We thought that we would take this window of opportunity to celebrate 5 years of ASA’s alliance with the National Glass Association! The aim of our associations is to improve the construction industry for all. And to that end, we would like to focus on a program NGA supports in its commitment to workforce development and quality construction projects.
In recent years, U.S. construction insurance rates have spiked, with water infiltration and losses related to water damage as top risks. A survey of over 340 industry professionals cited most defects and failures were caused by glazing subcontractor and/or installer insufficiencies.
What if there were a way to ensure better building envelopes with less chance of leaks and fewer headaches for glazing contractors, construction managers, and owners? The North American Contractor Certification (NACC) and Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT) certification programs work in tandem to directly address primary building envelope risk factors, giving peace of mind to owners and the entire design, construction, and facility team that projects will be completed safely, efficiently, and with the highest quality commitment.
Both programs are managed and administered by an independent, third-party organization, Administrative Management Systems, Inc. (AMS), headquartered in Sackets Harbor, New York, and are sponsored by the Architectural Glass and Metal Certification Council (AGMCC), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, public benefit organization.
What is the NACC Program?
NACC is North America’s only credential for glazing contractors, recognizing those who consistently demonstrate quality and safety excellence. NACC is an ANAB-accredited third-party credential for companies having completed a significant and time-intensive evaluation that establishes a baseline for competency, business practices, and adherence to industry-accepted guidelines. By assessing all aspects of a glazing contractor’s business, the well-rounded certification process benchmarks the means and methods that drive high performance and high quality in the industry. The International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI) awarded NACC its Horizon Award for commitment to improving construction risk management.
The NACC program is open to both union and nonunion members alike. To date, 86 contractors in the U.S. and Canada have earned NACC.
“Since there is no licensing for glazing contractors, we believe this is a great alternative,” explained Denise Baker, representing Spring Glass & Mirror of Conroe, Texas. “This certification is what will set us all apart from the companies that cut corners, are not properly trained, and do not have the proper insurance needed to protect the contractors and owners.”
Demetrious (Jim) Stathopoulos, PE, representing Ajay Glass Co. of Canandaigua, New York, describes his company’s positive experience undergoing the rigorous certification process. “NACC brought to the fore limitations that we had in our processes that we would not have otherwise uncovered or understood without going through certification. NACC helped us realize improvements in our organization from top to bottom.”
What is the AGMT Program?
AGMT is North America’s only credential for individual glaziers. It is a personnel certification featuring a third-party, independent assessment of a glazier’s knowledge, skills, and abilities via written and hands-on testing. AGMT demonstrates that a glazier can perform work in a manner that will minimize defects and failures and conform to customer requirements, driving a stronger workforce and better worker development requirements. AGMT reduces subjective personnel criteria, provides a consistent competency benchmark for glaziers, and offers peace of mind to all project stakeholders. The program is also open to both union and non-union glaziers.
The AGMT program currently has 1,993 certified glaziers representing most U.S. states.
Why choose certified glazing installers for your project team?
Professional installation of glass and glazing systems is crucial for today’s building performance needs. Every stakeholder benefits from competency. NACC offers a qualitative means for an owner or general contractor to reduce the risk associated with selecting a glazing subcontractor. AGMT offers proof that the glazing workforce is qualified and skilled to perform the work. Certifications mean improved job site and public safety, minimized subcontractor defaults, fewer construction claims, and better building envelopes. The NACC and AGMT programs are reshaping quality across the industry.
“As architects, we always want to achieve what we are specifying and accomplish the goal of having beautiful buildings that work,” explained Rowan O. Georges, AIA, of architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), who has endorsed both the NACC and AGMT programs. “Making sure the glass and metal are installed professionally and at the highest level of competence is something we all greatly value.”
Rhode Island became the first state to mandate NACC and AGMT.
In June 2023, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed a bill requiring certain public works projects be completed by glazing contractors certified by the NACC program. The companies must also employ at least one glazier certified under the AGMT program. The law takes effect this year. Both programs have grown rapidly since the initiative began in 2015, making it likely that other states will follow Rhode Island’s lead.
Specify, enforce, and achieve with NACC and AGMT
Just as the American Subcontractors Association promotes the rights and interests of specialty contractors, the NACC and AGMT programs advocate for and advance those specialty glazing contractors who are committed to quality and performance. Certifications display professionalism and proficiency at the highest levels.
When an architect specifies NACC and AGMT credentials for a project and when a general contractor enforces the specification by hiring NACC and AGMT glazing installers, owners can expect better project outcomes and better buildings. Together, every stakeholder can share the value. Learn more at https://www.GlazingCertification.com.
ASA and NGA support the ongoing efforts from all stakeholders to make the construction industry safer, cohesive, and stronger.
Thanks to Jeff Dalaba, Director of Program Development for both the NACC and AGMT programs with AMS, Inc., for sharing this information with ASA. A Navy veteran, Jeff has served in executive management roles for 25+ years. He can be reached at Jeff@amscert.com.
