Interested in joining the association? - The first step is becoming eligible.
Training is the most important requirement of NCCA membership. The Association insists that all applicants for membership undertake at least the entry level Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Course, or equivalent*, and reach the prescribed NCCA standard in the written test papers which follow. For further information on NCCA courses, please see the training page.
* If you have completed training in carpet (CCT) or upholstery (UFT) cleaning through the IICRC, or courses provided by the Franchises, ChemDry, Rainbow International, Safeclean or Hydro-Dynamix, you can bypass attending the NCCA Course and take the full NCCA exam at home or in the workplace. If you have completed both carpet (CCT) and upholstery (UFT) cleaning training through the IICRC you can then bypass the NCCA Course and Exam and join directly. Please contact the NCCA office for further information.
For details on the IICRC please visit the Cleaning Industry page or www.iicrc.co.uk.
For details on ChemDry, Safeclean, Rainbow International and Hydro-Dynamix, please visit the Corporate Members page.
Only after completing a recognised training course and achieving the required pass mark in the NCCA or equivalent examination, will you be able to apply for membership. However, if you are not the sole owner/operator of the company, are employed or have employees, the company must also comply with the One to One Training rule before you are able to apply. The One to One rule was put into place in 2007 to ensure that all NCCA members and new applicants are using trained technicians when carrying out any carpet and upholstery cleaning and related services. When a company applies for membership, details of all company technicians and their qualifications must be communicated to the NCCA office and an agreement, confirming One to One compliance, must also be signed. Please contact us if you would like further information about the rule.
All Members are expected to remain up to date with current Health & Safety legislation and implement policies and procedures in line with the legal requirements. Upon joining, and as part of each annual renewal, all NCCA members must sign a Health & Safety declaration confirming compliance and acknowledging their obligations.
The final requirement for membership is insurance. All NCCA members must have adequate insurance to cover them in the event of a problem or accident. A Public Liability insurance policy (which is standard for companies offering services to the public) is required and this must include cover for items being worked upon. The NCCA have four recommended insurance companies on our list, please see the Corporate Members page for McGregor Lloyd Ltd, Camberford Law Plc, Allied Insurance Services and Gleaming Insurance.
The Membership Structure
The NCCA has a tiered membership structure, designed to recognise continued and long term support of the Association and reward additional training beyond the basic criteria for joining, the aim being to raise standards within the industry. Companies can progress through the levels of membership by fulfilling additional criteria, such as length of service and further training, in order to receive more benefits and opportunities from the Association. The levels of membership are:
All companies new to the Association/industry will begin at Associate Member level, though established companies with at least two years industry experience may be eligible for Member level should they fulfil the necessary criteria. Each membership level is explained below.
Associate Member
Following successful completion of approved entry level training in carpet and upholstery cleaning, an Associate Membership application for the company can be put forward. Associate Members will be entitled to use of a specific NCCA logo and receive all NCCA benefits apart from referrals. Companies must achieve Member status before being eligible for inclusion in the referral network.
In order to achieve Member status (the next level), Associate Members must have been registered with the NCCA for one year and, in that time, at least one employed technician must have undertaken a recognised advanced spot and stain removal course. Companies may remain at Associate Member level beyond this first year, however if completion or attendance of this compulsory training is not confirmed within that time, an additional examination may need to be taken - for which a nominal fee is payable - in order to continue registration with the NCCA. Following successful completion of the exam, Associate Members have a further year to arrange attendance of a spot and stain course. Should this criteria not be met by the end of the second year, membership renewal may be refused. Upheld complaints and breaches of the NCCA Code of Practice may also affect a company's membership status.
Member
Companies are eligible for Member status after one year of Associate Membership (or two years industry experience directly prior to completing an approved entry level course) and confirmation that at least one employed technician has completed recognised training in advanced spot and stain removal.
Members are entitled to use the NCCA logo in advertising and all the benefits of membership, including referrals.
Members may remain at this level indefinitely if they so wish however, after two years at this level, an application can be made for Advanced Membership providing that an additional recognised training course has been completed during the time as a Member.
Advanced Member
Advanced membership provides further benefits and a specific logo in order to promote registration at this level. Companies that achieve Advanced Member status are also eligible to join the Government endorsed TrustMark scheme (should they fulfil the relevant criteria).
Members may remain at this level indefinitely if they so wish however, after five years as an Advanced Member an application can be made for Senior Membership. In order to become eligible for Senior Membership, attendance of four further recognised training courses must be confirmed.
Senior Member
Senior Member is the final tier of membership and entitles the member to use of a specific logo to promote achievement of this level. In order to remain at Senior Member level, there are additional criteria to fulfil and maintain, including attendance of further training courses every three years and participation in industry and educational events.
The current membership fee is £215 + VAT.
For full details about the NCCA, membership and training please complete our enquiry form and download the Membership Information Pack or request the information be sent to you.
