Certification Program Overview

The information provided below is a brief overview of key elements of the AGMT Certification Program.

For complete details, please see the AGMT Candidate Handbook, here.

INTRODUCTION:

AGMT, or the Architectural Glass and Metal Technician Certification Program was created by and for the Architectural Glass and Metal Industry with over 18 months of input and direction from Subject Matter Experts from all corners of the industry, including, but not limited to: glazing technicians, glazing contractors, architects, engineers, general contractors, construction managers, industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, and many others.

The program also underwent a rigorous beta testing phase, where the exam content and setup was put through its paces and feedback from dozens of glaziers across North America helped fine tune the examination process.

The resulting program is one that tests qualified candidates on industry best practices.  Great attention was paid to details to ensure the most critical of operations are assessed as a means to qualify only those who are truly able to demonstrate the Knowledge, Skill and Abilities to call themselves AGMT Certified.

GLAZING TECHNICIAN COMPETENCIES:

There are 7 major categories of competencies that are assessed by the AGMT Certification Program:

PROGRAM PREREQUISITES:

The Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT) Certification Program is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the experienced glazier.  It is not intended for entry-level technicians.  In order to become a candidate for certification, an applicant must first meet the below Prerequisites:

  • Read and sign the AGMT Candidate Agreement
  • Demonstrate at least 7,500 hours (within 5 years) of glazing-related work experience
  • Possess OSHA 10 (or Canadian equivalent) certification
  • Submit a Photo of applicant

ACHIEVING CERTIFICATION:

In addition to meeting the Program Prerequisites, candidates must pass an assessment of their glazing knowledge, skills and abilities to become AGMT-certified.   The assessment is divided into two tests, a Knowledge-based Test (KBT) and a Performance-based Test (PBT). This two-test format is designed to evaluate a technician’s  fundamental knowledge, skill, and abilities required to proficiently perform foundational or basic glazing tasks. Currently, testing is only offered in English. 

Knowledge-based Test (KBT)

The knowledge-based test is a 125-question, multiple choice test for which candidates will have 2 hours to complete.

Performance-based Test (PBT)

The performance-based test is broken into three (3) Sections, for which candidates will have a combined 6 hours and 15 minutes to complete:

  • Curtainwall (3 1/2 hour time limit)
    • Includes Layout test (20 minutes) & Harness Test (10 minutes)
  • Storefront/Entrance (2 hour time limit)
  • Sealing (45-minute time limit)

Recertification:

Because products, systems, and procedures are ever-changing, in order to maintain certification through the AGMT Certification Program, a certified technician must renew his/her certification every 4 years from date of most recent certification.  This process will require candidates to sit for a knowledge-based, written test, plus provide evidence of a required number of glazing-related work hours during the preceding 4 year period, and completion of a prescribed amount of continuing education.  Refer to the AGMT Candidate Handbook for specific requirements.

ADVANTAGES OF AGMT CERTIFICATION

Representatives from throughout the glazing and the construction/development industries have long recognized the absence of a way to differentiate glazing industry technicians who posses the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to fabricate and install today’s complex systems from those technicians who either don’t have the required skills, or whose skills have not been validated by an independent, third-party assessment process.  The AGMT Certification Program provides the industry with the needed tool to recognize the most qualified architectural glass and metal technicians.  Aside from this obvious benefit, there are many additional advantages for being an AGMT Certified Technician (and for employing Certified Technicians):

  • Demonstrate your Commitment to Quality
  • Elevate employer, customer, and supplier Confidence
  • Be recognized for your Experience, and your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities