Certification (AHC , CDC, EHC, AOC

Why be a DHI Certified Consultant?
DHI is the focal point for a team of more than 2,200 professional consultants and 900 apprentices. Their goal may be personal achievement, but their direction encompasses efforts that will improve the lifestyle of millions of people as well as enhance the fire and life safety of buildings and their occupants. Those who are working towards — or have already achieved — a consultant status, know the hundreds of hours it takes to learn every aspect of the Door and Hardware industry plus the attention and effort required to hone that knowledge into a tool of skill that will satisfy the many different needs of a building.

What Certification Designations are Available?
Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC), Certified Door Consultant (CDC), Electrified Hardware Consultant (EHC) and Architectural Openings Consultant (AOC) are the certification designations recognized as marks of excellence throughout the industry. These professional certifications attest to the high principles of the individual and that he or she is a professional prepared to provide sound architectural Door and Hardware specification advice and counsel to architects, contractors and building owners.

DHI awards these credentials to individuals who have successfully completed a prescribed series of training and have passed rigorous certification examinations. Individuals pursuing certification must complete the core educational curriculum before branching off to follow a particular discipline.

Architectural Hardware Consultants (AHCs) are trained to recognize a builder’s hardware requirements for door openings in all types of public, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. AHCs coordinate thousands of builders' hardware items and options to ensure door openings are in compliance with fire, life safety, accessibility and building code requirements.

Certified Door Consultants (CDCs) are trained in the construction and application of standard and custom hollow metal doors and frames, architectural flush and stile and rail wood doors and aluminum doors and frames. CDCs must master a myriad of fire, life safety, accessibility and building code requirements for all types of buildings.

Electrified Hardware Consultants (EHCs) specialize in the coordination of architectural door openings with the increased security needs of public buildings in today’s society. EHCs are experts at interfacing electrified architectural hardware products into access control monitoring and fire alarm systems, while maintaining compliance with fire, life safety, accessibility and building code requirements.

Architectural Openings Consultants (AOCs) are individuals who have attained AHC, CDC and EHC professional certifications. AOCs have mastered all facets of the commercial Door and Hardware industry and exemplify the highest standards of expertise and professionalism.

Consultants pursue an accreditation and maintenance program that broadens and enriches their understanding of the architectural openings industry and encourages continuing education.

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