The Senior Carpet Inspector (SCI) certification is an introductory floor covering inspection certification explaining basic investigation procedures that apply to all floor coverings. Before sitting for this certification exam, you should know about fibers, yarn construction, carpet construction, and installation. The certification emphasizes field testing, lab testing, inspection techniques, advanced construction, installation and maintenance issues, report writing, warranty interpretation, color issues, photography, sample collection, practice, and tours of related facilities.

There are two types of Senior Carpet Inspectors:

Credentialed

Typically works directly with a single manufacturer and is relied upon for expertise regarding carpet defects and claims.

Practicing

These inspectors can be hired by companies or consumers to conduct independent inspections that are separate and apart from influence that might be perceived by end-users to be biased toward a manufacturer, retailer or installer.