5 Reasons to Choose a Restoration Company with RIA Certifications

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is the oldest and largest trade association for restoration professionals. RIA represents industry leaders specializing in water, fire, and environmental damage restoration, along with content restoration and disaster recovery. One of the key benefits of working with a company that holds RIA certifications is the expertise that comes with their Advanced Designation Program—a series of restoration certifications that set professionals apart in their field. Here are five reasons why working with an RIA-certified company like Woodard makes a difference.

1. Industry-Leading Expertise in Contents Restoration     

The RIA Contents Loss Specialist (CLS) designation ensures that restoration professionals are highly trained in handling and restoring contents with precision. This restoration certification program includes:

• Expert-led lectures and presentations
• Case studies and group study work
• Industry best practices for content restoration

2. Advanced Knowledge in Fire Damage Restoration

The Fire Loss Specialist (FLS) designation certifies professionals in fire damage restoration, covering critical topics such as:

• Fire damage restoration ethics
• Contracts and project management
• Report writing and consulting

3. Unmatched Proficiency in Water Damage Restoration

The Water Loss Specialist (WLS) designation is the gold standard for RIA certifications in water damage restoration. This rigorous restoration certification process includes:

• Self-study coursework
• Live instruction from industry leaders
• Pre-requisite courses covering four major domains of knowledge

4. Environmental Hazard and Risk Management

The Environmental Risk Specialist (ERS) designation prepares professionals to navigate environmental hazards and disaster site risks, covering:

• Industry guidelines and regulations
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) risks
• Strategies for navigating environmental restoration challenges

5. Leadership and Excellence in Restoration

The Certified Restorer (CR) designation is the highest level of RIA certification within the Advanced Designation Program. The updated RIA certifications program launching in 2025 will focus on:

• Leadership, management, and ethical conduct
• Insurance claims process and large loss management
• Expert witness testimony, consulting, and third-party peer review

A company with RIA certifications and CR-certified professionals demonstrates the highest commitment to excellence, leadership, and industry best practices, ensuring customers receive top-tier restoration services.

The Woodard Difference: Certified Professionals You Can Trust

At Woodard, we take pride in having a team of RIA-certified professionals, guaranteeing our customers the highest level of service and expertise.

Woodard’s RIA-Certified Team Members:

• Scott Watson: CLS, FLS, WLS, ERS
• Joe Winter: CLS, FLS, WLS, ERS
• Paul Maurer-Batjer: CLS, WLS, ERS
• Jim Feltz: WLS, CR

Once the new and updated CR certification course is available, Joe Winter and Scott Watson will be applying for this designation, meaning Woodard will soon have three Certified Restorers (CRs) on our team. This commitment further demonstrates our dedication to excellence in restoration services.

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Today, the company is run by 3rd generation, Justin Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For more information or questions submit a form online or call us at (314) 227-3932.

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Updated 2/28/2025