Training & Certification

Most restoration companies have a training system and an operating system. What they rarely have is the two connected. Training happens in one place. The software runs in another. And the team spends its time trying to bridge a gap that was never supposed to exist. Golden Lever brings Lever360 Software and Learning Lever training together so that the way people learn and the way work gets done are finally pulling in the same direction. This post covers why software alone cannot replace understanding, why training alone is not enough without a place to land, what a connected system looks like for a real restoration operation, and who Golden Lever was built for.

Lisa Lavender

5 min read

Apr 20, 2026

Training & Certification

IICRC Master Textile Cleaner — Take Your RRT, CCT, and CRT in One Week with RTI

RTI structured the RRT, CCT, and CRT back-to-back between April 28 and May 6 — three of the five certifications required for the IICRC Master Textile Cleaner designation, all via livestream, built around how restoration companies actually operate. This post covers why the Master Textile Cleaner path stalls for most professionals, how the sequencing solves the prerequisite and scheduling problem in one window, what each certification covers in the field, what the designation means for your business, and how Learning Lever and iRestore give you the team visibility to make the most of every training window that opens.

Lisa Lavender

7 min read

Apr 15, 2026

Training & Certification

IICRC CRT Certification: How Close Your Restoration Team Already Is to Master Textile Cleaner

Most restoration technicians who hold a CCT are closer to the IICRC Master Textile Cleaner designation than they realize — and the CRT is almost always the certification they have left on the table. This post maps the full Master Textile Cleaner certification path, explains why the CRT gets skipped more often than it should, and makes the business case for why restoration companies need to be tracking where their team stands on the Master Track. RTI's CRT course runs May 5–6, 2026 via livestream.

Lisa Lavender

6 min read

May 26, 2022

Training & Certification

Get Certified with RTI’s Applied Microbial Remediation Technician Training

RTI’s Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) Training provides restoration professionals with the certification and practical expertise needed to safely handle mold remediation and sewage cleanup projects. As microbial contamination continues to impact residential and commercial properties, properly trained technicians are essential for ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service delivery. This comprehensive four-day course covers mold remediation standards, sewage protocols, containment procedures, OSHA compliance, documentation, subcontractor management, marketing strategies, and effective client communication. Designed for restoration contractors, property managers, and environmental professionals, the AMRT program prepares graduates to expand their service offerings while protecting both workers and building occupants. By investing in professional microbial remediation training, restoration companies can strengthen their reputation, reduce liability, increase revenue opportunities, and meet the growing demand for certified environmental remediation services.

Lisa Lavender

6 Min.

Jul 2, 2021

Training & Certification

Procedures and Processes for Proper Drying

While no two water losses are identical, successful drying projects follow consistent core procedures. From the initial phone call through inspection, documentation, extraction, equipment deployment, monitoring, and final verification, structured processes improve results and profitability. Restorative drying remains a blend of art and science, but focusing on foundational fundamentals enhances efficiency, communication, and payment timelines—ultimately making better dryers across the industry.

Chuck Boutall

7 Min.

Jun 26, 2021

Training & Certification

Selecting the Proper Drying Equipment for Commercial Restoration

In commercial restoration, equipment selection should be based on project requirements—not just available inventory. While many contractors rely on the “Whatever’s On the Truck” method, successful professionals adopt a “Whatever the Project Requires” mindset. By evaluating structure type, water loss severity, business interruption concerns, and stakeholder priorities, restoration companies can reduce total project costs, improve tenant satisfaction, and win more bids. Strategic equipment deployment ultimately protects the bottom line and strengthens long-term commercial relationships.

Chuck Boutall

5 Min.

May 28, 2021

Training & Certification

Training as Easy as 1-2-3

Our 3 Ways to learn include the Digital Training Solution (DTS), LIVE Online/In-Person classes, and Self-Paced microlearning courses. Individuals registering for any of our LIVE Online/In-Person classes will receive preparatory materials that may be reviewed prior to class and remain available for 60 days after class to allow students the opportunity to be fully prepared for any associated exam or practical use. The DTS contains a robust Resource Library housed within our custom-created Learning Management System (LMS). The LMS is also designed with management in mind providing solutions to Onboarding, Training & Retraining, Employee Development, Employee Engagement, and Management of the Learning Process.

Lisa Lavender

2 Min.

Sep 24, 2020

Training & Certification

RTI Expands Educational Offerings to Australia

On September 23, 2020, Restoration Technical Institute (RTI), an education partner of ISSA, announced the expansion of its educational offerings to Australia, marking an important step in delivering restoration training on a truly global scale. Since its founding in 2012, RTI has supported Australian professionals on a limited basis. With the rapid evolution of virtual learning, RTI seized the opportunity to create a dedicated online training experience tailored to the Australian service industry. The flagship offering is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Water Restoration Technician (WRT) course — a foundational 19-hour workshop that teaches professionals how to properly manage and mitigate water damage in residential and commercial settings. The course covers psychrometry, ANSI-approved IICRC Standards of Care, equipment usage, safety protocols, and proper drying techniques. To better serve Australian students, RTI adapted course delivery to local needs, including scheduling sessions in AEST time zones and providing equipment calculation worksheets in the metric system. Industry experts Destry Ransdell and Chuck Boutall lead and support the course, bringing years of experience and a strong connection to the Australian market. This expansion reflects RTI’s broader mission: to deliver knowledge, passion, and inspiration that empower restoration professionals worldwide to serve their communities with skill and confidence.

Lisa Lavender

5 Min.

Sep 9, 2020

Training & Certification

Restoring Success: The New Age of Restoration Training

Finding and developing skilled professionals has long been one of the restoration industry’s biggest challenges. In 2020, those challenges intensified — but they also accelerated innovation. As in-person training programs were canceled, the industry quickly adapted by expanding online education, live-stream certification courses, and self-paced learning opportunities. The Restoration Technical Institute (RTI), in partnership with ISSA, embraced digital transformation by leveraging robust learning management systems (LMS), expanding course libraries, and developing instructional design strategies that meet modern learners’ needs. Certifications such as IICRC WRT and ASD transitioned to approved online live-stream formats, increasing accessibility while maintaining standards. Beyond technical skills, new-age restoration training now includes soft skills, management development, employee engagement, and onboarding support — all delivered through flexible, scalable platforms. E-learning has proven successful across industries like medical, military, and aviation, with data showing improved retention and engagement. The result is a more agile, accessible, and affordable training ecosystem that empowers restoration companies to develop talent faster, overcome workforce shortages, and build stronger, more resilient teams for the future.

Lisa Lavender

5 Min.

May 5, 2020

Training & Certification

Restoration Technical Institute Partner’s with ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute on Online Training & Education

Restoration Technical Institute (RTI) has formed a strategic partnership with ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) to deliver expanded online training and certification programs for restoration and cleaning professionals. The collaboration launched the RTI Online Learning Institute, powered by ISSA, featuring courses in water damage restoration, restorative cleaning, flooring systems, building materials, and industry-specific technical education. Through this partnership, students can access flexible e-learning modules, track coursework, and earn recognized certifications that enhance professional credibility and business performance. By combining RTI’s restoration expertise with CMI’s global reputation in cleaning education, the initiative strengthens workforce development, supports digital training innovation, and elevates industry standards across restoration and commercial cleaning sectors.

Lisa Lavender

5 Min.

May 1, 2020

Training & Certification

Restoring Success: A Fresh Look at Online Training

The restoration industry is experiencing a significant shift toward online training, virtual classrooms, and digital certification programs. While e-learning is not new, the pandemic accelerated its adoption and expanded opportunities for technical and leadership development. Organizations such as the IICRC now offer select certifications through live-stream formats, increasing accessibility and flexibility for restoration professionals. Online training provides cost efficiency, scalable onboarding systems, and improved access to continuing education. However, maximizing its value requires a supportive company culture and a commitment to continuous professional growth. By strategically embracing virtual learning opportunities, restoration companies can strengthen workforce development, improve operational performance, and position themselves for long-term success.

Lisa Lavender

5 Min.

May 9, 2018

Training & Certification

Restoring Success: The Curious Restorer

This article explores the importance of curiosity and resourcefulness as core competencies in the modern restoration industry. It highlights how continuous information-seeking strengthens both technical skills and leadership development, while emphasizing the need for discernment when evaluating industry resources. By combining experience with ongoing learning, restoration professionals at every level can remain adaptable, confident, and competitive in an ever-evolving field.

Angela Cremer

7 Min.

Mar 19, 2018

Training & Certification

Restoring Success: A New Tech Under Your Wing

This article examines the critical role of structured onboarding and mentorship in developing new restoration technicians. It highlights the complexity of modern restoration services, the risks of informal training approaches, and the importance of proactive leadership in accelerating competency. By assigning mentors, setting clear performance benchmarks, and intentionally managing the first 90 days, restoration companies can reduce turnover, improve quality control, and build a stronger, more capable workforce prepared for long-term growth.

Angela Cremer

8 Min.

Dec 15, 2017

Training & Certification

IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT) Class: The RTI Experience

RTI proudly hosted a full class of restoration professionals for our December 5–7 IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT) CEC Course. Led by expert instructors Ron Valega and Stephan Schumm, students gained both classroom and hands-on experience—including practical training at our Applied Structural Drying facility in Reading, PA. Participants from across the U.S. and even the British Virgin Islands praised the engaging instruction, welcoming atmosphere, and high-quality training that exceeded expectations. We’re grateful to everyone who attended and look forward to welcoming more students in our upcoming 2018 courses.

Angela Cremer

5 min.

The Lever360 Platform

Three levers. Pull all three and the whole company moves.

Lever360 is three products built around the same restoration job. Software runs the operation. Learning Lever trains the team. RTI certifies the trade. Use one. Use all three — they compound.

Software is one lever

You're running the company here. The other two make it compound.

Software runs the operation — every job, crew, dollar and conversation lives here. Add Learning Lever and RTI and the same techs ramp faster, bill higher, and stay longer. One lever moves the company. Three move it harder.

Learning Lever is one lever

You're training the team here. The other two make the training stick.

Learning Lever onboards faster and keeps the whole team sharp. Software is where that training shows up in the work. RTI is where it becomes a credential customers trust. Pull one — pull all three and the math compounds.

RTI is one lever

You're certifying the trade here. The other two carry the credential to the field.

RTI certifies the trade — IICRC WRT, ASD, AMRT, FSRT and beyond. Software runs the company those certified techs work for. Learning Lever ramps everyone in between. One lever moves things. Three move the whole crew.

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The System of Record

Lever360 Software

Run the company. Every job, crew, dollar and conversation lives here.

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Field apps · offline

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The System of Growth

Learning Lever

Onboard faster, upskill your team, and keep everyone sharp — on the same platform.

Role-based tracks

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Full LMS + reporting

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The System of Certification

Restoration Technical Institute

IICRC-approved instruction — WRT, ASD, AMRT, FSRT and more — live and online.

IICRC WRT · ASD · AMRT

Live + online formats

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Customers who run Software + Learning Lever together save 22% and onboard techs 3× faster.

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Training & Certification