Lighting Certifications Explained

Many certifications demonstrate key knowledge of the various facets of the lighting industry. They assure that a lighting professional is competent and proficient in their field of expertise. Having one of these certifications will help an individual excel in the field of commercial and industrial lighting.

Knowing how and when to specify and use high bay fixtures in a warehouse what optic would you choose for a shoebox light in a parking lot, or how you might choose a different package for tennis courts.

Understanding lighting controls, what they do, and more importantly, when you would use one, is all part of helping customers with their lighting needs. The subsequent list consists of some notable certifications.

General Lighting Expertise

Certified Lighting Manufacturers Representative ( CLMR )

The CLMR is given by the American Lighting Association (ALA) which is a trade association that represents the residential lighting industry. It is designed to distinguish the vital role that manufacturers’ representatives play in the lighting industry and deliver training for individuals new to the industry.

Certified Lighting Consultant ( CLC )

The CLC is also given by the American Lighting Association (ALA) and is the final and highest of four designations offered by the ALA. It is achieved by passing the CLC blueprint exam.

Certified Lighting Management Consultant ( CLMC )

The CLMC is given by the International Association of Lighting Management Companies (NALMCO) which is a network of lighting industry managers and professionals. It recognizes members of the lighting management industry who have demonstrated outstanding knowledge and technical skills.

Lighting Certification ( LC )

The LC is given by the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NLQLP) which is a non-profit organization that establishes the education, experience, and examination requirements for baseline certification across the lighting professions. It is designed to set a standard that encompasses the full extent of the lighting field.

Lighting Specialist ( LS-1, LS-2, LS-Evolve )

The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors (NAILD), a non-profit trade organization of lighting distributors and manufacturers, administers three levels of training and associated certifications:

• LS-I enhances new or mid-level employees’ knowledge and expertise in lighting basics, lighting products, and lighting controls.
• LS-II develops an understanding of customer purchase motivations and associates lighting solutions with customers’ business objectives.
• LS-Evolve provides continuing education to individuals and companies to help them better understand important applications, processes, and content regarding lighting products.

Lighting Controls and Efficiency

Community Friendly Lighting Certification ( CFLC )

The CFLC is given by the Smart Outdoor Lighting Alliance (SOLA) which is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides ecologically sustainable outdoor lighting solutions. It provides guidance to lighting designers, installers, and municipal staff to:

• Choose the best lighting fixtures and controls to better decrease energy costs and environmental impact.
• Improve the quality of outdoor lighting by reducing glare, light encroachment, and skyglow
• maximizing visibility and comfort

Certified Lighting Controls Professional ( CLCP )

The CLCP is given by the International Association of Lighting Management Companies (NALMCO) which is a network of lighting industry managers and professionals. It gives assurance that a lighting professional is greatly knowledgeable and informed regarding lighting controls based on a curriculum devised by the controls industry.

Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional ( CLEP )

The CLEP is given by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) which is a nonprofit professional society of over 18,000 members in more than 100 countries. It delivers acknowledgment of professionals who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the field of lighting efficiency.

California Advanced Lighting Controls Training Program ( Calctp Certified Contractor)

The CALCTP is a collaboration among California utilities, government agencies, and labor associations. It expands the use of lighting controls in commercial buildings to improve energy efficiency and savings across the state.

Lighting Design

Certified Lighting Designer ( CLD )

The CLD is given by the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) which is a professional organization that supports a network of 1,500 independent lighting design professionals. It ensures that lighting designers are proficient in developing, guiding, and completing lighting design projects.