What INSTALL does

INSTALL (International Standards & Training Alliance) is a North American industry alliance that develops standardized training and certification for commercial floorcovering installation professionals. It unites 100+ flooring mills, manufacturers, contractors, installers, consultants and associations, and operates through the organizational infrastructure of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC), delivering hands-on instruction across 50+ training centers in the USA and Canada. Its constituents span installers and contractors seeking credentials, architects/designers and building owners specifying quality, and manufacturers seeking correct product installation. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with its curriculum housed at the Carpenters International Training Center in Las Vegas and additional centers in Arlington (Texas), Wisconsin, Ontario and Edmonton (Canada).

The core offering is a US Department of Labor–approved four-year apprenticeship (160 hours/year, 640 total hours) plus career-long continuing education and specialized credentials including Substrate Prep Certification, Resilient Flooring Certification and Carpet Certification. Curriculum is co-developed with manufacturer partners. A distinctive component is the INSTALL Warranty Program, described as the industry's only free, third-party, extended warranty on labor for work performed by INSTALL Warranty Contractors, layered on top of manufacturer warranties. INSTALL also provides model specification language that customers can embed in project documents; 40+ manufacturer specifications (Tarkett, Nora, ARDEX, Sika, Uzin and others) reference INSTALL certification as an acceptable installer qualification.

The business model is membership- and certification-based rather than product-driven. Revenue mechanics include recurring certification and renewal fees from installers/contractors, Alliance Partner membership fees from flooring manufacturers, and training-center operations funded through the UBC training network and participant contributions; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Go-to-market combines direct outreach to specifiers (architects, designers, facility managers), channel demand generation through manufacturer partners who specify INSTALL in warranties, and community-led activity via trade shows (NeoCon), CEU programs and a contractor locator directory. Demand is amplified by adoption in institutional specifications, most notably the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs master specifications.

Name

INSTALL

Legal name

International Standards & Training Alliance

Website

https://installfloors.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

INSTALL (International Standards & Training Alliance) is a North American alliance of flooring manufacturers, contractors, installers and consultants providing standardized apprenticeship training, certification and third-party labor warranties for commercial floorcovering installation across healthcare, government, education and corporate markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Workforce Training & Certification Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Technical and Trade Schools (61151)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction, Engineering & Skilled Trades Licensure Prep (EDAAANAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Construction & Trades Licensure (Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC CE) (EDAAALAH), Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM)

Keywords

• Floorcovering installer training
• Construction apprenticeship certification
• Substrate preparation certification
• Floorcovering labor warranty
• Commercial flooring workforce development

Headquarters

HQ city

Clifton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Certification Fees: Installers and contractors pay fees to obtain and maintain INSTALL certification credentials. This includes initial certification, renewal fees, and charges for individual certifications (Substrate Prep, Resilient, etc.).
2. Alliance Partner Membership: Flooring manufacturers pay to become Alliance Partners, gaining specification language support, training collaboration, and endorsement rights for their products.
3. Training Center Operations: Training centers across the USA and Canada provide apprenticeship and continuing education training, funded through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters training network and participant contributions.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

INSTALL (International Standards & Training Alliance) is an industry alliance that delivers standardized training, certification, and an extended labor warranty program for commercial floorcovering installation professionals. Its core offerings include a four-year apprenticeship curriculum (160 hours per year), specialized certifications (Substrate Prep, Resilient Flooring, Carpet), continuing education/CEU programs for architects and designers, and the only free third-party extended warranty on labor for work performed by INSTALL Warranty Contractors.

Product overview

INSTALL (International Standards & Training Alliance) is a training and certification alliance for the flooring installation industry, not a traditional software product company. It operates as an association of installers, contractors, manufacturers, and consultants. The core offerings consist of the INSTALL Training Program (a four-year apprenticeship), various certifications (INSTALL Warranty Contractor, Substrate Prep Certification, Resilient/Carpet certifications), the INSTALL Warranty Program (third-party labor warranty), and Continuing Education Programs. The INSTALL Expansion Partnership Program helps contractors grow into new markets. Over 40+ manufacturer specifications reference INSTALL certification as acceptable installer qualifications, including Tarkett, Nora, ARDEX, Sika, and Uzin products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• INSTALL Training Program (Four-Year Apprenticeship) A comprehensive four-year apprenticeship program at 160 hours per year (640 total hours) covering all aspects of floorcovering installation, including manufacturer-endorsed training, US Department of Labor approved standards, and fundamental journeyman skills certification. Designed for flooring installer apprentices pursuing long-term careers in commercial floorcovering.
• INSTALL Substrate Prep Certification Certification program for installers demonstrating proficiency in substrate preparation including profiling, moisture and alkalinity measuring and mitigation, ramping, self-leveling, skim coating, mixing and cleaning. Requires a 100-question written test and hands-on skill demonstrations, with 8-hour continuing education renewal every 4 years. Endorsed by nine major manufacturers including AC Tech, Ardex, MAPEI, SIKA, TEC, USG, and Schönox.
• INSTALL Resilient Flooring Certification Certification for installers qualified to install resilient flooring materials, required by specifications from Tarkett, Nora Systems, Teknoflor, and other manufacturers for commercial projects. Validates installer competency for resilient flooring installations including heat-welded seams.
• INSTALL Carpet Certification Certification for carpet installers meeting industry standards for commercial carpet installations. Required by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Master Specifications (Section 09 68 00) and various manufacturer specifications including athletic carpeting (Section 09 68 21).
• INSTALL Warranty Program The industry's only additional, free, third-party, extended warranty on labor for work performed by INSTALL Warranty Contractors (IWC). Provides protection beyond manufacturer product warranties, giving building owners and specifiers differentiated financial assurance for the installation labor.
• INSTALL Continuing Education Programs Certified continuing education (CEU) provider offering courses for architects, designers, and installers including Adhesives, Carpet History, Best Practices in Healthcare Flooring, LEED and Flooring, Flooring Awareness, Flooring Maintenance, Hardwood Floor Prep, Substrate Prep, Sport Turf, and Vinyl and Resilients. Developed with technical experts from industry partners.
• INSTALL Expansion Partnership Program Business development and geographic expansion program helping contractors expand into new construction markets by recruiting local labor force, providing training and certification, and helping gain market share through the network of INSTALL Partners and Alliance manufacturers.
• Certified Installation Manager (CIM) Training Professional development program for installation managers designed to elevate professional skills in flooring installation management. INSTALL offers scholarships ($1,225 value) in collaboration with FCICA.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13 veterans enrolled in apprenticeship program in first year (163% of goal)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

41 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• Helmets to Hardhats (H2H)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2016Partnership to bring American and Canadian Veterans into floorcovering careers through apprenticeships. H2H introduces INSTALL to veterans and INSTALL recruits contractors to sponsor them. Goal exceeded with 13 veterans enrolled in first year (163% of target).
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUBC provides the organizational infrastructure for INSTALL training through its network of Regional Councils and training centers. UBC's apprenticeship programs form the foundation of INSTALL certification.
• Mohawk GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor flooring manufacturer that recognizes INSTALL's excellence in certifying floor covering installation professionals. Endorses ongoing training and comprehensive approach to ensure highly trained professional installers.
• TarkettcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTarkett supports and endorses INSTALL, recognizing the importance of proper installation for customer satisfaction. Partnership includes standardization of training curriculum, INSTALL Labor Warranty, and safety techniques in Best Practices in Healthcare Construction.
• Image FlooringcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial flooring contractor partnered with INSTALL for expansion into Texas and Midwest markets. Uses INSTALL training to build local labor pool.
• MasterCraft FloorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFull-service commercial contractor expanding INSTALL program in Southwest and Southern California. Has 35 full-time installation technicians and serves as key extension of INSTALL program.
• Mr. David's Flooring InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor commercial flooring dealer in Florida with 27 full-time technicians, grown through INSTALL partnership. Elevating marketplace standards through training.
• AC TechstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnderlayment manufacturer collaborating on INSTALL Substrate Prep Certification development and specification endorsement.
• Ardex AmericasstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubstrate and underlayment manufacturer participating in MOU for Substrate Prep Certification endorsement and specification requirements.
• MAPEI CorporationstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubstrate and underlayment manufacturer participating in MOU for Substrate Prep Certification endorsement and specification requirements.
• USGstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnderlayment manufacturer collaborating on substrate certification and CEU sessions on moisture mitigation and acoustical floors through USG Symposium events.
• SchonoxstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubstrate and underlayment manufacturer participating in MOU for Substrate Prep Certification endorsement.
• SIKAstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubstrate and underlayment manufacturer participating in MOU for Substrate Prep Certification endorsement.
• H.B. Fuller/TECstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubstrate and underlayment manufacturer participating in MOU for Substrate Prep Certification endorsement.
• CMP Specialty ProductsstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring manufacturer endorsing INSTALL and recognizing comprehensive training that ensures products are installed per manufacturer recommendations and industry standards.
• LaticretestrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnderlayment and surface preparation manufacturer providing expert technical knowledge through senior technical services director Arthur Mintie sharing tips with INSTALL.
• Nora SystemsstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring manufacturer specifying INSTALL resilient certification for project requirements in project manager and resilient specifications.
• UzinstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnderlayment manufacturer recommending use of INSTALL certified contractors in specifications.
• TeknoflorstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring manufacturer specifying INSTALL certification for installers in quality assurance requirements.
• Armstrong FlooringstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring manufacturer endorsing INSTALL's comprehensive training program with stringent national standards delivered at modern facilities throughout North America.
• Johnsonite TarkettstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer supporting INSTALL program including standardization of training curriculum, INSTALL Labor Warranty, and Best Practices in Healthcare Construction.
• W.F. TaylorstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdhesives manufacturer partnering with INSTALL to train installers to do it right the first time.
• FCICAstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerFloor Covering Installation Contractors Association partnership to elevate flooring installation standards.
• Mannington MillsstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring manufacturer with long history of supporting training for installation professionals, applauding INSTALL's broad scope, sustainable, and practicable training program.
• Build Health International (BHI)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit requiring INSTALL help for Haiti healthcare facility construction project in Mirebalais.
• Shaw Industries GroupstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor flooring manufacturer reviewing INSTALL program and finding it superior in all regards, enthusiastically supporting the effort.
• Moreland CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer of UltraplyXL Premium Plywood Underlayment developed by installers, partnering with INSTALL.
• Mats Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring manufacturer appreciating value of professionally trained flooring installers, partnering with INSTALL for customer satisfaction.
• SnapStone/AvaireminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaker of Avaire floating tile system partnering with INSTALL to deliver comprehensive training to installation professionals.
• Erickson's Flooring & SupplyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring distributor with long history of promoting installation training, getting involved with INSTALL to bring training to next level.
• UpofloorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring manufacturer acknowledging INSTALL's achievements in installer training and education to ensure superior flooring installations.
• ParabondminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdhesives manufacturer recognizing INSTALL as excellent tool for reaching those who need information and training in floor covering industry.
• Legacy CementsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCement manufacturer providing training and education necessary to install products properly, supporting INSTALL's commitment to raise industry standards.
• Fin Pan Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction materials manufacturer believing in INSTALL's mission to train and educate installers.
• CombiMixminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer joining INSTALL to educate contractors and installers about advantages of their products through nationwide training programs.
• XL BrandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdhesives and coatings manufacturer unconditionally endorsing INSTALL's philosophy and effective installation training.
• Burke FlooringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlooring manufacturer appreciating INSTALL's constant training and education efforts to update craftsmanship knowledge.
• Skehan & AssociatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry consultant proud to be associated with INSTALL and high quality installation training programs.
• Pro Wood Flooring SystemsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWood and resilient flooring products distributor proud to be associated with INSTALL's training and quality assurance message.
• Tek Stil ConceptsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh technology flooring products company applauding INSTALL training program and assuring quality through trained professionals.
• LGM and AssociatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry consultant recognizing INSTALL as the only installation training program that educates in intricacies and technologies of floor covering installation.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Certified Flooring Installers (CFI): Direct competitor offering independent certification and training for floorcovering installers across carpet, resilient, hardwood, and substrate categories. CFI competes for the same installer credentialing budget and for inclusion in manufacturer specification language.
• National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA): Industry trade association providing training, certification, and continuing education for wood flooring professionals. Closely comparable as a vertical-specific certification body, though narrower in product scope to hardwood rather than broad surface categories.

Broad incumbents

• World Floor Covering Association (WFCA): Floorcovering industry trade association representing retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. Adjacent in the same ecosystem — both convene manufacturers and installers — but its primary mission is retail/dealer advocacy rather than installer certification.
• Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI): Carpet industry trade association providing installation standards (CRI 104/105) and performance testing. Comparable as a floor-covering industry body whose installation standards compete for inclusion in specification documents.
• NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research): Larger, broader construction-trades credentialing body covering multiple crafts with DOL-aligned apprenticeship frameworks. Comparable as a competing construction-trade certification infrastructure, but operates across many trades rather than specializing in floorcovering.
• Tile Council of North America (TCNA): Industry body setting installation standards, test methods, and specifications for ceramic tile and stone. Comparable as a floorcovering-adjacent specifications body whose standards frequently appear in architect-written specifications alongside INSTALL language.

Others

• SkillsUSA: National nonprofit serving middle-school, high-school, and college students preparing for careers in skilled trades. Relevant as a parallel vocational pipeline that funnels young talent into construction trades including floorcovering, though operating across many crafts.
• Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA): Trade association for commercial flooring installation contractors that partners with INSTALL on the CIM scholarship and broader industry standards work. Adjacent as a partner/ecosystem organization that elevates installer professionalism, with overlapping membership.
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT): Labor union providing apprenticeship and journeyman training for finish-trade crafts. Functionally analogous as a union-based training infrastructure for finishing trades, with comparable apprenticeship delivery model to UBC/INSTALL.
• Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI): Trade association representing resilient flooring manufacturers and promoting installation best practices. Adjacent in specifications and standards-setting for resilient categories where INSTALL certifies installers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCU_H5y7pHsu4S30qqY42FiA?view_as=public
• Facebookfacebook.com/Install-Floors-1251389358226522
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/install

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about INSTALL