Standards FAQs

Have questions about Standards? We have answers. 

How can I get involved in the Standards development process?

The IICRC is always looking for volunteers to participate in the development of its Standards. For more information on all IICRC Standards, and which consensus bodies are currently accepting applications HERE.

Why should I participate?

ANSI/IICRC Standards are voluntary consensus based Standards that are accepted as the Standard of Care in the industry. Those who participate have a vote on the Standard and can influence what is included and what is not. Participation gives you a voice in the development of the Standard.

What’s the difference between a Standard and a Reference Guide?

ANSI/IICRC Standards summarize most of the significant and important procedures and methodologies, while IICRC Reference Guides restate and further explain those procedures and methodologies, and provide additional background information, which supports the Standard. Although the material in the Reference Guide does not carry the official status of a Standard, the two sections complement one another and should always be considered in tandem.

What is the process used to develop the IICRC Standards?

For a summary of the ANSI/IICRC Standards Development Process click HERE.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the IICRC Standards?

The IICRC offers certification exams to professionals who work in the Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration industries, and the Institute publishes Standards which are approved by the American National Standards Institute. However, the Institute does not respond to technical questions, as such inquiries are most appropriately addressed by competent professionals who work in the field. Therefore, the Institute recommends that you either locate an IICRC Certified Firm who may be able to assist you; or you may purchase a copy of an IICRC Standard from the IICRC Webstore. For nontechnical questions please email Standards@iicrcnet.org.

Where can I buy IICRC Standards?

All IICRC Standards and Reference Guides are available online at the IICRC Webstore. Click on Current Standards on the top navigation bar and select the Standard you are interested in purchasing.

IICRC Standards and Reference Guides are also available through purchasing the Standards Subscription that provides online Subscription access to all IICRC Standards and Reference Guides. For more information on the Standards Subscription CLICK HERE.

Can I purchase more than one subscription license?

Anyone is welcome to purchase more than one Subscription. After purchase, you will receive license codes for each Subscription you paid for via email.

To purchase bulk Subscriptions, please contact us at webstore@iicrcnet.org or call 844-216-7036.

Can I share my digital Standard purchase with my coworkers?

Sharing digital Standards is not allowed, as each digital purchase is intended to be used by one person. You may download the Bookshelf app on up to two devices for offline access.

The digital Standards are secured with Bookshelf for copyright protection. This is a standard practice for high value publications.

Are there discounts on the IICRC Standards?

All ANSI/IICRC Standards can be purchased at a discounted rate. 

1-9: Full Price
10-24: 5% off 
25-49: 10% off
50-59: 15% off
60-84: 20% off
85+: 25% off

To purchase bulk Subscriptions, please contact us at webstore@iicrcnet.org or call 844-216-7036.

If I have questions or issues about my order who do I contact?

Standards orders related issues (cannot download e-book, did not receive order, received wrong order, purchased wrong Standard, request for refund, question regarding your order) should go to iicrc@gilmore.ca, chat with us HERE, or call 800-795-6661.

Does the IICRC have a Fire/Smoke/Soot damage remediation Standard?

IICRC Standards do not specifically cover fire and smoke restoration. However, these are the current standards in development:

The BSR­/IICRC S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration will provide a specific set of practical principles, methods and processes for the restoration of fire and smoke damaged structural materials, assemblies and systems. The standard will cover the entire process of evaluation, mitigation, cleaning and restoration. This standard will cover scope development, temporary structures and repairs, engineering controls, proper cleaning methods and processes, and proper chain­ of­ custody documentation of the property being restored.

The BSR/IICRC S760 Standard for Professional Restoration of Structures and Items Damaged by Wildfire Smoke includes practical principles, methods, and processes to evaluate and restore interior and exterior of structures and improvements, contents and personal property impacted by wildfire smoke emissions. In addition, this standard will also describe the basic principles governing wildfire particle distribution and eventual settlement on surfaces to aid the restorer in identifying the scope of a project and preparation of a work plan. This standard will also establish methods and processes to document, evaluate, restore and verify the cleanliness of structures and contents damaged from wildfire smoke.

Why does the IICRC develop Standards?

As one of the first organizations to serve as a resource to others in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry, we set out to create a set of best practices – or standards – to help bridge our industries together. Our Standards serve to develop common, industry-accepted language and terminology that enables us to more universally discuss concepts and procedures regarding cleaning, inspection and restoration. Through this discussion, we can grow the industry together.

What is ANSI and why do IICRC Standards need to be ANSI-accredited?

ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute. They are an organization that oversees and verifies the development and use of national consensus Standards in many different industries. If a Standard is accredited by ANSI, it means ANSI has recognized and verified that the requirements for due process and consensus have been met by IICRC. We voluntarily choose to follow ANSI policies and procedures to develop the highest quality standards possible.

What does it mean to have an ANSI-Accredited Standard?

ANSI Accreditation means that a standard is created using openness and fairness as it relates to the development processes, and that the committees follow principles of consensus, balance, and lack of dominance in developing the Standards. Rules and processes are followed to ensure that a Standard doesn’t represent or favor one industry, company or person, and that a standard is created using a balance of interests for the good of the industry.

Why is it important to follow the IICRC Standards?

Simply put, Standards work. Standards are created to find the best possible method of performing a specified task. The methods are presented by industry experts, debated, agreed upon through consensus, and finally reviewed extensively by industry peers to ensure they are fair and work as intended.

Standards ensure the method of cleaning, restoration or inspection being performed is in fact the best and most effective way. They reduce redundancy, errors, time spent on a job and costs.

How can I use the IICRC Standards to grow my business?

Customers demand quality, reliability, safety and effectiveness – all results that come from following industry Standards. By promoting that you follow IICRC Standards, you are demonstrating your expertise to customers and prospects to drive confidence and credibility in your services.

Who can be a part of the consensus bodies that develop the IICRC Standards?

Anyone who is affected is invited to participate in the development of IICRC Standards. As part of the ANSI rules, consensus bodies must be made up of a “balanced committee.” That means the committee needs to have an equal number of representatives from the following three categories:

1. Producers. Producers are individuals or organizations who produce, manufacture or supply goods and/or services covered in a standard, such as carpet, cushion and adhesive, cleaning tool, chemical and equipment manufacturers and retailers.

2. Users. A user is an individual who will be using the standard and/or performing the services covered by the standard such as installers, retailers, architects, cleaning and restoration firms, remediators and facility service providers.

3. General interest. General interest parties are those individuals or organizations that are directly and materially affected by the standard and otherwise interested in the goods and services covered by the standard, such as academia and government representatives.

Why do some of the IICRC Standards begin with BSR?

It means the standard is still under development. BSR stands for ANSI’s Board of Standards Review, which is in charge of reviewing and approving standards as “American National Standards.” All new standards under development are designated as BSR-IICRC until they receive final approval from ANSI and can be published.

Additional Resources

Head back to the Standards page or visit the video library for some helpful videos.