Certifications That Set Us Apart: SSR’s Building Enclosure Team Is Elevating Industry Standards

At SSR, our Building Enclosure team is driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in a rapidly evolving industry. One of the most powerful ways we demonstrate that commitment is through professional certifications—credentials that not only validate our expertise but also differentiate us from competitors in meaningful ways. 

Last summer, SSR proudly announced that our Tennessee team had achieved AAMA Field Testing Agency (FTA) accreditation through the FGIA for building enclosure services—a milestone that positioned us as the only team in the state with this distinction. Read the full announcement here. 

But we didn’t stop there. 

New Certifications, New Capabilities 

Since earning the FTA accreditation, our team has continued to invest in certifications that enhance our technical capabilities and expand our service offerings: 

• Fenestration Master (FM) – Earned by Chris Maurice, this certification is essential for maintaining FTA status and demonstrates deep expertise in window systems, storefronts, and curtain walls. It requires six years of experience, rigorous training, and a comprehensive exam. 

• Whole Building Air Tightness Testing Blower Door Technician (WBAT-BDT) – Achieved by Ellis Abbott and Colton Hudgens, this certification involves hands-on testing, a 200-question exam, and mastery of ASTM standards. It supports our growing work in energy code compliance and building performance diagnostics. 

These certifications are more than credentials—they’re strategic investments in our people and our future. 

Why Certifications Matter 

The building enclosure industry is “an apprenticeship industry,” where knowledge is often passed down through experience rather than formal education. Certifications help fill that gap by providing structured learning, standardized practices, and external validation. 

They also: 

• Ensure quality and consistency in our testing and reporting. 

• Enable internal training and knowledge-sharing across our nationwide team. 

• Build trust with clients by demonstrating our proactive approach to industry changes. 

• Position SSR as a thought leader, capable of educating clients, architects, and contractors on emerging standards and best practices. 

A Nationwide Vision 

While our Tennessee team led the way, we’re actively working to expand these certifications to other regions. Plans are underway to bring FTA and FM credentials to Texas, and to train additional team members in whole building airtightness testing to support projects across the country. 

We’re also exploring ways to turn our expertise into educational opportunities—delivering educational sessions at conferences and developing AIA-accredited courses to help architects and industry partners understand the value of certified testing and diagnostics.

A Team of Experts 

The Building Enclosure team at SSR holds a wide range of registrations and certifications, including: 

• Professional Engineer (PE) 

• AIA 

• Building Enclosure Commissioning Process Provider (BECxP) 

• Commissioning Authority + Building Enclosure (CxA+BE) 

• Fenestration Master (FM) 

• Field Testing Agency (FTA) 

• Whole Building Air Tightness –Blower Door Technician (WBAT-BDT) 

• Registered Roof Consultant (RRC) 

• Registered Roof Observer (RRO) 

• Certified Roofing Contractor (CRC) 

• Registered Exterior Wall Observer (REWO) 

• Registered Exterior Wall Consultant (REWC) 

• Construction Document Technician (CDT) 

• Certified Infrared Thermographer, Level 1-3 

• FAA Certified sUAS Pilot 

• OSHA 

This depth and diversity of expertise allows us to offer four distinct services—commissioning, testing, assessments, and design—each supported by certified professionals who are leaders in their field. 

Looking Ahead 

As energy codes tighten and client expectations rise, SSR is committed to staying ahead of the curve. Registrations and certifications help us do that—not just by meeting requirements, but by setting new standards for quality, performance, and professionalism. 

We’re not just running tests. We’re shaping the future of building enclosure services.