Chimney Sweeps

Certification or Licensing

Certification isn't required to work as a chimney sweep but it is highly recommended by professionals in the industry. In its education of the public regarding chimney safety, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) strongly advises homeowners to use only the services of certified sweeps. An unskilled sweep may be unable to recognize the potential for fire and health hazards in a deteriorating chimney and may even do more damage in the sweeping and repairing process. Those who attend an online or in-person review session, pass an exam, and sign the CSIA Code of Ethics can use the designation, certified chimney sweep. With certification, you can offer your clients additional security. Certification is valid for three years, after which you can retest or attend CSIA-approved continuing education programs. Other credentials that are available include certified chimney specialist, master chimney sweep, and certified dryer exhaust technician.

The National Chimney Sweep Guild offers the following certification credentials: certified chimney professional, certified chimney reliner, and certified chimney journeyman.

Liability insurance is also important for chimney sweeps. Some sweeps have been named in lawsuits following fires in homes they serviced. Even if a sweep alerts a homeowner to potential hazards and the homeowner chooses not to have the work done, the sweep may be held liable if he or she didn't document the warning.