.

Mentor / Trainer Track (Master Mentor Tier)

For senior or licensed professionals guiding apprentices.
→ Eligible for Level 5 leadership credentials.

This ensures every member has a place, and every credential level has a clear membership category that supports it.

Purpose of the MasterCraft Certified™ System

The MasterCraft Certified™ platform is a professional, industry-recognized certification system designed to validate:

• Technical skill

• Real-world field readiness

• Ethical conduct

• Trade knowledge

• Business professionalism

It serves:

• Tradesmen

• Home inspectors

• Contractors

• Insurance adjusters

• Catastrophic adjusters

• Veterans entering the trades

• NWOCO students in the Trades of Grace program

• All members of the MasterCraft Network

Northwest Training Institute (NWTI)

• Ohio-approved CEU provider

• Primary training & testing center

• Administers written and hands-on exams

• Tracks field hour requirements

• Issues course completions

ESCO Institute

• National HVAC licensing partner

• NWTI is an official ESCO training & proctoring site

• ESCO credentials integrate into the MasterCraft ladder

MasterCraft Professional Tradesman & Handyman Association LLC

• Governing body for final credential issuance

• Maintains credentialing standards & ethics

• Provides business development pathways

• Operates the referral and contractor network

What “MasterCraft Certified™” Means

A MasterCraft Certified™ credential signifies that the individual has:

• Completed structured training

• Passed written and/or hands-on examinations

• Met verified competency standards

• Performed in real-world field conditions

• Demonstrated ethical and professional conduct

• Met requirements appropriate to their membership tier

This creates a transparent, trustworthy verification system for:

Employers • Insurance carriers • Homeowners • Contractors • Inspection firms

NOT a License — A Professional Credential

MasterCraft Certified™ is equivalent to:

• ESCO HVAC certifications

• NATE professional credentials

• IICRC technical certifications

• InterNACHI specialty certifications

• ICC industry certifications

They DO NOT replace:

• State licensing

• Contractor licensing requirements

• Local regulations

• Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or home inspector licensing

They DO provide:

• Verified competency

• Recognized professional status

• Documented training

• Qualification for network participation

• Referral eligibility

• Career advancement

MASTERCRAFT CERTIFIED™ — Credential Ladder (5 Levels)

The credential system integrates perfectly with the membership tiers:

LEVEL 1 — Apprentice & Foundation Credentials

Linked to: Basic Member – Apprentice Track
For new students, NWOCO apprentices, and beginners.

Examples:

• Trades Apprentice I

• Basic HVAC Foundations

• Basic Plumbing Concepts

• OSHA & Safety Fundamentals

LEVEL 2 — Core Trade Technician Credentials

Linked to: Apprentice Track & Experienced Tradesman Track (entry-level validation)
For those demonstrating competency in primary trade skills.

Examples:

• HVAC Systems Technician

• Plumbing Systems Technician

• Drain Diagnostics Technician

• Basic Electrical Technician

• Home Inspection Technician

LEVEL 3 — Advanced & Specialty Technician Credentials

Linked to: Certified Contractor Tier
For tradesmen moving into advanced technical proficiency.

Examples:

• Hydronics Technician

• Refrigeration Technician

• Sewer Scope Specialist

• Structural Diagnostics Inspector

• Thermal Imaging & Moisture Technician

LEVEL 4 — Contractor, Inspector & Adjuster Credentials

Linked to: Certified Contractor Tier (Experienced Trades Track)
For seasoned professionals prepared for full professional certification.

Examples:

• Xactimate Estimating Technician

• Property Claims Technician

• Hurricane Damage Analyst

• Wind & Hail Damage Analyst

• Home Inspection Professional

LEVEL 5 — Senior, Instructor & Leadership Credentials

Linked to: Mentor / Trainer / Affiliate Tier
For leaders, trainers, and advanced evaluators.

Examples:

• Senior Tradesman

• Foreman

• Project Manager

• Lead Technician

• Trade Instructor

• Field Evaluator

Training & Testing Requirements

Depending on level, individuals must complete:

• Written examinations

• Hands-on practical evaluations

• Field hour requirements

• Portfolio review or task logs

• Instructor or mentor verification

• Continuing education (where required)

Training is delivered by:

NWTI — your CEU-approved training institute
MasterCraft Network — field mentorship & evaluation
ESCO — national recognition for technical HVAC credentials

Who Can Earn MasterCraft Certified™ Credentials?

• Beginners through NWOCO or MasterCraft onboarding

• Experienced tradesmen evaluated through the Fast-Track Skills Assessment

• Home inspectors

• Contractors

• Adjusters & catastrophic response professionals

• Restoration technicians

• Veterans

• Students in NWOCO’s “Trades of Grace” program

• All MasterCraft Network members

Why Choose MasterCraft Certified™?

✔ Backed by 42+ years of multi-licensed professional expertise
✔ Delivered through a CEU-approved school (NWTI)
✔ Enhanced through ESCO national credentialing
✔ Designed for apprentice through professional levels
✔ Contractor, inspector, and adjuster ready
✔ Fully integrated with the MasterCraft Network membership system
✔ Unique regional credential recognized within your contractor association
✔ Builds credibility, trust, and professionalism
✔ Creates an industry-standard advancement path only available in NW Ohio