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12 Aug 2021

West Virginia Inventory Professional Achieves Industry Designation

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Kirk Luzader for achieving Certified Inventory Specialist designation.

PRESS RELEASE – The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Kirk Luzader, owner of Home Content Documenting, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms that he has gained knowledge to provide professional residential and small business contents inventory services.

To earn the CIS designation, Luzader 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. He 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 Luzader has gone the extra mile to ensure that he provides quality inventory services for homeowners, renters, and business owners. 

Luzader stated that his interest in developing his own home inventory business stems from his previous career. He spent over 27 years in the insurance industry inspecting client losses. 

Home Content Documenting is located in Triadelphia, West Virginia.

26 Jul 2021

British Columbia Inventory Professional Achieves Industry Designation

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates Andy Mendel, located in British Columbia, Canada,  for achieving his Certified Inventory Specialist designation.

The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Andy Mendel, owner of True North Executor Solutions, Inc., has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms he has gained knowledge to provide professional asset inventory services.

To earn the CIS designation, Mendel 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.

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 asset inventory professional. Earning these credentials informs clients that he has gone the extra mile to ensure that True North Executor Solutions provides quality inventory services. 

Mendel stated, “We are problem solvers and every day we help others navigate the challenges of an estate.  True North offers a vast array of services to trust officers, estate lawyers,  executors, and families by coordinating the management of the physical assets and household property as part of the estate resolution process. We provide professional estate inventory services including 3D virtual walk-throughs.  Our team of professionals also provides full-service security and maintenance, asset valuation/appraisal services, and socially and environmentally conscious dispersal of assets including online auctions. True North also provides compassionate beneficiary assistance including grief support and dispute resolution.”

19 Aug 2015

Simplifying Certification Renewal

TimetoRenewIn our continued effort to improve the certification program, we found that there were a couple areas where our members were confused regarding renewal requirements. Many were unsure of the term that their CIS designation was up to date. Some were asking how many years their designation was current and on what date it was based. The questions was, is it based on the date when the designation was earned or on their membership date. Not being clear about this left them unsure when they needed to renew and by what date they needed to complete the required continuing education to maintain their designation with the National Inventory Certification Association.

In addition, the required 12 CEUs every 2 years to retain designation as a CIS was also reviewed. Our research and discussions with our members and members of other associations have encouraged the following improvements:

  • The 12 CEUs every 2 years easily translates to 6 per year. This number has been changed to a requirement of only 5 per year.
  • The renewal of designation will now be annually instead of every 2 years, making it easier for everyone to remember and document their CEUs.
  • Renewal CEUs will be based on the calendar year beginning the year after certification is achieved. Again, simplicity was the driving force on this decision. Therefore, if you achieved your certification in 2014, you have until the end of 2015 to renew. If you achieved your certification in 2015, then you will have the entire calendar year of 2016 to acquire the 5 CEUs to retain your designation.

There is no exam or cost associated with recording the renewal of your certification. The purpose of recording the renewal is to verify your participation in the continuing education program which helps you gain knowledge in the industry specifically, or business in general.

This process is simple! We will verify the CEUs you achieved through the NICA courses by reviewing your membership file, as this information is retained in your membership file. No effort on your part is required! If you achieved CEUs through the Inventory Institute or other accepted resources, an email confirming your 5 hours is all we need. Again – we chose a process that will be easy to manage for our office, and even easier for you! CEU opportunities that are available to renew your certification are listed on the NICA website.

These improvements take effect immediately, and everyone will be grandfathered into the new process. If you have any questions regarding your certification, or if this causes a hardship on you, please contact the NICA office to discuss your situation. We initiated these improvements in an effort to serve you better and we will work with you individually during this transition.