Our 4-Step Certification Process

We don’t sell leads. We protect reputations

Step 1: Online Application – Your Journey Begins
Start by filling out our online application form. This simple form (about 10 minutes) will ask for basic information about you and your trade, your experience, and a few professional references. Once you’re ready, click the Get Started button to submit your application. (Button label: “Get Started Now”) – we’ll take it from there!

1. Step 2: Referrals & Background Check – Building Trust
   After you apply, our team will review your information and reach out to the references you provided. We’ll also conduct a lightweight background check on your professional history. This isn’t a full audit or anything too formal – it’s an informal vetting to ensure all A.H.O.M™ professionals have a solid track record. We might look at client testimonials or verify your past project experience. (Don’t worry – we’re not looking for perfect resumes, just honest work and a commitment to quality!)
2. Step 3: Informal Interview – Let’s Chat
   Next, we’ll invite you to a short, informal interview. This can be a Zoom call, a quick phone chat, or even an email Q&A – whatever works best for your schedule. Purpose: to get to know you beyond the paperwork. We’ll discuss your services, values, and answer any questions you have about A.H.O.M™. It’s a friendly conversation, not a test. We want to ensure there’s a good mutual fit and that you understand our community ethos. (Think of it as swapping stories over coffee – virtual coffee if on Zoom!)
3. Step 4: Certification & Welcome – You’re In!
   If all goes well in the previous steps, congratulations – you’re now A.H.O.M™ Certified! We’ll send you a notification email welcoming you to the directory. In that welcome package you’ll receive your digital certification materials, including the A.H.O.M™ Certified badge usage guide (so you know how to add it to your website or email signature). We’ll activate your profile on the A.H.O.M™ Trades Directory site, so clients can start finding you. From here on, you have full rights to advertise yourself as an A.H.O.M™ Certified professional and enjoy all the member benefits!

A.H.O.M™ Certified members receive a digital badge (example shown above). This badge is a trust seal that instantly signals to customers that you’ve been vetted for quality and reliability. You can display it on your website, email signature, or marketing materials to showcase your commitment to excellence and let clients know they’re in good hands.

Additional Notes

• A.H.O.M™ “Essentials” Products: You may notice A.H.O.M™ Essentials products (our branded tools and resources for home professionals) featured on our site. These are optional offerings for your benefit; purchasing them is not required to become or remain A.H.O.M™ Certified at this time. (We want to provide helpful resources, not put up barriers. Certification is based on merit – not on buying anything.)
• Future Code of Conduct: As our community grows, we plan to introduce a formal Code of Conduct agreement for all certified members. This will simply put in writing the high standards and professional ethics that our A.H.O.M™ community already stands for. For now, there’s no lengthy contract to sign – your honest application and interview serve as your commitment to uphold our values. We’ll keep you posted when the official Code of Conduct rolls out, and you’ll be asked to review and agree to it at that time.
• Stay Updated – “Notify Me”: Not ready to apply just yet? Or maybe you’re interested in our program developments (like that future Code of Conduct) before jumping in? Feel free to join our update list. Click the Notify Me option to get occasional updates about A.H.O.M™ Certified status, new features, and community news. (Button/Link: “Notify Me of Updates”) – We’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing, and we promise not to spam your inbox.

We’re not looking for perfect resumes — we’re looking for professionals who care. 💛