Certification programs establish measurable standards for skilled trade professionals—demonstrating technical proficiency, adherence to best practices and ongoing professional growth. Ensuring that residential construction professionals are adhering to these standards is vital to the success of our industry. The Residential Foundation Technician Certification is a collaborative effort between the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA). This program evaluates the competency of an individual in using the primary technical resources that define both the design and construction practices for residential concrete foundations. CFA sat down with Cole Beaudin of Perma-Structo, Inc., also a member of the CFA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, to talk about how he and his team have used the certification program to elevate the work they do. 

Beaudin’s relationship with CFA began with his grandfather, who helped found the organization in 1975. Perma-Structo, Inc. has been engaged with CFA ever since. “My grandfather was one of the initial founders. It’s always felt like home in a way,” Beaudin said. “It’s always been a part of our family.” When new ACI 332 regulations arrived in Wisconsin, certification supported Perma-Structo’s compliance and gave the company a competitive advantage. 

At Perma-Structo, Beaudin encourages superintendents, foremen and office staff to pursue this specific certification program. He views the process as an opportunity for every employee to succeed. “We all want to feel that it’s important and feel recognized. This is just one opportunity where staff members and owners feel like they’re winning in their organization.” This standards-driven approach benefits field operations as well. Inspectors frequently consult Beaudin for code interpretations and best practices, a result of Perma-Structo’s reputation for prioritizing certification. The study guide created for this program is specifically designed to assist those studying in thinking through real-world applications of these standards. 

Certification has enhanced their company’s approval process with inspectors, supports client trust and can help win repeat business or referrals. 

Beaudin recalled a learning curve when preparing for the exam and points to the CFA’s educational resources as essential. “CFA has a lot of different presentations and slide shows that are recorded in the CFA classroom. The Association makes it really easy if you follow those resources.” The CFA Classroom, combined with the study guide, streamlines the preparation process and is designed for a range of professional roles. Beaudin’s approach incorporates this certification program into their systematic training program for technicians, office personnel and even family members involved in the business. 

This certification program, according to Beaudin, aligns the residential concrete professional with consistent industry standards. He observes that the program discourages shortcuts—a concern in a field where project quality can vary depending on a variety of variables. At Perma-Structo, certification influences hiring and professional development and helps the company stay current with industry changes. 

Beaudin encourages other contractors to become certified and approach the process as not just maintaining a knowledge level, but investing in your growth. The program, he feels, lays the groundwork for long-term professional credibility and business development. 

Certification helps contractors meet industry benchmarks, grow their expertise and build a reputation for quality. Those interested in pursuing this certification should visit the certification page on the CFA website. This page includes details and requirements, links to study materials and upcoming exam dates by location. 

Scan to learn more about the Residential Foundation Technician Certification program.