DHI CERTIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATES
DHI has credentialed more than 2,000 door security + safety professionals worldwide. Throughout the door and hardware industry, our certifications and certificates are recognized as hallmarks of technical expertise, demonstrating their holders' incomparable knowledge, skill, and dedication to life safety and security.
Certification Programs
The purpose of certification is to assess the knowledge, skills, and competencies required of the job role. Certification requires certificants to continue professional competence through recertification (Continuing Education Program – CEP).
- Architectural Hardware Consultants (AHC)
- Electrified Hardware Consultants (EHC)
- Certified Fire Door Assembly Inspector (CFDAI)
Certificate Programs
The purpose of a certificate is to provide education and training by achieving specific learning outcomes in each course. Certificates do not require renewal. Earning a certificate has demonstrated students have completed the required courses and demonstrated success of the learning outcomes.
- Door + Hardware Technician (DHT)
- Door + Hardware Consultant (DHC)
Certification Programs
Becoming Certified
Further your profession by becoming DHI certified! Through DHI certification programs, door security and safety professionals have established themselves as qualified professionals in the industry. Their skills provide the balance of life safety and security for millions of building occupants. Those who are working toward or have already achieved a certified 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 skill that will satisfy the many different needs of a building.
Why Earn a DHI Certification
- More than 78% of certification holders agree that employers tend to hire certified professionals rather than hire non-certified.
- DHI certificants cite recognition and respect from peers and supervisors as the top value of certification.
- By achieving your DHI certification, you gain confidence and demonstrate professional competence in the application of your knowledge.
Architectural Hardware Consultants (AHC)
The Architectural Hardware Consultants (AHC) certification is one of DHI’s long-standing programs established in 1940. The AHC has been designed to test the individual’s competency in hardware requirements for door openings (i.e., public, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings). AHCs are able to coordinate hardware products and options to ensure door openings comply with fire, life safety, accessibility and building code requirements. One of the skills set AHC’s are tested on is their proficient to write and edit CSI format specifications for mechanical, doors and frames, and electrified hardware.
The AHC exam covers the following competencies:
- Advanced mechanical and electrified hardware product.
- Code application knowledge.
- Write and edit CSI/DHI format specifications for mechanical and electrified hardware.
- Understanding large and complex projects and existing facility renovations.
DHI does not require candidates to meet prerequisites prior to applying for the AHC exam. However, it is highly recommended that candidates take the following courses to better prepare for testing:
- AHC305 - Introduction to Specification Writing
- AHC307 – Advanced Detailing Doors, Frames and Hardware
- AHC310 – Writing Door and Frame Specifications
- AHC315 – Writing Hardware Specifications
- AHC390 - AHC Exam Prep
Exam Format:
The AHC exam is a two-day, 8-hour exam administered through paper and pencil. Candidates are tested in three areas: Scheduling, Specifications, and Multiple-Choice. Candidates are responsible for finding an AHC proctor to administer the exam.
Want to take your AHC exam, please contact www.dhi.org
You can locate a DHI Certified Canadian Consultant here.
Electrified Hardware Consultants (EHC)
The Electrified Hardware Consultant (EHC) certification was developed to test individuals’ competency in electrified architectural hardware products into access control monitoring and fire alarm systems, while maintaining compliance with fire, life safety, accessibility, and building code requirements. EHC’s have an understanding of electronic access control systems.
The EHC exam covers the following competencies:
- Advanced mechanical and electrified hardware product.
- Code application knowledge with an understanding of electronic access control systems.
- Understanding fire, life safety, accessibility, and building code requirements.
- Understanding of architectural door openings and security needs.
DHI does not require candidates to meet prerequisites prior to applying for the EHC exam. However, it is highly recommended that candidates take the following courses to better prepare for testing:
- EHC403 – Electrified Hardware Drawings and Documentation
- EHC413 – Advanced Electrified Hardware Drawings
- EHC423 – Advanced Electrified Architectural Hardware
- EHC490 - EHC Exam Prep
Exam Format:
The EHC exam is an 8-hour exam administered through paper and pencil. Candidates have three sections they will be tested on: short answer, long answer, and multiple choice. Candidates are responsible for finding an EHC proctor to administer the exam.
Want to take your EHC exam, please contact www.dhi.org
You can locate a DHI Certified Canadian Consultant here.
Certified Fire Door Assembly Inspector (CFDAI)
The Certified Fire & Egress Door Assembly Inspector (CFDAI) certification focuses on responsibilities of fire and egress door inspectors, emphasizing the importance of clear communication with building owners and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Individuals with a CFDAI know how to perform and document inspections, have an intermediate understanding of door, frame, and hardware products, as well as familiarity with relevant codes to conduct through inspections.
To earn your CFDAI, you must take DAI600: Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspections + Exam
Reccomended Prerequisite:
- COR117 – Door, Frame, and Architectural Hardware Applications
- COR123 - Using Door, Frame and Hardware Standards
- COR140 – Using Codes and Standards
Certificate Programs
Earning a DHI Certificate
As a professional in the dynamic field of door and hardware technology, earning a certificate from DHI serves as an important milestone in advancing your career and setting yourself apart in the industry. DHI’s comprehensive certification programs are designed to equip individuals with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to excel in roles ranging from specification and installation to maintenance and compliance. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional seeking to enhance your credentials, a DHI certificate signifies your commitment to quality, safety, and innovation in every aspect of architectural openings and security systems. Join DHI in unlocking new opportunities and elevating standards within the industry through the pursuit of excellence with DHI certificate.
DHI Certificates Offered
Door + Hardware Technician - DHT Certificate
Door + Hardware Consultant - DHC Certificate