certification article

"Learning How To Clean Kitchen Grease Exhaust Systems Real Time In The Field Is The Only Way I Suggest That You Go.  Learning In A Warehouse On A Clean Hood Is Never Going To Teach You How To Actually Clean Them."

Certified Hood & Duct Cleaners Association's first Certification course for Kitchen Exhaust Cleaners was a Success!

Cottontown, TN--Advanced Cleaning Systems' Certified Hood and Duct Cleaner Certification course for existing Kitchen Exhaust Cleaners was a wonderful success.  The Certification Only Course was held Oct. 21-23, 2002 in Cottontown, TN.  "Since we had our first person to attend we decided to have the meeting at Advanced Cleaning Systems' Home Office.  That way we can have a more relaxed atmosphere and get to know our participants on a more personal level," stated Russell Clark.

On Monday the training was informal and personalized to the specific needs of James Luebke, owner of Liberty Services, Inc. of Dayton, OH.  James has been in the kitchen exhaust cleaning field for 12 years and currently has 5- 2 man crews, several office staff, and full time salespeople operating 5 days a week.  He sought certification in kitchen exhaust cleaning from Advanced Cleaning Systems because he likes the idea of the certification not expiring in a few years and then having to incur the expense of having to recertify.  He also likes the idea of using the certification as a marketing tool and increasing his profit margin.  "Since Advanced Cleaning Systems is a new company I wasn't sure what to expect, so I decided to come in person and check it out, and what I have found is more than I anticipated.  Roger and Rusty were well prepared, and it was definitely worth the time and money that I invested to get certification.  I will definitely go back and let others know what I have found here at Advanced Cleaning Systems," stated Luebke.


Roger Gonzalez, Owner of Advanced Cleaning Systems

On Tuesday Brad Smith, from Bradley Chemicals, gave lectures on chemicals and power washers.  It was a hands-on training experience and the Largo Kitchen Exhaust Powerwasher performed beautifully, "Once we put some kerosene in it," stated Smith jokingly.  It is a top-of-the-line, very well made, heavy-duty powerwasher specially modified to raise the temperature of the water up to 250 degrees.  Other specific modifications allow for it to be rapidly winterized which significantly improves its usefulness as the premier kitchen exhaust cleaning piece of equipment.  "It's a dual purpose powerwasher custom built for kitchen exhaust cleaning," stated Smith.  "It can pump hot water at 210 degrees or with the switch of a thermostat increase the temperature up to steam which really cleans the grease."


Brad Smith, Bradley Chemicals, going into every detail of the Largo Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Machine.

On Wednesday all aspects of Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning were covered and discussed in an open forum, and questions were encouraged.  After all questions were answered, the 140 question written Certified Hood & Duct Cleaner Certification Exam was administered, which consisted of multiple choice, true and false, and fill in the blanks.  "Another thing that makes our certification course unique is that you know as soon as you finish the exam what your passing score is, that way you can get your certificate and know that you are a Certified Hood & Duct Cleaner before leaving," stated Clark.


Open Q&A session with James Luebke, Liberty Service, Inc.

"I learned some very valuable things that I can definitely take back with me," stated Luebke.  It is the goal of Advanced Cleaning Systems to increase the level of knowledge of a professional kitchen exhaust cleaner.  This course is specifically designed for kitchen exhaust cleaners who have been actively cleaning for at least 1 year full time and are insured.  "The latest NFPA 96 guidelines states that a kitchen exhaust cleaner must be certified, and it is our goal here at Advanced Cleaning Systems to provide the training and certification required to meet that standard," stated Clark.


Roger congratulating James of his new status as a Certified Hood & Duct Cleaner from Advanced Cleaning Systems.

Advanced Cleaning Systems invites all experienced kitchen exhaust cleaners wishing to meet the new NFPA 96 regulations requiring certification to contact us to attend the next Certified Hood & Duct Cleaner Certification course.