• Execute OSHA practices on the jobsite. • Demonstrate proper knowledge of First Aid & CPR • Identify fire exits, proper use of fire extinguishers and potential hazards on each job.

• Demonstrate and practice maintaining physical fitness and stretches directly related to the wood flooring industry • Wear, inspect and maintain proper clothing and PPE needed for installation safety including safety glasses, earplugs, dust masks/respirators, kneepads, etc. • Demonstrate proper usage and maintenance of installation tools including, but not limited to hand tools, table saw, circular saw, miter saw, router and pneumatics, etc.

• Use jobsite checklist to evaluate the jobsite and document all findings. Evaluate all exterior items on checklist and explain findings to customer. • Evaluate all structural items of the home/building including, but not limited to foundation, slab, elevated slabs, crawlspace and basement. • Explain findings to customer. • Evaluate joist span and compare with NWFA guideline requirements. • Articulate findings of jobsite checklist, suggested fixes and how they affect installation to customer/client.

• Demonstrate usage of jobsite checklist to evaluate the environmental conditions of the home/building. • Determine type of heating and cooling systems being used, regularity and running schedules. • Evaluate temperature and relative humidity of environment and compare with EMC chart. • Educate customer on conditions of home/building and those needed for successful installation of wood flooring.

• Evaluate and determine the condition of the wood subfloor. • Know the difference between plywood and OSB and the requirements for each. • Understand and execute APA installation standards for wood subfloors. • Understand, evaluate, execute and maintain flatness requirements for wood subfloors.

• Evaluate concrete subfloors • Understand the age of concrete and its role in the evaluation process. • Identify and assess different types of concrete subfloors. • Evaluate blemishes in concrete subfloor and address fixes through removing contaminants, crack repairs, spot repairs, and scarification. • Evaluate flatness requirements. • Demonstrate use of self-levelers. • Perform grinding on high spots. • Demonstrate the use of jobsite checklist when evaluating concrete subfloors. Assess findings and provide solutions for jobsite preparation.

• Understand the anatomy of the tree and how it affects the installation and performance of wood. • Understand the cuts of wood and how they affect appearance, installation and performance of wood. • Understanding Water & Wood. • Understand the relationship of water and wood and how it affects the installation process. • Demonstrate knowledge through evaluating and assessing environmental conditions of the jobsite. • Conduct moisture readings of wood subfloor and wood product. • Demonstrate acclimation/conditioning practices on the jobsite and communicate the importance/significance to client.

• Demonstrate proper usage, assessment of results and maintenance of wood moisture meters including, but not limited to pin meters, pinless meters and insulated pins. • Demonstrate proper usage, assessment of results and maintenance of thermos-hygrometers.

• Differentiate between types of vapor retarders and understand use cases. • Select proper vapor retarder to be used with wood substrate. Properly install vapor retarder using manufacturer guidelines.

• Demonstrate proper usage, assessment of results and maintenance of concrete moisture testing methods including, but not limited to calcium chloride, in-situ RH probe, scan meters and plastic and tape test. • Document moisture readings. • Comply to manufacturer guidelines for moisture meters, moisture tests and wood. • Evaluate results and propose solutions for all moisture readings.

• Differentiate between types of vapor retarders and understand use cases. • Select proper vapor retarder to be used over concrete substrate. Properly install vapor retarder using manufacturer guidelines.

• Evaluate and determine type of concrete subfloor before installation. • Use proper vapor retarder applicable to subfloor type. • Follow NWFA guidelines for installation techniques on concrete subfloors.

• Build a usable trammel point. • Use trammel point to develop center layout. • Follow steps • Use Pythagorean theory to check accuracy of measurements. • Transfer layout to hallway and additional rooms. • Conduct wall layout using trammel points. • Determine starter rows. • Demonstrate proper usage of slip tongue and spline to reverse directions.

• Demonstrate proper technique for racking. • Demonstrate and execute understanding of proper nailing schedule by complying to NWFA guidelines. • Identify and use appropriate fasteners for type of wood and subfloor. Differentiate techniques of solid and engineered nail down installation and execute proper techniques for each. • Display proper technique, usage, safety and maintenance of nailing tools including, but not limited to pneumatic nailers, staplers and air compressors.

• Differentiate between types of adhesives and understand when to use different types. • Read and comply with manufacturer guidelines of adhesive and wood. • Demonstrate proper trowel selection for different types of adhesives, wood and subfloors and comply with manufacturer guidelines. • Demonstrate proper usage of trowel and coverage rates for adhesives. • Safely clean adhesive from tools, wood and jobsite.

• Execute proper installation techniques for floating floors. • Determine and install proper underlayment pads/systems. • Evaluate and determine appropriate sound control systems.

• Determine layout for new floor to existing. • Display proper techniques used for lacing in/out of an existing floor. • Evaluate existing floor. • Determine requirements for elevation differences, crooked floors, and other challenges. • Execute installation techniques to address each challenge. • Evaluate remodels. Assess for damage of current floors and lead testing. • Address new installation according to results.

Cork • Understand cork. • Learn differences in installation methods, and finishing techniques. Bamboo • Understand bamboo. • Learn differences in installation methods, and finishing techniques. End Grain • Understand end grain flooring. • Learn differences in installation methods, and finishing techniques.

• Demonstrate and execute proper and accurate herringbone layout using trammel points, Pythagorean theory, center layout and backer boards. • Designing and creating patterns by using templates, jigs and sleds. • Determining accurate measurements for ordering product. • Identification of compatible species from a technical and aesthetic perspective. • Execute proper installation of herringbone layout. • Demonstrate and execute proper and accurate parquet layout using trammel points, Pythagorean theory, center layout and backer boards. • Execute proper installation of parquet layout.

• Measure and determine proper layout for designing and installing borders. • Measure cut and install borders. • Understand the components of a border, skirt, different corner details. • Determining accurate measurements for ordering product. • Identification of compatible species from a technical and aesthetic perspective. • Identify pre-fabricated and hand-designed.

• Determine if/when boards should be replaced/repaired versus entire re-install. • Determine proper steps for board replacement. Differentiate process based on type of install; nail, glue or float. • Execute proper board replacement steps including, but not limited to cutting and removal of damaged board, cutting new board to size, installing new board and cleaning repaired area. • Execute proper repair skills for isolated damages including, but not limited to scratches and dents. • Determine proper tools/items for isolated repairs including, but not limited to waxes, fill sticks and graining tools. • Identify and be able to address many of the common irregularities

• Wear, inspect and maintain proper clothing and PPE needed for sanding and finishing safety including, but not limited to safety glasses, earplugs, dust masks/respirators, kneepads, etc. • Demonstrate proper usage and maintenance of sanding and finishing tools including, but not limited to hand tools and machines used. • Demonstrate proper understanding of electrical and chemical safety and execute safety protocols on the jobsite.

• Understand and distinguish the difference between the different types of mineral grains used in abrasives. • Understand the different levels of grist used for abrasives. • Determine and execute the proper grit sequence for flattening a floor. • Understand the types of abrasives used on different machines and execute application of knowledge.

• Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of big machines. • Demonstrate proper walking speed and drum pressure and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines. • Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used. • Use proper grit sequence for desired results. • Execute proper technique while feathering with big machine. • Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices. • Dispose of dust properly. • Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of big machine including, but not limited to removal/replacement of drum, cleaning wheels and adjust tracking. • Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed.

• Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of edger. • Demonstrate proper clocking techniques and hand pressure and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines. • Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used. • Use proper grit sequence for desired results. • Execute proper technique with edger. • Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices. • Dispose of dust properly. • Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of edger including, but not limited to brushes, wheels and driver pad. • Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed.

• Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of buffer. • Demonstrate proper clocking techniques and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines. • Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used. • Use proper grit sequence for desired results. • Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices. • Dispose of dust properly. • Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of buffer including, but not limited to wheels and driver pad. • Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed.

• Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of multi-head sanders. • Demonstrate proper techniques and pressure and comply with manufacturer and NWFA guidelines. • Determine proper abrasive selection to match job and machine used. • Use proper grit sequence for desired results. • Use proper and effective dust contamination systems or practices. • Dispose of dust properly. • Demonstrate proper inspection and maintenance of multi-head sanders including, but not limited to brushes, wheels and driver pad. • Evaluate floor for common sanding flaws and fix flaws as needed.

• Understand and demonstrate proper safety, usage, storage and maintenance of dust containment systems. • Demonstrate proper techniques and compatibility with different equipment types. • Dispose of dust properly.

• Determine when scrapper is needed on job. • Display proper safety when using and sharpening blade. • Execute proper hand scraping technique for desired results. • Demonstrate usage when scraping to blend flatness. • Demonstrate usage wen scraping for texture results. • Determine when hand sanding is needed to blend edges. • Select proper abrasive and grit sequence for the job. • Comply with NWFA guidelines.

• Select proper type of fill to be used. • Execute proper technique by using all types of fills including, but not limited to trowel, spot, putty, flour cement, wood dust, epoxy and Dutchmen/slivers. • Adhere to manufacturer guidelines of fill type. • Create wood dust mix and demonstrate proper use on jobsite. • Learn to match species and grain, then cut and install slivers/Dutchmen.

• Understand the different types of stains available for use. • Communicate differences, their performances and available options to customer. • Prepare floor for stain application. • Understand the different types of methods used to apply stain and execute including by not limited to trowel, T-bar, rag, etc. • Execute proper safety standards when applying stain. • Dispose of stain and stain rags safely and appropriately. • Follow manufacturer and NWFA guidelines for all applications.

• Learn about the different types of wood floor sealers and finishes and application processes. • Understand what Safety Data Sheets are, safety precautions and federal requirements surrounding sealers and coatings. • Review different manufacturer systems, and characteristics of each one. • Communicate differences, their performances and available options to customer.

• Communicate bids to customer. • Communicate maintenance instructions with customer. • Preparation and application of maintenance coats/recoats. • Learn about contaminations/cleaning products that can affect adhesion of finishes.

25-50 hours (not included in 4075 min/ 6225 max hours) • Understand the different types of application methods. • Prepare floor for sealer and finish application. • Understand the different types of methods used to apply sealers/finishes and execute including, but not limited to trowel, T-bar, roller, etc. • Execute proper safety standards when applying sealers and finishes. • Follow manufacturer and NWFA guidelines for all application.

• OSHA • First Aid & CPR • Fire extinguishers • Jobsite

• History of the trade • Hardwood industry supply chain • NWFA • Career options • Basic terminology • Intro trade math

• Protect your body • Clothing • PPE (safety glasses, earplugs, dust masks/respirators, kneepads…) • Tool Safety/Operation/Maintenance a. Hand tools b. Table Saw c. Circular Saw d. Miter Saw e. Router f. C6Pneumatics

• History • Documentation • Evaluating the Exterior of the Home • Evaluating the Structure of the Home • Foundation • Slab on Grade • Elevated Slabs • Crawlspace • Basement • Joists a. Span Requirements • Jobsite checklist

• HVAC • Heating Systems • Cooling Systems • Humidifiers/De-Humidifiers • Temporary systems • Temp & RH • Geographic Moisture content • EMC Chart • Interior/Exterior relationships • Ambient Conditions

• Wood Subfloors Subfloor material • Plywood • OSB • APA Sheathing Rating • Installation requirements • Flatness Requirements • Particle Board • Solid board

• Introduction to Concrete a. Water in Concrete Mix b. Water/Cement ratio c. External Sources of Moisture in Concrete • Concrete Identification a. On-grade b. Suspended * On a pan * Exposed on 2 sides c. Below-grade d. Age e. Slab thickness f. Concrete Permeability g. Lightweight Requirements • Concrete Preparation a. CSP scale b. Scarification c. Crack isolation /Expansion gaps d. Patches e. Spot repairs f. Flatness Requirements g. Grinding and filling * Self-levelers * Primers h. Concrete conditions i. Curing compounds j. Efflorescence k. pH • Moisture Control Systems • Sheet Goods • Chemical Moisture retarders • Moisture Barriers below slab

• Anatomy of wood • Harvesting, sawing and seasoning of lumber • Moisture Content • Dimensional Stability and Grain angle • Equilibrium Moisture Content • Relative Humidity & Temperature • Acclimation/Conditioning • Jobsite checklist • Moisture Mitigation

• Moisture Meters & Testing • Oven Test Method (ASTM D4442) • Wood Moisture Meters • Pin Meters (Resistance) • Insulated vs non-insulated • Temperature Corrections • Species Corrections • Calibration • Hammer Probes • Drift • Uses • Pinless Meters (non-invasive, scan, surface, dielectric) • Power Loss, Capacitance • Calibration • Species Correction • Uses • Thermo-Hygrometers • Temperature and RH Testing • Uses • Relationship with MC

• Vapor Retarders • Definition of Vapor Permeance • Perm Ratings • Class I- .1 perm or less • Class II- .1 perm to 1.0 perm • Class III- 1.0 perm to 10.0 perm • Sheet Goods

Quantitative Moisture Tests • Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM 1869) • Moisture Vapor Emission Rates (MVER) • Process of Testing • Documentation of Readings • RH Test- In-situ Probes (ASTM 2170) • Relative Humidity in slab • Process • Documentation of Readings Qualitative Moisture Tests • Non-destructive Electronic Moisture Meter (ASTM 2659) • Survey Tools • Process • Documentation and significance of test • Plastic Sheet method (ASTM 4263) • Presence of capillary moisture) • Process • Documentation and significance of test • Other tests

• Vapor Barriers/Retarders • Manufacturer systems • Concrete Primers and Sealers Specs and perm ratings • Adhesives

Floated Subfloor System • Vapor Retarder requirements • Installation methods Glue Down Subfloor • Vapor Retarder requirements • Installation methods Nail Down Subfloor • Vapor Retarder requirements • Installation methods Alternate Subfloor System (16” x 8’ strips) • Vapor Retarder requirements • Installation methods Alternate Subfloor System (2’x8’ or 4’x4’ sections) • Vapor Retarder requirements • Installation methods Screed System (1”x4” or 2”x4” screeds) • Vapor Retarder requirements • Installation methods

• Center layout • General Trade Math (intermediate) • Trammel Points • Pythagorean Theorem (3,4,5) • Wall layout • Reversing direction • Slip tongue/spline • Jobsite layout/Gridding the job • Starter rows

• Solid • Engineered • Racking • Nailing Schedule • Fasteners (length, gauge, type) • Manual equipment • Pneumatic Nailers • Pneumatic Staplers • Air compressors and hoses • Pneumatic tool maintenance • Problems, Causes, Cures

• Glue Down Installations • History of adhesives • Trowels • Adhesives • Clean-up • Manufacturer systems (sealers, moisture inhibitors) • Problems, Causes, Cures

• Floating • Engineered/Laminate • Underlayment Pads • Sound control Systems • Transition moldings • Problems, Causes, Cures

• Existing Floors • Lacing in/out • Crooked floors • Tying 2 floors together- layout and sequence • Elevations • Health and Safety • Remodels • Insurance work • Finishes • Problems, Causes, Cures

Cork • Anatomy and Harvesting • Sources • Floating installation methods • Glue down installation methods • Use as an underlayment • Sound control • Sanding and recoating cork • Problems, Causes, Cures Bamboo • Anatomy and Harvesting • Sources • Floating installation methods • Glue down installation methods • Nail down installation methods • Sanding and recoating bamboo • Problems, Causes, Cures End-grain flooring • The cut • Species • installation methods • Sanding end-grain • Moisture relationships • Problems, Causes, Cures

• Trade Math (advanced) • Herringbone/Parquet • Layout • Installation method • Prefabricated patterns • Hand-made patterns • Jigs and templates • Ordering material • Species/material selection • Unfinished and Factory Finished • Problems, Causes, Cures

• Layout • Installing borders/feature strips • Installing medallions • Corners • Skirting • Prefabricated borders and medallions • Hand-cut borders and medallions • Measuring and ordering material • Unfinished and Factory Finished • Species/material selection

• Removal of board/s • Nail down replacement • Glue down replacement • Floated board replacement • Matching existing floor • Isolation repairs (scratches/dents) • Waxes, fill sticks, graining tools • Color theory • Finish repair (sheen, build, application) • Irregularities/Problems, Causes, Cures

• Protect your body • Clothing • PPE (safety glasses, earplugs, dust masks/respirators, kneepads…) • Tool Safety/Operation/Maintenance • Hand tools • Electrical Safety • Chemical Safety

• Sand paper • Grit Sequence • Belts • Disks • Screens • Mineral Grains

• Storage • Safety • Belt sander/ Drum Sander • Settings • Operation • Use of abrasives • Dust Containment • Jobsite maintenance/repairs to Big Machine • Problems/Causes/Cures

• Storage • Safety • Settings • Operation • Use of abrasives • Dust Containment • Jobsite maintenance/repairs • Problems/Causes/Cures

• Driver Plates and pads • Safety • Storage • Operation • Abrasive selection • Dust Containment • Jobsite maintenance/repairs • Problems/Causes/Cures

• Storage • Safety • Operation • Abrasive Selection • Dust Containment • Jobsite maintenance/repairs

• Storage • Safety • Operation • Compatibility • Jobsite maintenance/repairs

Scrapers • Safety • Operation • Hand Sanding Operation/Uses • Random Orbital Sanders • Safety • Operation

• Trowel Fill • Spot Fill • Putty, Flour Cement • Wood Dust mixes • Knots • Epoxy • Dutchmen/Slivers

• Types of stains (oil and water) • Floor preparation • Stain application methods • Color • Safety • Spontaneous combustion • Dyes • Mineral reactives • Oils

• Safety Data Sheets • Types a. Oil modified b. Water Based c. Shellacs d. Urethanes e. Conjugated Oils f. Varnishes g. UV/LED Cured h. Natural Oils i. Hard-wax Oils • Manufacturer Systems • Dry-time, Cure-time • Problems/Causes/Cures

• Soft skills • Customer service • Selling after the install • Maintenance Coats • Problems, Causes and Cures • Inspections

15 hours (not included in 480 RSI Total) • Application Tools • Application Procedures • Preparation • Final Coat application • Problems/Causes/Cures