About the Exterior Hardwood Certification Institute

The Exterior Hardwood Certification Institute (EHCI) is an independent, standards-based certification body focused on exterior hardwood learning and credential information. Our platform provides structured training, online knowledge assessments, and digital credentials with a public verification record covering the species, applications, and installation systems used in decking, cladding, fencing, docks, and other outdoor hardwood projects.

EHCI serves three audiences. Contractors and installers use our five-level certification path — from core fundamentals through species mastery, application specialties, systems certifications, and the field-verified Master Installer credential — to prove their expertise and win better projects. Manufacturers partner with us to sponsor training content and build a network of installers qualified to work with their products. Homeowners, architects, and general contractors use our public directory and instant credential verification tool to hire with confidence and hold professionals accountable through our dispute-resolution process.

Learning materials are organized around wood science, species characteristics, installation applications and supporting systems. The public knowledge library links to source references and explains the limits of general guidance. Online knowledge assessment should not be confused with observed field performance, independent proctoring, legal licensing or external accreditation. Before pursuing a field-verified designation, confirm the assessment criteria and evaluator availability directly with EHCI. Our candidate handbook explains these distinctions and helps learners identify the questions to ask before enrolling.