COMMERCIAL DRYING SPECIALIST (CDS)

The Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) certification demonstrates expertise in damage inspection and evaluation, workflow management, process administration, and technical methods of effective and timely drying of commercial, industrial, institutional, and complex residential water-damaged structures, systems, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE).

This certification is for the experienced technician, project manager, estimator, or owner/manager who wants to expand their understanding of commercial construction, commercial drying practices, challenges, and opportunities or needs to gain better project management skills. The certification confirms that the technician is proficient in:

• Principles of drying
• Differences between residential and commercial structures project management, project, and technical – coordination
• Negotiation and communication with interested parties
• Health & safety, including safety planning on the job
• Temporary power generation and distribution hazard control and communication Re-assessment during the project
• Re-assessment during the project
• Microbiological considerations
• Commercial construction practices
• Climate control
• Drying complex structures, systems, and materials
• Commercial mechanical systems and air management
• Equipment options
• Airflow and control
• Engineering controls
• Planning, staging, and project setup
• Site considerations
• HVAC systems, components, mechanics
• Administration and documentation
• Advanced psychrometry & moisture mechanics in materials

An applicant must be certified as a Water Restoration Technician (WRT) as a prerequisite to take this exam.