How did the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF) receive their Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) accreditation?

When are EIWPF's QEI "Certification", "Recertification" and "Continuing Education" classes available?

This information can be found on the EIWPF website (www.eiwpf.org).  Select "QEI Program & Applications” button and the QEI drop down menu will appear. From this menu select the "QEI Class Schedules".

The five-day QEI certification classes, culminating with the QEI Assessment Examination, are easy to identify with a Description of CERTIFICATION.

The one-day QEI Continuing Education classes will have a Description of CONTINUING EDUCATION.

The EIWPF QEI RECERTIFICATION exam is not in an actual classroom venue, it takes place online (see next question for instructions).  The exam must be completed prior to the expiration date of the card holders current QEI credentials.

How do I take the Online QEI Recertification Exam?

Before you can begin the Online QEI Recertification Exam, you MUST first submit an on-line Application.  Select "QEI Online Application" from the "QEI Program & Applications" drop down menu.

Once you have submitted your Online Application you will receive additional instructions on the screen and via your email (entered on the application), as to how you are to use your email address and Social Security Number to gain secure access to the Online Recertification exam.

You will be prompted for this secure login information after you select "QEI Recertification Exam" from the "QEI Program & Applications" drop down menu.

What are the requirements to enroll in the EIWPF-QEI program and achieve certification?

The candidate for EIWPF-QEI inspector certification must have successfully completed or comply with each of the following requirements and qualifications to achieve certification:

	1.	Five years of elevator trade experience.
	2.	High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
	3.	Successful completion of the National Elevator Industry Education Program, and passing the Mechanic Examination or an equivalent training program.
	4.	To achieve certification candidates must attend and successfully complete the EIWPF-QEI certification program.
	5.	EIWPF-QEI inspector or inspection supervisor applicants will be required to meet the following qualifications as they relate to the elevator industry:   • Knowledge of personal safety practices.   • Familiarity with industry terminology.   • Ability to read architectural and installation drawings.   • Working knowledge of electrical, electronic, and circuit construction principles.   • Knowledge of the purpose of safety devices.   • Working knowledge of mechanical principles as applied to structures, machines, mechanisms, and the effects of traction on ropes and sheaves.   • Working knowledge of hydraulic principles as applied to the operation of valves, pumps, plungers, piping, and buffers.   • Knowledge of the various types of equipment; their code requirements, uses, and limitations.   • Working knowledge of the functions and operation of elevator systems.   • Knowledge of inspection and testing procedures.   • Working knowledge of applicable building, fire, electrical, and accessibility codes.   • Demonstrate ability of an inspector.   • Qualifications of an Inspector shall be verified through use of the “Inspector Evaluation Form”.
	6.	In addition to the above, candidates for EIWPF-QEI Inspection Supervisor Certification shall provide the EIWPF-QEI Program Administrator with verifiable proof of the following:   a. An aptitude for leadership, administration, and management.   b. An in depth knowledge of the applicable codes.   c. The ability to perform the administrative and technical duties as well as meeting one of the following experience requirements:   • Five years' experience as an elevator inspector or two years dealing with elevator inspections in an equivalent field or level.   • Four years' experience as an elevator inspector along with a diploma or certificate from a technical or vocational school in an elevator industry related field.   • Three years' experience as an elevator inspector accompanied by a bachelor's degree in an elevator industry related field.   • Two years' experience as an elevator inspector accompanied by a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited school in an elevator industry related field.   d. Attest to having in his/her personal possession the latest edition of the QEI-1 Standard, as well as the current editions of the documents referenced in paragraph 1.5.1 of that Standard.   e. Attest to having workplace access to current editions of the documents referenced in paragraph 1.5.2 of the QEI-1 Standard.   f. Qualifications of an Inspection Supervisor shall be verified through use of the “Inspection Supervisor Evaluation Form”.
	7.	Inspectors and inspection supervisors that have been certified by any organization accredited by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, QEI Committee shall be recognized and accepted by this program.

Where can I get an application for the EIWPF-QEI Program?

There are three ways to apply:

	1.	You may apply online by selecting "QEI Online Application" from the "QEI Program & Applications" drop down menu.
	2.	You can choose to download a PDF copy of the application and forward it back to our office.
	3.	You may also apply by calling the EIWPF office between 8:00AM and 5:00PM EST.  A paper application will be sent directly to you.
If at all possible, we prefer you use the online application.

How much does it cost to certify through the Program?

The cost of the EIWPF QEI Certification course for IUEC bargaining unit members, retirees, and contractors signatory to the IUEC Agreements is $999.  All non-signatory applicants applying will be charged $1295. (Note: Applicants must meet our course criteria to qualify to take the course and the exam.)  Lunch is included in these rates.  Classes held in Columbia, MD, include lodging, breakfast, and transportation each class day from the hotel to the training facility.

How long will the course take?

The Certification course is one week long, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. The first three and a half days consist of course work review and the last day and a half are allocated for the assessment exam.   Certificates and ID’s are issued on the fifth day and dispersed at the Columbia, MD classes, or mailed to the successful participants for all other classes.  For classes in Columbia, MD,  we recommend you arrive Sunday and departure flights should be scheduled after 7:00 PM on Friday.

How long from the time I submit my application will it be before I may attend a class?

This can vary.  First we have to verify your industry requirements, which can take a week to ten days. Applications are processed on a first come first serve basis.  A tentative class date will be posted on our website and applicants will be called to see if they would like to attend.  If enough interest is shown, the class is no longer tentative and a second call is made to the applicants who showed interest requesting they send in their payment. Once your payment is received, you will receive a letter of acceptance along with a packet discussing the required code documents and purchasing suggestions, a DVD and Study Guide to help prepare you for the course, along with other useful information. We like to allow at least six weeks from the time you receive your acceptance packet until you come to class to allow sufficient time to purchase the code documents needed and preparation time for the class.

I am already QEI certified by an ASME QEI-1 accredited organization.  Can I move my certification over to the EIWPF?

Yes, as long as you hold a current certificate, e.g. have not allowed it to lapse or be revoked, you will be eligible to recertify through the EIWPF.

When and where can I find available class dates?

We will post class dates on our website (www.eiwpf.org) under "QEI Class Schedules" from the "QEI Program & Applications" drop down menu.  Classes will be listed as TENTATIVE until we have at least 10 applicants registered for the class.  If interested in enrolling in a class, please call our office at (888) 511-3113 ext. #4.

Do you have Continuing Education classes to assist in maintenance of QEI certification and how much does it cost to recertify through the program?

Yes, the location, dates and time of Continuing Education classes will be posted on our website (www.eiwpf.org) as they become available. The cost of an 8 hour EIWPF Continuing Education class for IUEC bargaining unit members, retirees, and contractors signatory to the IUEC Agreements is $100, for all other applicants the cost will be $150.

The Recertification exam is done on-line and the cost for IUEC bargaining unit members, retirees, and contractors signatory to the IUEC Agreements is $100. All others will be charged $150.