Kitchen Hood Cleaning Certification FAQs

Get answers to common questions about Phil Ackland kitchen hood cleaning certification, crew leader requirements, company qualification, distance training, experience requirements, and recertification.

Do I have to join an association to become Phil Ackland Certified?

No. Association membership is not required. Phil Ackland Certification is recognized by PWNA.

How long does Phil Ackland Certification last?

Phil Ackland Certification is valid for three years. The three-year period begins when you pass the certification exam.

What happens when my Phil Ackland Certification expires?

Phil Ackland Training provides notice of an upcoming expiration. After the required renewal form and payment are received, you will receive instructions for the renewal quiz and any additional required paperwork. Learn more on the Phil Ackland recertification page.

What is required for a company to become Phil Ackland Qualified?

Company qualification requirements include:

  • Designate a company representative who serves as the contact between Phil Ackland Training and the company and coordinates required paperwork.
  • Submit the cover sheet from the company’s General Liability Insurance policy.
  • Provide a Federal ID Number.
  • Provide a copy of the After Service Follow-up Report.
  • Complete the Company Qualifications Application Form, including agreement to “The Pledge.”

Current forms are available through the certification forms page.

What is required to become a Phil Ackland Certified Crew Leader?

Crew Leader requirements include:

  • Complete and agree to the Crew Leader Application Form, including “The Pledge.”
  • Complete the required training course and workbook.
  • Pass the certification test.
  • Attend the Five-Day Training School or document 500 hours of job experience.

See the Employee Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Certification page for more information.

How long do I have to complete the Distance Certification training?

The current time limit stated by Phil Ackland Training is six months from receipt of the Distance Course package.

See the Distance Certification program for course information.

Do I have to submit all Crew Leader applications at the same time?

No. Crew Leaders may apply individually or at the same time. Training and paperwork may also be completed and submitted as each person progresses. Certification is not granted until all required paperwork has been received.

What if my company needs additional Crew Leader Certifications?

Contact Phil Ackland Training if your company needs additional Crew Leader Certifications or needs help determining the appropriate certification path.

You can also review the Distance Certification program.

Can a company owner or representative earn Crew Leader Certification?

Yes. A company owner or representative can complete the same certification process as other Crew Leaders and may be granted Crew Leader Certification after satisfying the program requirements.

Do I need an existing company to purchase the Distance Certification package?

No. You may purchase the Distance Certification package and begin studying the manuals and workbook before your company is qualified. Before taking the final exam, the company must provide the required qualification information.

The student must also arrange a proctored testing location, such as an eligible local library or community college, and provide the facility information to Phil Ackland Training so the exam can be administered.

If I change companies, does my Crew Leader Certification transfer automatically?

No. Under the current program requirements, the certification must be changed to the new company, and the new company must become qualified before the Crew Leader Certification is recognized under that company.

Do I have to document my kitchen exhaust cleaning job experience?

Yes. When using the job-experience path, the qualified company representative signs an affidavit documenting 500 hours of job experience.

Can I purchase the Distance Course if I do not yet have 500 hours of job experience?

Yes. You may purchase the Distance Course and begin the training before you have accumulated 500 hours of job experience. The required company qualification, experience, and certification requirements must still be satisfied before certification is granted.

If I change companies, does my three-year certification period restart?

No. Changing companies does not restart the three-year certification period. The certification duration continues to be measured from the date you originally passed the certification exam.

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