Chimney Sweeps

High School

To understand the damage done to chimneys by smoke, fire, and creosote, take science courses—particularly chemistry classes. In chemistry class, you'll learn more about the chemical reactions from fireplaces, such as carbon monoxide, that can cause illness and death if not contained. You may also work with some chemicals to break down creosote glaze. With a clear understanding of the chemistry involved, you can easily explain problems to customers and stress the importance of chimney sweeping and repair.

In business courses, you can learn about marketing, budgeting, tax requirements, insurance, and other details of small-business management. Computer courses will give you some experience with databases, spreadsheets, and other programs that assist in record keeping and billing.

Postsecondary Training

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) actively trains sweeps and venting specialists and provides information to the general public about chimney safety. The CSIA Technology Center, a training facility, was opened in Plainfield, Indiana, in 2002 to satisfy the educational needs of chimney sweeps. CSIA also offers a number of workshops and seminars across the country that introduce new sweeps to the business and provide continuing education to established sweeps. Training in such subjects as safety codes, environmental protection requirements, chimney construction, and technique helps sweeps prepare for the CSIA certification exams.

No college degree is required, but community college courses in small business management or tech school training in brickwork can help you prepare for ownership of your own chimney sweep service. Some experienced sweeps may even take you on as an apprentice; though the opportunity may not pay anything, it will provide you with valuable experience and education, and help you in your pursuit of certification. In addition, the National Chimney Sweep Guild offers a paid, two-year U.S. Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training (4,000 hours) with classroom instruction (288 hours). Visit https://www.ncsg.org/apprenticeship-program for more information.

Many chimney sweeps have worked as firefighters or in other aspects of fire control and prevention. You may consider applying to your state's fire academy for training. With experience in firefighting, you'll learn to recognize fire hazards, which is important knowledge for sweeps.