NADCA Announces New Dryer Vent Technician Certificate Program and Industry Standard Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NADCA Announces New Dryer Vent Technician Certificate Program and Industry Standard Initiative
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — September 16, 2026 — The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) announced the development of a new Dryer Vent Technician (DVT) Certificate Program and plans for a comprehensive industry standard addressing dryer exhaust system assessment, cleaning and corrective measures. The announcement was made during NADCA’s 2026 Fall Technical Conference in Norfolk, Virginia.
The initiative represents the first step in a broader effort to incorporate dryer vent cleaning into NADCA’s education, standards and certification programs. It builds on the association’s existing Dryer Exhaust Duct Performance (DEDP) Standard and its long-standing commitment to advancing technical knowledge and quality practices across related industries.
“Many NADCA members already provide dryer vent cleaning services, while other contractors specialize exclusively in dryer exhaust systems,” said Kim Wieland, MPH, NADCA CEO. “This initiative gives NADCA an opportunity to bring those professionals together and provide the credible education, technical resources and industry connections they need to strengthen their businesses and deliver a higher level of service.”
Developed over the past year with input from NADCA members and recognized dryer vent industry subject matter experts, the entry-level DVT Certificate Program will focus on the pre-assessment, cleaning and post-cleaning inspection of dryer exhaust systems.
The program will cover five core areas:
- Dryer and exhaust system components, construction and operation
- Safety practices for technicians
- Work-area containment and occupant safety
- Inspection and assessment practices
- Cleaning methods and post-cleaning verification
The program is designed to provide a strong foundation for technicians who are new to dryer vent cleaning while also helping experienced professionals and business owners identify potential gaps in their current practices. Companies will be able to use the program to support employee development, expand their service offerings and introduce a more consistent approach to dryer exhaust system work.
“This certificate program is an important first step toward establishing shared knowledge, terminology and expectations within a growing trade,” said NADCA President Jim Castellano, ASCS, CVI. “The expertise already exists within our membership and throughout the dryer vent industry. NADCA is bringing that expertise together to develop resources that will benefit technicians, companies and their customers.”
The DVT Certificate Program is the first phase of NADCA’s planned dryer vent initiative. The association will also begin developing a new industry standard for dryer exhaust system assessment, cleaning and corrective measures. That standards-development process will include input from a diverse group of professionals who understand the systems, conditions and challenges encountered in the field.
Together, the certificate program and new standard will lay the groundwork for a future NADCA dryer exhaust cleaning certification program. The three-phase approach is intended to establish foundational education, create technically sound industry guidance and ultimately provide a recognized professional credential for the trade.
Additional information about the program, the standards-development process and opportunities for members to participate can be found here.
About NADCA
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is the global trade association representing the HVAC inspection, cleaning and restoration industry. NADCA supports its members’ success through standards, education, certification, marketing and advocacy while promoting the highest quality and ethical services.
Media Contact:
Ashley Meloni
(856) 380-6810