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Heater Mason Training and Certification Program (2001 snapshot)

Heater Mason Training and Certification Program

Policies and Procedures

1. Introduction

The MHA is a professional association of masonry heater builders that was formed to advance the technology of masonry heating in North America and to increase the knowledge and skills of professional heater masons. The MHA fulfills its mandate by sponsoring laboratory research into masonry heating technology and by publishing information of interest to practitioners. The MHA also maintains a professional training and certification program to recognise the competency of qualified heater builders.

This manual has been prepared to assist candidates in achieving and maintaining MHA certification, and to guide the administration of the program. The requirements presented in this manual have been established by the MHA Board of Directors and it is its sole responsibility to apply and interpret them, primarily through its administrative designate. The manual may be amended from time to time to account for changing conditions.

2. Application for Certification

2.1 Application Procedure

To initiate the application procedure, a person must be an MHA member* in good standing and apply in writing to the MHA administrator and provide:

(a) a completed application form
(b) a check or money order in the amount of US $300. *If a person becomes an MHA member and applies for certification in the same year, $100 of the application fee can be waived.

2.2 Administration

Upon receipt of a completed application form and fee, the administrator will supply the applicant with:

(a) a copy of the MHA Heater Mason’s Reference Manual,
(b) a copy of the Occupational Analysis Manual,
(c) a copy of the Policies and Procedures Manual,
(d) and such other documentation deemed necessary to prepare the applicant for the certification process.

3. Requirements for Certification

3.1 Professional Credentials Required

A candidate for MHA certification must demonstrate a working knowledge of relevant housing and fuel burning regulations, and sufficient knowledge of masonry work by providing proof* of successful completion of at least ONE of the following:

(a) a bricklayer apprenticeship program
(b) certification issued by the Hearth Education Foundation (formerly WHERF)
(c) certification issued by Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc.
(d) or an equivalent professional credential deemed acceptable to the MHA AND at least ONE of the following:
(e) 40 hours of work under the direct supervision of an MHA certified heater mason
(f) successful completion of an MHA Hands-on Workshop and Test

*Proof of certification or participation, i.e. copy of certificate, diploma, letter of successful completion. Other credentials can be judged for their equivalency.

3.2 Field Experience

A candidate must provide evidence of a working knowledge of masonry heater design and construction as set out in the MHA Occupational Analysis Manual. The required evidence must consist of verifiable documentation of THREE masonry heater construction projects completed within the past five years. The candidate must have served as the lead mason on at least TWO of the required projects. Required documentation for EACH of the three projects must consist of the following: (a) ONE photograph of the heater in the process of construction and ONE photograph of the finished unit. (b) a thorough description of the heater including firebox dimensions, overall dimensions, wall thicknesses, main materials used, etc. (c) the name and address of the client, and the date of construction.

3.3 Examination

  1. The candidate must achieve a passing grade on the MHA examination. The passing grade is 70 percent.
  2. The taking of the examination may be administered by the MHA or
  3. The examination may be proctored by an independent agency such as a public library which is deemed acceptable by the administrator. The MHA will pay the proctor for the service. All other costs related to the proctoring of the examination will be paid by the candidate.
  4. The fee for the administration of the examination is US $100 which must be received by the MHA before administrative arrangements are made.
  5. The candidate may take the examination before the other certification requirements are met, but certification will not be granted until all requirements are satisfied.

3.4 Summary of Certification Requirements

To achieve certification under the Heater Mason Program, the candidate must:

  1. supply a completed application form
    2.1(a) (b) pay the application fee of $300
    2.1(b) (c) provide proof of relevant professional credentials
    3.1s (d) provide documentation of three heater projects
    3.2 (e) pay the examination fee of $100
    3.3(d) (f) achieve a passing grade on the MHA examination

4. Maintaining MHA Certification

4.1 Annual Certification Renewal

To maintain MHA certification in good standing, a certificate holder must be a MHA full voting member and pay an annual renewal fee of $50. The fee covers administrative costs, validation of renewal and information updates. Failure to pay the annual renewal fee will result in the withdrawal of certification after two payment notices have been sent and no response is received by the administrator within 90 days.

4.2 Continuing Education Requirement

Within each five year period after certification, the certificate holder will successfully complete an MHA continuing education workshop and test, or other relevant professional credential deemed equivalent by the MHA. Failure to comply with the continuing education requirement will result in withdrawal of certification after two notices have been sent and no response is received by the administrator with 90 days.

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