RIA Prerequisite Advanced Designation Learning Outcomes

RIA

Prerequisite

Contact Hours

Course

PreReq

Learning Outcomes

AMRT

• Identify microbial contamination: (e.g., mold, sewage, bacteria, and biohazards) and understand the associated health risks in water-damaged environments
• Set up and manage containment areas: using negative air pressure, containment barriers, and HEPA filtration to prevent cross-contamination
• Select and properly wear PPE: (personal protective equipment), including respirators, protective suits, and gloves, ensuring safety during remediation tasks.
• Apply microbial remediation techniques for mold, sewage, and biohazardous materials: including cleaning, removal, and disinfection procedures.
• Follow decontamination procedures for tools, equipment, and materials: to prevent cross-contamination, including the proper disposal of affected items.
• Implement industry standards (e.g., IICRC S520, EPA guidelines, and OSHA regulations): to ensure safe and effective remediation practices.
• Document the remediation process: to maintain accurate records and verify completion.
• Classify water intrusions by category (1, 2, 3) based on contamination level and by class (1–4) based on the extent of water and material absorption.
• Understand and apply the principles of psychrometry to create optimal drying conditions.
• Perform moisture inspections and interpret moisture readings using moisture meters, thermal imaging, and hygrometers.
• Determine the appropriate drying strategy and equipment placement using calculations based on job scope and environmental conditions.
• Identify and differentiate building materials and their responses to moisture exposure.
• Select and operate drying equipment, including air movers, dehumidifiers (refrigerant and desiccant), and specialty drying tools.
• Follow safe work practices including electrical safety, microbial awareness, and PPE requirements.
• Understand and apply the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for professional water damage restoration.
• Document the drying process through proper recordkeeping, monitoring reports, and client communication.
• Explain the roles and responsibilities of restoration professionals in the context of structural drying and water loss mitigation.

ASD

• Apply advanced psychrometric principles to real-world drying scenarios, including manipulating temperature, humidity, vapor pressure, and dew point to accelerate drying.
• Set up and adjust drying equipment (air movers, dehumidifiers, specialty drying systems) in response to monitored environmental conditions.
• Demonstrate proper equipment placement and configuration for different structural materials and loss types.
• Interpret moisture readings from various monitoring instruments and track drying progress through effective documentation.
• Implement drying plans for complex structural assemblies, including hardwood floors, wall cavities, insulation, and multi-layered systems.
• Perform safe and effective demolition or access strategies to accelerate drying while minimizing unnecessary material removal.
• Conduct a hands-on structural drying project, demonstrating the ability to stabilize, monitor, and complete a drying job using industry-standard practices.
• Understand safety protocols, including equipment handling, electrical hazards, microbial risk awareness, and PPE requirements.
• Follow the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard and best practices for structural drying.
• Communicate drying goals and progress clearly to team members, clients, and insurance professionals.

CDS

• Assess the unique challenges of commercial drying projects, including building systems, occupancy, logistics, and operational continuity.
• Develop strategic response plans for large-scale and complex water losses, including resource allocation, safety considerations, and timeline management.
• Apply psychrometric and drying principles to multi-zone and high-volume environments such as high-rises, warehouses, hospitals, and schools.
• Coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including building managers, risk managers, tenants, and insurance carriers, to manage expectations and maintain operations.
• Establish job documentation systems that support transparency, billing justification, and project accountability on commercial projects.
• Identify and mitigate health and safety risks specific to commercial environments, including hazardous materials, structural concerns, and confined spaces.
• Analyze and interpret building plans, mechanical systems, and environmental controls to optimize drying strategies.
• Implement scalable equipment setups and adjust drying strategies based on changing conditions and monitored metrics.
• Lead commercial loss teams effectively, delegating responsibilities and ensuring proper training, safety, and performance.
• Demonstrate understanding of legal, logistical, and financial complexities associated with commercial drying projects, including contracts and documentation for third-party review.

FSRT

• Identify the different types and characteristics of fire and smoke damage.
• Understand the chemical composition of smoke residues and the behavior of smoke in various environments.
• Recognize structural damage caused by fire and assess appropriate restoration procedures.
• Determine appropriate cleaning methods, agents, and equipment for various surfaces and materials.
• Evaluate different deodorization techniques and select appropriate odor removal strategies.
• Understand health and safety considerations, including PPE, ventilation, and contaminant control.
• Communicate effectively with clients, adjusters, and other stakeholders regarding fire loss restoration.
• Follow industry best practices and IICRC standards (including the S700 Standard when applicable).
• Document fire loss conditions and restoration efforts in accordance with professional standards.
• Differentiate between salvageable and non-salvageable materials and contents.
• Understand basic project management principles for fire loss jobs.

OCT

• Identify and classify the different sources and types of odors (biological, chemical, combustion, etc.).
• Understand the science of odor molecules and how they interact with surfaces and the environment.
• Select appropriate odor control procedures and products based on the type and source of odor.
• Explain the principles behind various deodorization methods, including:
• Chemical counteractants
• Oxidizers (e.g., ozone, hydroxyl)
• Vapor phase and absorption techniques
• Thermal fogging and ULV fogging
• Properly use deodorization equipment, including safety protocols and handling procedures.
• Conduct odor inspection and assessment of affected areas and materials.
• Develop an odor control plan that includes source removal, cleaning, and deodorization.
• Understand health and safety precautions, including proper PPE and ventilation requirements.
• Communicate with clients and insurance professionals about odor-related issues and expectations.
• Document deodorization processes and treatment outcomes in accordance with industry standards.

OSHA 30

• Understand the purpose, structure, and scope of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the OSHA Act.
• Identify worker rights and employer responsibilities under OSHA regulations.
• Recognize and mitigate common workplace hazards using hazard identification, risk assessment, and control strategies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safety and health programs, including the elements of an effective safety management system.
• Understand procedures for reporting, recording, and responding to workplace injuries and illnesses.
• Implement appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure compliance with PPE requirements.
• Apply safe work practices related to:
  • Electrical safety, Fall protection, Scaffolding and ladders, Hazard communication (HAZCOM/GHS), Material handling and ergonomics, Machine guarding, Lockout/tagout (LOTO), Confined spaces, Fire prevention and emergency action planning
• Communicate safety policies, expectations, and procedures effectively to workers and team members.
• Analyze safety incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Promote a culture of safety leadership and accountability within the workplace.

OSHA HAZWOPER (40)

• Understand the purpose and scope of the HAZWOPER standard (29 CFR 1910.120) and its application to hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
• Identify hazardous substances and associated risks, including chemical, biological, and radiological agents.
• Interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labels under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS/GHS).
• Recognize routes of exposure and symptoms of hazardous substance exposure.
• Apply hazard identification and risk assessment techniques, including site characterization, hazard mapping, and air monitoring.
• Select and properly use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including Level A, B, C, and D ensembles.
• Understand the principles of decontamination and implement decon procedures for personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Develop and implement a Site Safety and Health Plan (SSHP), including emergency response procedures and work zone setup.
• Understand and apply safe work practices, including confined space awareness, heat stress prevention, and respiratory protection.
• Demonstrate knowledge of spill containment, control, and clean-up procedures in compliance with OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulations.
• Participate in hands-on training scenarios, including donning/doffing PPE, air monitoring, and decontamination exercises.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of the Incident Command System (ICS) in emergency response situations.

RIA Building Construction and Science

• Identify key structural and non-structural building components, including framing systems, envelope assemblies, insulation types, and mechanical systems.
• Understand the sequence of residential and commercial building construction and how construction phases impact restoration access and scope.
• Explain how different materials react to water, heat, fire, and microbial growth, and how that affects drying and restoration strategies.
• Interpret basic construction documents, including floor plans, wall sections, and material schedules.
• Recognize common construction methods and how variations (e.g., regional codes, historic structures) impact restoration decisions.
• Assess how building science principles, such as air flow, vapor diffusion, dew point, and thermal bridging, affect the development and resolution of loss conditions.
• Evaluate the impact of construction design on moisture movement, drying potential, and restoration accessibility.
• Apply knowledge of building systems to communicate more effectively with property owners, insurance professionals, and subcontractors.
• Prepare for more advanced designation coursework by developing a foundational understanding of how building performance intersects with restoration practices.

RIA Contents Theory

• Define the core concepts of contents restoration, including terminology, roles, and common loss scenarios.
• Identify the primary perils that impact contents and understand how each affects different materials and environments.
• Differentiate between contents cleaning categories, such as structural, textile, electronics, and specialty items.
• Understand the principles of pack-out and pack-back operations, including inventory procedures, chain of custody, and best practices for client property handling.
• Recognize common cleaning methods and chemistry basics, including when and how to use them safely and effectively.
• Describe health and safety considerations related to contents handling, including PPE, contamination risk, and regulatory awareness.
• Outline the business case for contents restoration, including revenue opportunities, cost controls, and client satisfaction benefits.
• Explain the importance of documentation and photo capture in contents workflows, from intake to return.
• Prepare for advanced contents training by understanding the foundational theories that underpin the hands-on methods taught in the CLS designation course.

RIA Project Management

• Define the five phases of project management (Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closeout) and apply them to restoration projects.
• Differentiate between various project types and scopes in restoration, and adapt management strategies accordingly.
• Create and manage project documentation, including scopes of work, job logs, and assumptions logs.
• Understand the role of the project manager in coordinating team members, subcontractors, vendors, and client expectations.
• Establish project timelines and schedules, accounting for dependencies, critical path, and potential delays.
• Identify and mitigate project risks related to scope changes, compliance, safety, budget, and stakeholder communication.
• Apply best practices in communication and leadership to manage internal teams and external stakeholders effectively.
• Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor project progress, quality, and profitability.
• Conduct a formal project closeout, including lessons learned, customer satisfaction evaluation, and documentation of outcomes.
• Prepare for more advanced leadership and designation training by building strong project coordination and decision-making capabilities.

UFT

• Identify common upholstery fibers and fabric constructions, including natural, synthetic, and blended materials.
• Understand the principles of cleaning chemistry, including pH, solubility, and chemical safety as it applies to upholstery and fabric cleaning.
• Select appropriate cleaning methods and tools for a wide variety of upholstery types, including wet, low moisture, and dry cleaning techniques.
• Recognize common challenges and risks in upholstery cleaning, such as color bleeding, shrinkage, distortion, and texture changes.
• Conduct pre-inspection and testing procedures, including dye testing and fabric identification, to determine proper cleaning methods and prevent damage.
• Apply correct spotting techniques to remove common stains such as oils, dyes, protein-based soils, and other contaminants.
• Understand the construction and design of furniture frames, padding, and covers, and how these impact cleaning decisions and results.
• Communicate effectively with clients about expected results, cleaning limitations, and after-care instructions.
• Follow industry standards and best practices for upholstery and fabric cleaning as outlined by the IICRC.

WRT

• Understand the science of psychrometry and how temperature, humidity, vapor pressure, and dew point affect drying conditions.
• Identify and classify the categories and classes of water intrusion (IICRC S500):
  • Category 1, 2, 3 (based on contamination level)
  • Class 1, 2, 3, 4 (based on the amount of water and absorption)
• Properly assess and inspect a water-damaged structure to determine scope of damage.
• Select and implement appropriate drying equipment and techniques, including:
  • Air movers, Dehumidifiers (refrigerant and desiccant), Moisture detection instruments
• Understand structural materials and their drying characteristics, including floor systems, drywall, insulation, and subfloors.
• Perform basic calculations for equipment requirements based on environmental conditions and job scope.
• Apply safety procedures, including electrical safety, microbial risk awareness, and PPE use.
• Follow industry standards and best practices as outlined in the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration.
• Communicate effectively with clients, adjusters, and team members regarding the restoration process.
• Document moisture levels, drying progress, and work performed using standard job tracking tools.