Exterior Hardwood Certification Institute
The independent standard for exterior hardwood competence.
EHCI sets published competency standards, administers secure assessments and maintains a public registry so contractors can prove their expertise and clients can verify it.
- 5
- Credential levels
- 2 yr
- Renewal cycle
- 24/7
- Public verification
5
Program levels
Core through Master
11
Published courses
Current catalog
8
Species profiles
Technical reference library
100%
Verifiable
Every credential in the public registry
Start with a clear next step
From learning a skill to understanding a credential.
Explore the training before you commit. Build your knowledge, practice the fundamentals and plan your next step in exterior hardwood certification.
Explore courses
Compare published courses, requirements, time and cost.
Build your knowledge
Practical guides, source references and field checklists.
Find your study gaps
A free practice check with explanations and next steps.
Make a study plan
Turn your course choices into a manageable weekly plan.
Know what to expect
Understand assessment, credentials and their limitations.
Review competencies
Compare outcomes, assessment evidence and claim limits.
Build field evidence
Document project decisions, evidence and reflection.
Verify responsibly
Use a due-diligence checklist and downloadable record.
Plan renewal
Work backward from the expiration date on a credential.
Species reference
Hardness, density, durability, fastener and finishing data.
Glossary
Plain-language definitions of exterior hardwood terms.
Assessment blueprints
Knowledge domains and score weights for each assessment.
About EHCI
What Is the Exterior Hardwood Certification Institute?
EHCI is an independent, standards-based certification body for exterior hardwood professionals. We establish and maintain the benchmarks for quality, safety, and performance across deck systems, dock and marine hardwood, exterior cladding, fencing, fastener systems, corrosion systems, and finishing systems.
Standards-Based
Built on rigorous, independently developed standards for exterior hardwood applications.
Industry Authority
Recognized credentials that validate professional competence and material knowledge.
Continuous Learning
Structured pathways from core fundamentals to master-level field verification.
Professional Community
Join the Conversation
Connect with exterior hardwood professionals. Discuss installation techniques, species properties, tool recommendations, and share project showcases.
Recent Discussions
Janka Hardness and Stability
Managing Client Expectations on Board Selection
Warranty scope for board movement
Anyone else noticing brittle edges on recent Tigerwood shipments?
Has anyone noticed excessive soft spots in the latest batch of 5/4x6 Massaranduba?
Community Forum
Share knowledge, ask questions, discuss species and techniques, and showcase your exterior hardwood projects with fellow professionals.
Who It's For
Built for Everyone in the Industry
Certification Structure
A Structured Path to Mastery
Five levels of progressive credentialing, from foundational knowledge to field-verified mastery.
Core Credential
Certified Tropical Hardwood ProfessionalFoundational knowledge of exterior hardwood properties, grading, and best practices.
Species Certifications
Species-Specific ExpertiseDeep knowledge of individual tropical hardwood species characteristics and applications.
Application Specializations
Domain-Specific CompetenceSpecialized credentials for decking, docks, cladding, fencing, and ceiling/soffit systems.
Systems Certifications
Integrated Systems MasteryAdvanced certification covering fastener, corrosion, and finishing system integration.
Master Installer
Field VerifiedThe highest distinction — verified through on-site field assessment by EHCI evaluators.
Show Your Certification Everywhere
Every EHCI certification includes a verifiable digital badge you can embed on your website, add to your email signature, and share in proposals — all linked to real-time credential verification.
Embed on your website
Copy-paste HTML code that displays your verified badge with a live verification link.
Email signature ready
A compact badge designed for email signatures — always accompanied by your Certificate ID.
Instant verification
Every badge links to your real-time verification page. Clients can confirm your credentials in one click.
How Professionals Use Their Badge
Contractors
Add your EHCI badge to proposals, invoices, and your website to show clients you're certified in exterior hardwood installation.
Architects & Specifiers
Reference certified professionals in specs. The verification link lets project owners confirm qualifications instantly.
Business Owners
Display your certification on Google Business, social media, and marketing materials to differentiate from non-certified competitors.
From the Blog
Latest Insights
Verify a Professional's Credentials
Use our secure verification system to confirm the status and scope of any EHCI-issued credential. Enter a Certificate ID to get started.
Verify Now