Verify an installer's IDEA (Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation) credential before relying on it for a commercial door project.

Steps

1. Confirm which IDEA credential is being claimed — IDEA offers distinct programs including Door Dealer Accreditation (company-level), Residential Installer Certification, Commercial Sectional Door Systems Technician Certification, Commercial Rolling Door Systems Technician Certification, and Rolling Steel Fire Door Technician Certification (individual-level).
2. Note that IDEA was formed in 1996 through IDA, DASMA, and the American Rolling Door Institute, and dealer accreditation requires passing six written examinations plus proof of continuous operations, insurance, and business licensing.
3. Check dooreducation.com (IDEA's official site) for current program descriptions, and contact IDEA directly to confirm an individual's or dealer's credential status, since the public site is oriented toward program information and training purchases rather than a self-service public lookup database.
4. For rolling steel fire door work specifically, confirm the technician holds the Rolling Steel Fire Door Technician Certification rather than a more general commercial or residential credential.
5. Document the verification (date checked, who confirmed it, credential type and any expiration) for the project file.