The official home of the National Cabinet Refinishing Council

We define industry standards, certify professionals, and help homeowners hire with confidence.

Standards-Driven Consumer-Focused Audit-Ready

NCRC Seal of Quality

Members agree to the NCRC Code of Ethics, use approved processes, and maintain documented quality controls. Look for the NCRC seal on estimates and websites.

NCRC Seal Approved usage only. See brand guidelines.

Mission & Governance

We advance the practice of cabinet refinishing through standards, certification, education, and consumer protection.

Standards

Open, consensus-driven technical standards aligned to coating manufacturers and safety regulations.

Download v1.0

Board & Committees

Volunteer Board with Standards, Certification, and Ethics committees. Annual public meeting & minutes.

Code of Ethics

Integrity, safety, transparency in pricing, and respect for property. Notice‑and‑cure required before public complaint.

Public Disclosures

We publish accreditation criteria, audit rates, and complaint statistics annually for accountability.

Technical Standards Snapshot

A concise overview. Full standards are available to members and consumers at no cost.

Surface Prep & Substrate

  • Deglossing, cleaning & mechanical abrasion to NCRC‑SP1.
  • Moisture thresholds & adhesion tests documented pre‑finish.
  • Thermofoil delamination & contamination remediation protocol.

Coatings & Application

  • Approved systems: 2K urethanes, industrial acrylics, catalyzed enamels.
  • Gun setup, atomization & film build tolerances (NCRC‑CA2).
  • Cure times, temperature & humidity controls with logs.

Health, Safety & Environmental

  • Respiratory protection, containment & ventilation.
  • Odor, overspray & household protection standards.
  • Waste handling, SDS access & local compliance.

Documentation & Warranty

  • Pre‑work photos, color approvals & sign‑offs.
  • Work order traceability & batch/lot logging.
  • Clear workmanship warranty language & exclusions.
Show more detail

Specifications include decision trees, film build tables, spray equipment baselines, environmental logs, and corrective action templates. Members can adapt templates to their SOPs.

Certification Pathways

Earn credentials that differentiate expertise and process maturity.

Certified Technician (CT)

Proficiency-tested field technician meeting NCRC baseline standards.

  • Pass written exam (≥80%)
  • Submit 3 project portfolios
  • Sign Code of Ethics

Certified Firm (CF)

Company-level accreditation for process, safety, and customer care.

  • Document SOPs
  • Insurance verification
  • Random audit readiness

Master Technician (MT)

Advanced credential for demonstrated expertise and mentoring.

  • 5+ yrs experience
  • Peer review panel
  • Advanced finish systems exam

Accredited Firm (AF)

Top-tier firm accreditation with quality outcomes over time.

  • 2‑year defect rate <1%
  • Annual audit
  • Client satisfaction ≥4.7/5

Apply for Certification

By submitting, you agree to the NCRC Code of Ethics and audit terms.

Membership Types & Benefits

Technicians

  • Study guides & exam prep
  • Public directory listing
  • Credential badge assets
  • Workshop pricing

Firms

  • Accreditation toolkit & SOPs
  • Use of NCRC seal (approved)
  • Consumer trust materials
  • Dispute resolution guidance

Vendors

  • Approved systems registry
  • R&D pro panel feedback
  • Sponsorship & events
  • Directory listings

Verify a Member

Search our public registry to confirm credentials.

Resources

Member Toolkit

SOP templates, inspection checklists, and consumer handouts.

Download Checklist

Seal & Brand Guidelines

Approved uses of the NCRC seal and downloadable assets.

Download Brand Guide

Consumer Guide

How to hire a pro, what to expect, and care instructions after refinishing.

Download Guide
Code of Ethics (Summary)

1) Honesty in scope & pricing 2) Safety-first practices 3) Respect for property 4) Clear warranties & exclusions 5) Notice‑and‑cure before public complaint 6) Compliance with laws & manufacturer guidance.

Press & Announcements

NCRC Releases Standards v1.0

September 2025

A new baseline for prep, coatings, and quality control across North America.

Pilot Audit Program

August 2025

Randomized audit of 50 firms to validate outcomes and improve guidance.

Consumer Education Series

July 2025

Care and maintenance resources now available as downloadable handouts.

Contact

Questions about membership, standards, or media? Send us a note.

NCRC is a non‑governmental, non‑profit standards body. Certifications are competency and process attestations, not licenses.

Send a Message