Certification | National Inventory Certification Association

16 Sep 2021

Project Management

Curriculum Many people have commented in the past that doing an inventory really requires a keen sense of organization and the ability to manage a project. These comments inspired us to develop the course, Project Management. Written by fellow NICA member Tricia Hoekwater, she not only has her CIS designation, but she is also a Credentialed Project Management Professional. Written with the home inventory sector in mind, she applied the project management skills required to achieve success for all types of inventory situations – small, large, collections only, estates, small businesses, etc.

Every inventory is a “project” that must be managed. Sometimes even small ones can have a unique twist to them, creating a question of, “How do I begin?” or “How do I approach this?” No matter the size or type of inventory – whether it takes just a couple of hours or a much larger job that takes a few weeks – managing it is essential for a professional outcome.

This course is written using the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) principles from the Project Management Institute and lays down the foundations of project management.

If you’re looking to hone your inventory skills, possibly find new processes, or just learn how to incorporate project management into your already-established system, this course will provide exceptional knowledge. Upon successfully completing Project Management, you will earn 2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) towards your 5 required CEUs to maintain your inventory designation(s).

17 Jun 2021

Florida Inventory Professional Achieves Industry Designations

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Mandy Peterson for achieving CIS and CAE Designations.

The home inventory national association, National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Mandy Peterson, owner of Peterson Inventory & Appraisal Examination, has recently earned the Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS) and Certified Appraisal Examiner (CAE) Designations.

Achieving her CIS shows that she has gained knowledge to provide professional residential and small business contents inventory services. The CAE achievement confirms that she has the education and credentials required to collect thorough and proper information needed to assist appraisers as they prepare USPAP certified appraisals.

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider.

To earn the CIS designation, Peterson completed the required courses developed by NICA, agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics, and accumulated a minimum number of Continuing Education Units. She then passed the Certification Exam, which is the final step in achieving this designation.

When completing an inventory service for residential and commercial clients, the inventory professional is often asked if they know the value of items, or if they can refer an appraiser. To help ensure that the inventory service provider is prepared to serve the appraisal industry, the NICA Education Committee, consisting of NICA members, an established property appraiser, and the Association Directors, determined the requirements to achieve an Appraiser Examiner Certification.

Choosing to invest in continuing education shows a desire to learn and excel as a personal property inventory professional. Earning these credentials informs clients that Peterson has gone the extra mile to provide quality inventory services for homeowners, renters, and business owners.

Based in Lakeland, Florida, Ms. Peterson offers residential and business asset inventory services and appraisal examination services throughout Central Florida.

10 Mar 2021

Folsom, California Inventory Professional Achieves Industry Designation

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Cynthia Breazeale for achieving the Certified Inventory Specialist designation.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Cynthia Breazeale, owner of Trusted Inventory, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms she has gained knowledge and experience to provide professional residential and small business contents inventory services.

To earn the CIS designation, Ms. Breazeale successfully completed industry-specific courses developed by NICA, agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics, and accumulated the required number of Continuing Education Units. She then passed the Certification Exam, which is the final step in achieving this designation.

There is a growing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider.

Having an industry certification is not required for the contents inventory industry. However, choosing to invest in continuing education shows a desire to learn and excel as an inventory professional. Earning these credentials informs clients that Ms. Breazeale has gone the extra mile to ensure that she provides quality inventory services for homeowners, renters, and business owners.

The key reason for entering this industry is summed up nicely by her: “The emotional toll resulting from tragic events eclipses the ability for a person to recall the sum total of the contents of their home or business. As a result, the insurance settlement process is slowed significantly and often falls far short of replacing hard-earned possessions.”

Based in Folsom, California, Trusted Inventory provides residential and business asset inventory services in northern California. For more information, visit https://trustedinventory.com.

03 Sep 2020

Missouri Inventory Professional Achieves Appraisal Examiner Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Craig Plassmeyer for achieving the designation of Certified Appraisal Examiner.

The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Craig Plassmeyer, owner of Capital View Inventory, has recently earned the designation of Certified Appraisal Examiner (CAE).

Growth of the personal property inventory industry has created an opportunity for contents inventory professionals to serve as Appraisal Examiners. The purpose of a CAE designation is to establish recognition for this specialized service. This certification provides the education and the credentials needed to properly assist appraisers.

This enables appraisal firms to locate and subcontract certified, qualified examiners to assist with the collection of descriptions and photos of items to be appraised. The appraisers are then able to create an accurate Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) compliant certified report from this information provided by the inventory professional. Additionally, the home inventory professional is able to grow their businesses through additional revenue opportunities.

When completing an inventory service for residential and commercial clients, the inventory professional is often asked if they know the value of items, or if they can refer an appraiser. The CAE designation signifies that these contents inventory professionals have the knowledge required to collect and then submit the necessary information for an appraiser to assign value. This allows for a two-way referral opportunity between these two industries.

To help ensure that the inventory service provider is prepared to serve the appraisal industry, the NICA Education Committee, consisting of NICA members, an established property appraiser, and the Association Directors, determined the requirements to achieve an Appraiser Examiner Certification.

Only those who have earned their Certified Inventory Expert (CIE) or Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS) designation are eligible to apply for this additional level. The inventory professional is also required to successfully complete the Customer Service and Appraisal Examiner courses, plus an elective chosen from the NICA curriculum. The Appraisal Examiner course was co-written by a property appraiser to ensure integrity and provide hands-on processes for accurate collection of information.

Based in Ashland, Missouri, Capital View Inventory offers residential and business asset inventory services as well as appraisal examiner services.

08 Jun 2020

Missouri Inventory Professional Achieves Industry Designation

The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Craig Plassmeyer, owner of Capital View Inventory, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms he has gained knowledge to provide professional residential and small business contents inventory services.

To earn the CIS designation, Plassmeyer successfully completed the required courses developed by NICA, agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics, and accumulated a minimum number of Continuing Education Units. He then passed the Certification Exam, which is the final step in achieving this designation.

Plassmeyer stated, “Technical Knowledge, Education and Experience are all vital parts of any organization when they seek to provide a quality product or service for consumers. The decision to seek certification through the National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) provided the foundation for Capital View Inventory’s commitment to serve our clients with professional, trustworthy and top notch customer service. The Core Values and Vision that drive NICA made partnering with them a very easy decision because they fit perfectly into Capital View Inventory’s Mission to provide the best Personal Property Inventories to help families move forward after the unthinkable happens.”

Having an industry certification is not required for the contents inventory industry. However, choosing to invest in continuing education shows a desire to learn and excel as a personal property inventory professional. Earning these credentials informs clients that Plassmeyer has gone the extra mile to ensure he provides quality inventory services for homeowners, renters, and business owners.

Based in Ashland, Missouri, Capital View Inventory offers residential and business asset inventory services for the area including central, western, and eastern Missouri.

19 Sep 2019

Georgia Home Inventory Professional Achieves Industry Certification

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Trace Sargent for achieving the Certified Inventory Specialist designation.

PRESS RELEASE — The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Tracy “Trace” Sargent, president of Ryker Enterprises, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms she has gained knowledge to provide professional residential and small business contents inventory services.

To earn the CIS designation, Trace successfully completed required courses developed by NICA, agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics, and accumulated a minimum number of Continuing Education Units. She then passed the Certification Exam, which is the final step in achieving this designation.

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider.

Having an industry certification is not required for the contents inventory industry. However, choosing to invest in continuing education shows a desire to learn and excel as a personal property inventory professional. Earning these credentials informs clients that Trace has gone the extra mile to ensure that she provides quality inventory services for homeowners, renters, and business owners.

The home inventory services that Ryker Enterprises provide fit in nicely with her vast background that includes 20 years in security, law enforcement, training, and executive protection detail, and 12 years of experience with Homeland Security. With the focus of helping others during her extensive professional career, meeting the many needs for a home or business contents inventory is a great fit.

Based in Cedartown, Georgia, Trace offers residential and business asset inventory services in Georgia and Alabama.

20 Mar 2019

Earn CEUs By Participating in National Home Inventory Month (NHIM)

CEU Approved We feel strongly about the benefit of recognition through promoting NHIM. As an association, NICA’s purpose is to provide recognition of our industry and education for its members. Another benefit is that NICA and NHIM provide education for the general public and potential referral sources.

We believe that this month-long recognition and education, created through the efforts of our members, is worthy of assigning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to those who participate. Our office received correspondence after last year’s inaugural event from members who promoted NHIM. Many stated that they learned quite a bit through educating others.

Last year each participant earned 1 CEU. Some suggested offering tiered CEUs which would reflect the efforts put forth. The number of CEUs to be awarded this year have been adjusted accordingly. There are 2 levels of CEUs that can be earned:

1 CEU will be earned by copy and pasting the provided social media posts on your accounts
3 CEUs will be earned for posting on social media, PLUS any 2 or more of the following:

Create branded social media posts (2 sources are Fiverr and Pablo)
Post a press release (template provided for members)
Promote NHIM when participating in a vendor fair
Detail NHIM during speaking engagements

When you submit your CEU form for recertification, all you will need to do is include the number of CEUs you earned and a link or photos attached to support your 1 or 3 CEUs.

13 Dec 2018

Why Choose to Be Certified?

Core Values The following article was included in a NICA member’s newsletter.

When searching for a qualified service professional, do you often ask if they are certified? Many professions require an industry license or various levels of certification.

These achievements are not required for a home and business contents inventory professional. So why go through the time and expense of achieving this milestone? There are many reasons to become certified. The main one being the opportunity to gain industry-specific education. Certification also indicates excellence, expertise, and a true commitment to serving our clients.

Certification, according to Wikipedia, “is a designation earned by a person to assure qualification to perform a job or task. Many certifications are used as post-nominal letters indicating an earned privilege from an oversight professional body acting to safeguard the public interest.”

We chose to be certified by the National Inventory Certification Association because of their core values of confidentiality, ethics, integrity, and respect for each client’s personal property. Being a member of this association falls in line with our inventory service and company philosophy.

In addition to achieving certification, there is also a requirement to earn a set number of Continuing Education Units per year to retain the designation. This is an opportunity to commit to refresh or gain new skills and knowledge.

Being certified is our commitment to remain professional and valuable to our current and new clients.

06 Sep 2018

Indiana Home Inventory Professional Achieves Certified Appraisal Examiner Designation

Congratulations to member Brian Sackowski of Key Inventory for achieving his CAE designation.

The National Inventory Certification Association™ (NICA) is pleased to announce that Brian Sackowski, owner of Key Inventory in Indianapolis, Indiana, recently earned the designation of Certified Appraisal Examiner (CAE).

Growth of the personal property inventory industry has created an opportunity for contents inventory professionals to serve as Appraisal Examiners. This certification provides the education and the credentials they need to properly assist appraisers. By collecting the required information, the appraisers are able to create an accurate Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) compliant certified report.

The purpose of a CAE designation is to establish recognition for this specialized service. This enables appraisal firms to locate certified, qualified examiners and helps certified NICA members grow their businesses through additional revenue opportunities.

When completing an inventory service for residential and commercial clients, the inventory professional is often asked if they know the value of items, or if they can refer an appraiser. The CAE designation signifies that these contents inventory professionals have the knowledge required to collect and then submit the necessary information for an appraiser to assign value. This allows for a two-way referral opportunity between these two industries.

To help ensure that the inventory service provider is prepared to serve the appraisal industry, the NICA Education Committee, consisting of NICA members, an established property appraiser, and the Association Directors, determined the requirements to achieve an Appraiser Examiner Certification.

Only those who have earned their Certified Inventory Expert (CIE) or Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS) designation can apply for this additional level. The inventory professional is also required to successfully complete the Customer Service and Appraisal Examiner courses, plus an elective, chosen from the NICA curriculum. The Appraisal Examiner course was co-written by a property appraiser to ensure integrity and provide hands-on processes for accurate collection of information.

Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Key Inventory offers residential and business asset inventory and appraisal services throughout the United States.

15 Aug 2018

North Carolina Inventory Professionals Achieve Industry Designation

NICA congratulates members Stephanie and Rich Marulli for achieving Certified Inventory Specialist designation.

The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Stephanie & Rich Marulli, owners of Home Sweet Home Inventory Specialists, LLC, have recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialists (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms they have gained knowledge to provide professional residential and small business contents inventory services.

To earn the CIS designation, the Marullis successfully completed the required courses developed by NICA, agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics, and accumulated a minimum number of Continuing Education Units. They then passed the Certification Exam, which is the final step in achieving this designation.

Having an industry certification is not required for the contents inventory industry. However, choosing to invest in continuing education shows a desire to learn and excel as a personal property inventory professional. Earning these credentials informs clients that they have gone the extra mile to ensure they provide quality inventory services for homeowners, renters, and business owners.

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider.

Stephanie Marulli stated, “We owned Rich’s orthodontic practice for many years, and with my background as a teacher, we both see the value and importance of continuing education and achieving certification. We believe these credentials are essential to show our clients our level of professionalism.”

Based in Leland, North Carolina, Home Sweet Home Inventory Professionals offers residential and business asset inventory services for Eastern North Carolina.

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