General
The Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education foundation dedicated to advancing public safety and promoting professionalism within the door, gate, and access systems industry. Its mission is to serve the public interest by providing education, accreditation, and certification programs that recognize and validate high standards of business excellence and technical expertise. IDEA supports dealers and industry professionals by offering the educational resources needed to build and maintain successful businesses, while certifying and accrediting those whose practices meet the organization’s rigorous criteria for quality, safety, and competency.
IDEA is governed by a twelve-member Board of Directors, consisting of six dealer representatives appointed by the International Door Association (IDA) and six manufacturer representatives appointed by the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA).
You can support IDEA by making a financial contribution through the IDEA website or by contacting the office directly; donations are tax-deductible and help fund technician education and ongoing program development.
Accreditation applies to a company and verifies that the business meets IDEA’s standards for professionalism, experience, and training, while Certification applies to individuals and confirms that they have met the required knowledge, training, and examination standards for their specific discipline.
You can verify whether a technician is Certified or a company is Accredited by visiting our online directories: Find Certified Technicians and Find Accredited Dealers.
No. Specific problems with doors, gates, or operators must be diagnosed by a qualified technician. If you need assistance finding one, you can use our Accredited Dealer and Certified Technician locator pages.
No. IDEA does not provide installation instructions; we offer educational explanations only. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and all applicable codes when installing or servicing equipment.
Accreditation
Accreditation helps consumers identify qualified, professional door and access systems dealers and recognizes companies that meet high industry standards. Accredited companies gain credibility, recognition, and the right to use the IDEA Accreditation emblem in marketing.
Companies that sell, install, and service door and access systems as their primary business and have operated continuously for at least two years.
To become Accredited, a company must submit the IDEA Dealer Accreditation Application and meet all program requirements, which include passing all six written examinations, providing proof that the company has been in business for at least two years, submitting two letters of recommendation from customers or business associates, and providing proof of general liability insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, and a Federal Employer Identification Number or resale permit.
Accreditation applies to a single company location, not to individuals.
Yes. Once you submit your application, you will immediately receive an email with a link to the comprehensive study guides covering accounting, insurance, safety, sectional doors, rolling doors, and sales/marketing. If you don’t see it right away, be sure to check your spam or junk folder.
Six written exams must be passed with a score of 70% or higher.
One representative must pass all six exams to qualify the company.
Each exam is 50 questions, taken in a proctored environment, with 55 minutes allowed.
Proof of two years in business, liability insurance, workers’ compensation, FEIN/resale permit, and two letters of recommendation.
Accreditation is valid for three years.
Accreditations renew every three years, and renewal requires submitting the correct renewal form, paying the renewal fee, and completing the required continuing education credits; additional details are available on the Continuing Education website.
Certification
Certification validates the skills and experience of technicians who install and service the applicable products, ensuring these critical life‑safety products are handled by qualified professionals.
To become certified, an applicant must submit a certification application and meet all program requirements, which include passing the written exam, providing documentation of required field experience, obtaining verification from an IDEA Sanctioned Trainer or equivalent confirming they are fully and fundamentally trained, and meeting the points-based field experience requirements if pursuing certification for Rolling Steel Fire Doors. Once all requirements are met and the written exam is passed, the applicant is awarded the appropriate certification designation.
Yes. Once you submit your application, you will immediately receive an email with a link to a comprehensive study guide for the specific certification. If you don’t see it right away, be sure to check your spam or junk folder.
The written exams are proctored, multiple‑choice, matching, and True/False, and based entirely on the materials contained in the study guides.
Applicants must earn at least 10 points through documented drop tests. One point is awarded for each unique new installation, and 1/2 point is awarded for each annual or repeat drop test.
Yes. You may submit qualifying drop‑test forms from any time, past or present, to meet the Rolling Steel Fire Door Technician Certification requirements. Each drop‑test form may include up to two technicians.
Certified technicians receive a framed certificate, shirt patches, and an identification card.
Certification is valid for three years from the date assigned by IDEA.
Certifications renew every three years, and renewal requires submitting the correct renewal form, paying the renewal fee, and completing the required continuing education credits; additional details are available on the Continuing Education website.
Exams
A proctored exam is an in‑person test that is monitored by an approved proctor to ensure academic integrity.
To sign up for an exam, contact the IDEA office ahead of time and let them know when and where you plan to test.
Testing is available at IDA, affiliate, and other industry events throughout the year and at approved Testing Centers across the U.S. IDEA can come to your location to proctor exams if there are ten or more exams. Contact the IDEA office for a personalized list of testing locations based on your area.
Bring a pen or pencil and a valid photo ID.
No. The only items allowed during the exam are your pen or pencil.
No, study guides and notes are not allowed during the exam, so be sure to fully study the material beforehand.
No, all exam questions come directly from the study guide.
There is no waiting period to retest; you may retake the exam whenever you feel ready.
No. If you do not pass the exam, you may retest without paying again. However, if you are testing at an approved testing center, that facility may charge a retest fee.
Exam results are typically sent by text message the same day the exam is taken.
Once you have passed the required examination(s) and have met the other program requirements, the materials for your credential will arrive in approximately 4 weeks.
We don’t show test scores or missed questions because releasing them would allow people to memorize answers rather than demonstrate real knowledge; keeping the questions secure protects fairness and integrity and ensures they remain valid for future exams.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education (CE) is industry related training that helps credentialed professionals stay current with standards, safety practices, and technical knowledge.
Accredited Dealers and Certified Door Technicians must earn 9 hours of CEUs during each three‑year renewal cycle. Gate Certification holders must earn 12 hours of CEUs during each three‑year renewal cycle.
Eligible CEUs include industry seminars, manufacturer training, online courses, webinars, in‑house safety training (up to 3 hours), additional IDEA certifications, and other IDEA approved education.
Yes. Online training, webinars, and other distance‑learning programs qualify as long as they are industry related.
Yes. Manufacturer‑provided technical training is an approved source of Continuing Education.
Yes. Obtaining additional IDEA certifications or other relevant industry credentials qualifies for CEU credit.
You must keep records of all CEU activities, such as certificates, sign‑in sheets, instructor names, locations, or proof of completion, to submit during your renewal.
Yes, as long as the training occurred within your current three‑year renewal cycle and meets IDEA’s CEU requirements.
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