We’re lucky enough to have one of our very own architectural hardware consultants within the walls of LockNet, and trust me when I say, I’ve bugged him more times than I can count. Jeff Kirkner has limitless answers to the questions I have when I’m writing. (He and our technical support engineer, Ian Greene love me and my infinite amount of questions.)

Architectural Hardware Consultants and the Basics

For architectural hardware consultants to obtain their certification isn’t an easy feat, either. In fact, it took Jeff close to six years to complete the coursework and pass the test.

To earn the certification, you have to complete a total of 13 courses and then take a two-day exam where you create a detailed hardware schedule for a total of 15 different openings. Some of the openings are electrified so the students have to take that into account. After the hardware schedule is completed, the student has to write a three-part specification for the hardware product they detailed in the schedule. Finally, they have to answer a series of questions about codes, hardware application, masterkeying, specification writing, electrified architectural hardware, and standards. After all of that, if they pass, they’re officially certified as an architectural hardware consultant. (Easy, right?)

How They Help

Just last week, in the article about issues with specification reviews, we mentioned architectural hardware consultants because they provide myriad solutions for problems on your hardware specification. They review your plans and suggest changes to make to your hardware schedule that benefit your organization.

But Wait! There’s More!

A certification as an architectural hardware consultant isn’t the only way to continue your education in the door and hardware industry. There are a few other certifications offered by the Door and Hardware Institute that specialize in doors and electrified hardware.

Are doors your thing in particular? Certified door consultants, or CDCs, focus on the application of the many door types.

What about electrified hardware? Electrified hardware consultants (EHCs) specialize in interfacing electrified hardware products into access control monitoring and fire alarm systems.

Finally, there’s the coveted architectural opening consultant. These bad boys have earned their certifications in all of these areas, which makes them the crème de la crème of consultants in the door and hardware industry. Whichever certification you decide to go for, the door and hardware industry offers many opportunities.

Questions about your recent hardware schedule? Feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help!