LAUREL, Md. — The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) recently announced that its next certification period is scheduled for Oct. 30 through Nov. 7, 2021. DLI says that it will offer three certification programs this year to better handle the continuing demands of the industry. The programs are:
- Certified Professional Drycleaner
- Certified Professional Wetcleaner
- Certified Environmental Drycleaner
Why Get Certified?
Certification is a process where an individual is recognized by a professional association — in this case, DLI — for having met a set of criteria. Cleaners who pass a standard examination are granted the right to use an industry-endorsed title: Certified Professional Drycleaner (CPD), Certified Professional Wetcleaner (CPW), and Certified Environmental Cleaner (CED), and Certified Garment Care Professional (CGCP).
Certifications are valid for three years; after that, the individual must renew their certification to retain their status.
Certification Requirements
Any person who owns or is employed by an operating drycleaning business is eligible to apply for certifications through this program, DLI says. To gain certification, a person must (depending on the exam), achieve a satisfactory score on a multiple-choice examination dealing with business management, customer service, fibers and fabrics, stain removal, environmental regulations, proper waste handling, safe operating procedures, the drycleaning and wetcleaning processes.
The certification exams are given online during the nine-day testing period, and can be taken any time, day or night. The exam is timed — the time limits are:
- Certified Professional Drycleaner: 3 Hours
- Certified Professional Wetcleaner: 2 ½ Hours
- Certified Environmental Drycleaner: 2 Hours
When the individual finishes the test, a status screen will display the final exam score and pass or fail status. Written status notifications will also be sent from DLI to all test candidates. Successful candidates will receive certificates from DLI.
For more information or to register for the exam, visit DLI’s certification page, contact DLI at [email protected] or call 800-638-2627.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].