Setting the Standard

Above: Local high school students at GlassBuild 2024 take notes about glazier certification.

During a time when glass and glazing companies are struggling to find much-needed skilled labor, receiving third-party certification can give glaziers a competitive advantage. According to Glass Magazine’s 2024 Top 50 Glaziers report, 48% of companies surveyed said that the labor shortage is a major issue for them and 45% said recruitment is the most difficult labor challenge they’re facing. Investing in certification is a step that glaziers can take to better hone their skills and make them an attractive asset to glazing companies. 

At GlassBuild America 2024 in Dallas, Texas, Architectural Glass and Metal Technician certification testing took place on the show floor for the first time ever, “opening a lot of eyes to the value AGMT certification brings to the industry,” says AGMT Program Manager Scott Kennett. “AGMT [certification] is finally bringing the recognition glaziers deserve for their work.”

“AGMT certification gives people new to the trade a target to train toward,” adds Kennett.

“It helps employers evaluate potential new hires as having at least the minimum skill sets. And it helps companies set themselves apart because they can meet project specifications that require an AGMT-certified crew. It’s a positive for the trade.”
According to Kennett, AGMT certification differentiates certified technicians from the competition, reduces subjective personnel criteria, demonstrates a commitment to quality and provides a consistent competency benchmark for glaziers across North America.

“GlassBuild was great,” he says. “It was the first time AGMT was on display in a public venue like that, so we were able to demonstrate the rigor and relevance of AGMT certification testing to the public … and show that it is something feasible for them to achieve as well.”

AGMT will certify glaziers at GlassBuild America once again in Orlando, Nov. 4-6, 2025. 

The glaziers’ perspectives

Obed Hernandez, who became certified at the GlassBuild America 2024 event, is a member from the Glaziers Local Union 1778 in Houston, Texas, and owner of Corpus Glass LLC. Hernandez says he chose to become certified because of an open invitation from his union hall, as well as a big push for the program on LinkedIn. 

Hernandez says that when he came across glazing as a career option, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do professionally, but he soon started to pick up on the trade, receive compliments from his journeymen and realize he could turn what was a job into a full-time career. 

“It’s something that over time I fell in love with, and I was able to build a foundation to take care of my family,” Hernandez says. “Each year that passes has been better than the last. In 2023, my partner and I made one of our dreams come true and started our own company, Corpus Glass LLC.”

Greg Lyon, a glazier at Lockheed Solutions in Rhode Island, also recently became AGMT certified. A glazier for almost three decades, he says he became certified because he wanted to test his knowledge and better his value as a glazing professional.  

Lyon first became interested in the trade when he went into a shop for auto glass repair and asked if they needed any help. “I worked for them for nearly two decades. The owner of the shop became my glazing mentor and a second father to me,” says Lyon. 

“I feel proud to be involved in the beginning stages [of AGMT certification] and to have a small part in helping this along by getting my workplace onboard and helping get other glaziers certified. The AGMT staff were extremely helpful and supportive in the process. They took time to help and answer all our questions,” adds Lyon.     

Certification resources

The AGMT program recognizes glaziers who utilize industry best practices, giving peace of mind to building owners, design professionals, general contractors and insurers, says Kennett. Glaziers interested in becoming AGMT certified can find more information about the process and requirements at glazingcertification.com/agmt.

During the certification process, which includes both a knowledge- and performance-based testing component, glaziers are expected to demonstrate:

• An understanding of the principles of glazing theory and glazing-specific safety;
• Knowledge and ability to work with tools and equipment of the trade;
• Ability to effectively navigate and correctly interpret construction documents;
• Capability to properly handle glass and panels and understand insulating glass;
• Working knowledge of and ability to properly install glazing systems;
• Understanding and application of sealants, gaskets and ancillary materials; and
• Knowledge of quality controls and failure prevention.

Prerequisites for certification include proof of Occupational Safety and Health

Administration 10 certification (or Canadian equivalent), proof of work experience (7,500 hours over five years), a signed candidate agreement and a candidate photo. To maintain the credential, individuals must re-certify every four years. 

The National Glass Association, which supports AGMT certification by hosting testing at GlassBuild America, offers courses on MyGlassClass.com that glaziers can use to prepare for the knowledge-based portion of the certification process. NGA recently made these courses available to member companies for free.