Nafct

What Nafct does

NAFCT (National Association of Floor Covering Technicians) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) U.S. trade association founded in 2020 to address the skilled labor shortage in the flooring installation industry. The association delivers structured training, certification, and continuing education to individual flooring installers, flooring inspectors, contractors, retailers, and manufacturer partners across the United States. Its portfolio centers on industry-recognized certifications — the Substrate and Subfloor Prep Certification, Modular Resilient Flooring Installation Certification, Resilient Flooring Inspector Certification, Carpet Inspector Certification, and Wood Science Essentials — supported by webinars, short courses, and an annual Summit event.

Delivery is hybrid: video-based online courses are hosted on the TradeTap Training Hub (under a 2026 partnership), while hands-on training events are conducted in-person at partner manufacturer facilities including MAPEI (Calhoun, GA), ARDEX Americas (Aliquippa, PA), America's Floor Source (Columbus, OH), and Mississippi State University Extension. Curriculum is co-developed with founding manufacturer partners (ARDEX, Divergent Adhesives, LATICRETE, Loba-Wakol, MAPEI, Novalis, Roppe, Schönox, Wagner Meters, ISE Logik, H.B. Fuller/TEC, and America's Floor Source) and allied organizations (UNITE Floor Training Alliance, Inspector Training Services). NAFCT maintains public directories of certified installers, inspectors, contractors, and distributors that connect credentialed professionals with customers seeking qualified labor.

Revenue is generated primarily through membership dues (which roughly halve certification and event pricing for members), one-time certification fees ($100–$950 depending on program), paid training events ($150–$495), and webinars ($25 for non-members). Many hands-on events are fully or partially subsidized by manufacturer sponsors, reducing attendee cost and effectively shifting portions of program economics to partner contributions. The association is headquartered in Gray Court, South Carolina, operates with a lean team of fewer than 10 employees, and underwent a leadership transition in June 2025 when Scott Bohaker succeeded co-founder Paul Pleshek as Executive Director.

Name

Nafct

Legal name

National Association of Floor Coverings Technology

Website

https://nafct.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

NAFCT is a U.S. non-profit trade association that delivers certified training, hands-on events, and continuing education to flooring installers, inspectors, contractors, and manufacturer partners across the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flooring Trade Education and Certification

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Technical and Trade Schools (61151)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Career & Technical Education (CTE) & Trade Skills Media (EDAGALAG)

Keywords

• Flooring certification programs
• Installer training courses
• Subfloor preparation education
• Resilient flooring certification
• Flooring inspector training

Headquarters

HQ city

Gray Court

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: NAFCT operates as a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association. Membership provides access to discounted pricing on courses, certifications, and events. Non-member pricing is approximately double member pricing for most offerings.
2. Certification Programs: Fee-based certification programs including Substrate and Subfloor Prep Certification ($100 members/$200 non-members) and Inspector Certification ($950). Revenue generated from online course access, testing fees, and certification processing.
3. Training Events: In-person 3-day certification events at manufacturer facilities. Pricing varies by event (e.g., $495 for Resilient Installation and Subfloor Prep events). Some events offered free due to manufacturer sponsorship.
4. Virtual Education Events: On-demand and live-streamed educational sessions. Pricing: $25-$35 for virtual education events. Webinars free for members, $25 for non-members.
5. Online Courses: Individual course purchases including Wood Science Essentials ($150-200), educational sessions ($25), and specialized training materials.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

NAFCT is a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association that delivers floor covering education, hands-on training events, and industry-recognized certification programs for flooring installers, inspectors, contractors, and retailers. Offerings span online courses via the TradeTap Training Hub, in-person certification events hosted at manufacturer facilities nationwide, and continuing education webinars covering substrate preparation, resilient installation, wood science, and inspection.

Product overview

NAFCT (National Association of Floor Covering Technicians) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association offering a comprehensive training and certification ecosystem for flooring professionals. The portfolio centers on industry-recognized certifications including the foundational Substrate and Subfloor Prep Certification, Modular Resilient Flooring Installation Certification, Resilient Flooring Inspector Certification, and Carpet Inspector Certification. Supporting these core certifications are supplementary educational offerings such as Wood Science Essentials, concrete moisture testing webinars, moisture vapor mitigation training, and installation technique courses. The platform provides both online courses and in-person hands-on training events at partner facilities across the United States, with courses now accessible through the TradeTap Training Hub.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Substrate and Subfloor Prep Certification Foundational three-step certification covering wood and concrete subfloors, underlayment materials, thick pour gypsum underlayment, and respirable silica safety; combines online coursework, hands-on training with Educational Partners, and a final exam for flooring installers.
• Modular Resilient Flooring Installation Certification Certification course providing product knowledge, adhesives, sound control, and installation techniques for click, loose-lay, and glue down resilient flooring products, delivered through online and in-person instruction for flooring installers.
• Resilient Flooring Inspector Certification 12-week live-streamed certification covering report writing, subfloors for inspectors, and resilient flooring product knowledge and inspection; participants earn Report Writing, Subfloors for Inspectors, and Resilient Flooring Inspector certificates.
• Carpet Inspector Certification Hands-on certification event delivered with Inspector Training Services, covering manufacturing-related defects, installation-related damages, seam construction issues, inspection techniques, plus Subfloor Prep for Inspectors and Report Writing class access.
• Wood Science Essentials Educational program covering wood anatomy, properties, identification, wood and water relations, bio degradation and preservation, kiln drying and defects, and engineered wood and subfloors, developed in partnership with Mississippi State University.
• Certified Resilient Floor Claims Analyst Advanced certification enabling experienced flooring professionals to complete field assessments and evaluate submitted reports for root cause determination and claim resolution in resilient floor projects.
• Videos Only Substrate and Subfloor Prep Course Video-based online course covering wood subfloor and underlayment materials, wood subfloor construction, concrete components, concrete problems, thick pour gypsum underlayment, and respirable silica safety.
• Concrete Moisture Testing Webinar On-demand webinar covering concrete drying and moisture testing, including factors influencing drying rate, available testing options, and ASTM compliance guidelines.
• Moisture Vapor Mitigation Webinar Webinar covering epoxy products and newer technologies used for moisture vapor mitigation to protect floor goods from moisture-related issues.
• Tools of the Trade Webinar On-demand webinar on equipment and tools for installing self-leveling underlayments, covering floor preparation, mixing, and installation techniques.
• Rigid Core Installation Requirements and Pro Tips Training on proper installation techniques for resilient floor coverings, focused on avoiding common pitfalls such as floating floors separating, glue down failures, and buckling planks.

Quantifiable outcome

• Training participation and learning 'ONE-THING' could be the difference in one's success - potentially preventing business failure from a single installation mistake

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• TradeTapcoreTechnology or Integration · 22 July 2026NAFCT partnered with TradeTap to host all online courses on the TradeTap Training Hub. TradeTap serves as the central hub for tracking training progress, certifications, and educational achievements. All NAFCT online courses are now hosted on the TradeTap platform, and students receive TradeTap VTI profiles for managing their professional development.
• Inspector Training Services (ITS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 March 2024NAFCT partnered with ITS for carpet inspection certification events. ITS leads immersive 3-day hands-on training sessions covering manufacturing defects, installation damages, seam construction, and commercial carpet inspection. Events held at Dalton Convention Center.
• UNITE Floor Training AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 February 2024NAFCT and UNITE co-host The Summit 2024 and educational events. UNITE is a non-profit dedicated to finding the next generation of floor covering installers and connecting them with resources for financial aid and certified training programs.
• Mississippi State University ExtensioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2023NAFCT partnered with Mississippi State University Extension to deliver Wood Science Fundamentals events at the university's wood science facility. The partnership provides access to university wood scientists and research expertise for flooring professionals.
• ARDEX AmericascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. ARDEX provides training facilities for hands-on certification programs and technical expertise for curriculum development, including leading the committee for the Substrate and Subfloor Prep Certification.
• Divergent AdhesivescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. Divergent Adhesives sponsors training events and provides technical presentations on concrete porosity, adhesives, and installation techniques. Co-founder Sonny Callaham represents Divergent Adhesives.
• LATICRETE International, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. LATICRETE contributes technical expertise on moisture mitigation systems, self-leveling underlayments, and substrate preparation. Provides hands-on training facilities and instructor support.
• Loba-Wakol, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. Loba-Wakol provides training facilities and technical expertise for wood floor maintenance and finish application training.
• MAPEI CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. MAPEI hosts certification training events at their facility in Calhoun, GA and provides technical instructors including Sam Biondo for subfloor preparation training.
• Novalis US, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. Novalis provides technical instructors (Andy McWilliams as Education Committee Chairman, Kevin Phillips) for resilient flooring certification and supports training events with facilities and sponsorship.
• Roppe Holding CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. Roppe contributes to training events and certification programs through sponsorship and technical expertise.
• Schönox HPS North AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. Schönox provides training facilities, technical instructors (Shane Jenkins), and expertise on self-leveling underlayments and substrate preparation.
• Wagner MeterscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. Wagner Meters serves as presenting sponsor for Wood Science Essentials events and provides technical expertise on concrete moisture testing and wood moisture measurement.
• ISE Logik IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. ISE Logik provides technical presentations on concrete components, placement, and finishing for training curriculum.
• H.B. Fuller (TEC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member and Educational Partner. H.B. Fuller (TEC) contributes technical expertise and training support for substrate preparation and installation products.
• America's Floor SourcecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2021Founding Member. America's Floor Source hosts training events at their state-of-the-art facility in Columbus, OH and provides training center access for certification programs.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• TradeTap: TradeTap is the online training platform that now hosts NAFCT's online courses under the new 2026 partnership. Comparable as a flooring-specific digital learning platform that could enable or compete with NAFCT's online scaled delivery.

Broad incumbents

• Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI): CRI is an established flooring industry trade association focused on carpet and rugs, offering installation guidance and certification-adjacent programs. Adjacent to NAFCT's carpet inspection certification built in partnership with ITS.
• IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification): IICRC is a larger, well-established certification body for inspection, cleaning, and restoration across multiple flooring-adjacent disciplines. NAFCT's leadership overlap with IICRC and the inspector certification track makes it a comparable but broader incumbent.
• World Floor Covering Association (WFCA): WFCA is a broad flooring industry trade association serving retailers, distributors, and installers. While wider in scope than NAFCT, both serve the flooring trades with educational programming and industry advocacy.

Direct peers

• Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA): FCICA is a flooring industry trade association serving commercial flooring contractors with technical training, certifications, and resources. Directly comparable to NAFCT as both serve the flooring installation community with similar educational content and member-driven governance.
• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA): NTCA is a trade association providing certification and training for tile and stone installers. Comparable to NAFCT as a similarly structured trade association delivering recognized installer credentials in a flooring-adjacent trade.
• National Institute of Certified Floorcovering Inspectors (NICFI): NICFI is a certification body specifically for floor covering inspectors. NAFCT's inspector certification programs (carpet, resilient) directly compete with NICFI for certified inspector credentials in the same ecosystem.
• National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA): NWFA is the trade association for the wood flooring industry, offering installer certification, training, and technical standards. NAFCT partners with NWFA-adjacent instructors and curriculum, and the two directly overlap on wood flooring certification.
• International Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFI): CFI is the long-established floor covering installation certification body in North America. Highly comparable to NAFCT as both provide installer certification and training across similar flooring categories, competing directly for membership and recognized credentials.

Regional players

• International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA): ISFA is a trade association providing fabrication and installation certifications for solid surface and related countertop/flooring-adjacent materials. Comparable as a similarly structured trade association delivering technical certifications, though focused on a different sub-trade.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/NAFCT4U
• Xtwitter.com/NAFCT4U
• Instagraminstagram.com/NAFCT4U
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nafct

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Nafct