So, You Want to Become a Chimney Sweep? Here’s What You Need to Know…

Do Chimney Sweeps Need a License?

Surprisingly, the chimney sweeping industry is not a regulated industry that requires a license. Which means, you could just buy a set of brushes and rods, slap a logo on a truck, watch a couple of YouTube videos, and start working in and on chimneys, fireplaces, and furnace flues.

Now, that’s terrifying. And not just to us, but to homeowners, too.

Here at CSIA, we believe that if you’re going to be inspecting and working on appliances and venting systems that are designed to keep fire and toxic gases like carbon monoxide contained, you should have some qualifications. You should be trained and know what the heck you’re doing.

That’s why the CSIA was started back in the 1980s – to provide the education and training needed to safely and correctly evaluate and maintain chimneys and venting systems.

So, do you need a license to be a chimney sweep? No. But should you get licensed/certified? Absolutely. For your peace of mind and for your clients’. You don’t want to be the one who improperly installed a fireplace or missed a blockage that led to a chimney fire.

If you’re going to do it – do it right. Get certified.

What Should I Look for in a Company When Starting Out?

Weighing your options and considering who you might want to work for as you start down this new career path? Here are a few things to look for in a company:

• A focus on ongoing education and training – There’s a lot to learn if you want to be one of the best in the chimney and venting industry. Things don’t stay the same over time. Technology changes, codes change. You want to stay on top of those changes, which is why you want to work for a company that never stops training and learning. Look for clues on the company’s website and social media and, during the interview, ask what their stance is on ongoing education and training and how important it is to them as a company.
• CSIA Certification – One big clue that a company prioritizes ongoing education and training is CSIA certification. CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweeps® must earn a certain amount of CEUs every three years to maintain their certification. So, if a company has a lot of certified techs, that’s a good sign they prioritize ongoing education and training for their team.
• Low Turnover – Some companies can’t keep employees because they’re not good companies to work for. Obviously, you don’t want to start your career with a company that will make you immediately hate your job. So, during the interview process, ask about employee turnover rates and see if you can have a chat with one or more of the long-term employees. Ask them what they like best about working there and why they’ve stayed as long as they have.
• Good Reviews – Business owners tend to say a lot of great things about their own businesses, but you’ll find more objective opinions if you look at the company’s reviews. What are their customers saying about them? Are the majority of their reviews positive or negative? If customers are having a bad experience more often than not, that’s not the kind of company you want to get involved with.
• Mission, Values & Company Culture – Lastly, take a look at the company’s mission, values, and company culture. Do their values match your own personal values? Does their mission resonate with you? Could you see yourself fitting into the culture? Spying on Facebook, GlassDoor, and other platforms can be a great way to get a more honest look at these things. It’s easy to say the company has a set of values and a specific mission and company culture on a company website. But look elsewhere to see if their actions and words align or if it’s all just a façade.