We hear from many CBMS students that they feel the program has enhanced their ability to perform their jobs and has increased their confidence with customers. Many companies perform great on-the-job training, but the CBMS program offers a comprehensive, focused course of study that will round out a student's knowledge in diverse areas.

What are the requirements to become a Certified Building Materials Specialist?
All CBMS students must complete a rigorous program consisting of three steps
Step I. Completion of 100 credit hours of technical, sales and customer service training.
Step II. Completion of 50 credit hours of industry affiliated activities.
Step III. Completion of the ILX Construction Training CD-ROM or online program. NRLA members can purchase one program at a significan discount. Contact Carolyn Mattiske at 518-880-6386 to place an order.

Is there a time limit to complete the CBMS program?
There is no time limit to complete the CBMS program; students may progress at their own pace.

What does it cost to become a CBMS student?
Enrollment in the CBMS program requires a one-time registration fee of $175. LBMDF seminars ryn $20 - $260 per full-day course The ILXConstructionTraining CD-ROMprogram is $495 for NRLA members only.

Do the requirements need to be completed in sequence?
No. The requirements of the CBMS program may be completed concurrently or in any order preferred by the student.

Who tracks my credit hours?
The Lumber and Building Material Dealers Foundation, located in Rensselaer, NY. Students’ credits will be monitored in our database system, although it is suggested that students also track their credits independently.

Am I notified when I am close to completion of a requirement?
The LBMDF will send an annual update report to each student outlining how many credits he/she has earned in each of the requirement areas.

Are there any provisions for industry veterans?
Yes. Industry veterans with seven or more years of service may take an all-inclusive equivalency exam to earn 100credit hours of technical, sales and customer service training. This will complete the first requirement of the CBMSprogram. The individual must complete the two other requirements to complete the CBMS program.

How do I sign up?
Call the Lumber and Building Material Dealers Foundation at 800.292.6752 and ask for the education department.

STEP #I(Click here to download registration form)

TECHNICAL, SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING

Where are the seminars held?
Seminars offered by the Lumber and Building Material Dealers Foundation are held throughout the northeast, primarily during the winter months. Beginning in 2008, webinar and other on-line training options will be available to accomodate attendees; allowing for training to be conducted while physically remaining at your place of employment. Times, dates and location of each seminar is listed in the educational calendar.

What seminars are available?
The LBMDF offers numerous seminars annualy. Seminar topics include:sales and marketingfinanceblueprint readingcustomer servicetechnical productsestimating & designmanagementoperationsCall the LBMDF at 800.292.6752 for upcoming education semester schedules. Samples of seminar topics include:

Can I take equivalency exams for credit?
Yes. Students may take an equivalency exam to earn credits toward STEP #1 of the CBMS program (100 credit hours of technical, sales and customer service training). Equivalency exams will not be given for industry affiliated activities.

STEP #II

INDUSTRY AFFILIATED ACTIVITIES

How do I document Industry Affiliated Activities (IAA)?
Students should complete the IAA qualifying form and submit an agenda or any materials from the training event detailing the topics covered and number of hours spent inactual training. The Accreditation Committee will review the course and agenda and award the appropriate amountof credits to the student.

Do college courses count towards IAA?
College courses in the building material related disciplines are counted in the area of industry affiliated activities. The amountof credits awarded by the college will be the amount awarded by the Accreditation Committee (up to 8 credits).

What are some examples of Industry affiliated activities?
Participation in building material or related industry tradeshows, manufacturer's schools, vocational courses, college courses, and even community service projects, such as constructing a children's playground all count toward the Industry Affiliated (STEP #II) portion of the program

STEP #III

TECHNICAL PRODUCT TRAINING

Where do I order the ILX Construction Training Program CD-ROM?
Members can order this product at a significant discount through the LBMDF. Call Carolyn Mattiske at 518-880-6386 or email her at cmattiske@nrla.org. The online version of the training program is located at www.xactware.com.