Elevating Demolition Standards: the importance of CDS certification

A Commitment to Safety and Leadership

For Sessler, the decision to encourage his team at Sessler Wrecking to pursue the CDS certification comes down to ensuring his workforce is equipped with the knowledge to handle the industry’s challenges.

“The CDS is a thorough way to ensure you have the right people with the right knowledge running the work and leading the team safely and efficiently,” Sessler says.

With five employees already certified and more in the pipeline, Sessler Wrecking is setting a high bar for industry standards.

As a company that mandates OSHA 30 training, Sessler is moving toward making the CDS a requirement for anyone to hold the title of superintendent.

“The demolition industry is extremely complex, and some sites change conditions daily, or even faster.

“It’s making sure that your team is led by someone who has the experience and expertise,” he says.

This focus on safety and leadership is what separates those certified through the CDS program from others in the industry.

Don Collier of MILBURN Demolition shares similar sentiments. Having been involved with the NDA Certification Board from the program’s inception, Collier views the CDS certification as a badge of honor for those willing to put in the effort.

“It’s a true national measurement to test their abilities to be a safe and successful, high-level field supervisor,” Collier says.

He further explains that the CDS certification helps distinguish between those who simply want to lead and those who are truly qualified. “It vets out the ‘wanters’ from the qualified people,” he adds, pointing to the rigorous nature of the certification process.

Addressing Industry Complexities

Both Sessler and Collier recognize the unique challenges that come with managing demolition projects. These challenges are one of the reasons why the CDS program has been carefully structured to address the real-world complexities of the industry.

“The program ensures that there is a thorough knowledge of all aspects of demolition and prioritizes safety,” Sessler says.

He acknowledges that certification is increasingly being required in job specifications, giving companies like Sessler Wrecking a competitive edge. “We’ve been awarded work by showing the additional trainings that our superintendents carry,” he says.

The CDS Certification Board of the National Demolition Association. (PHOTO: NDA)

Collier expands on this point, highlighting the years of experience and effort that have gone into developing the CDS certification.

“We really put time and effort into making it unique,” he says.

“The processes that have been put in place, from the sponsorships to the way the exam content is structured, all ensure that those earning the CDS are truly qualified to lead.”

According to Collier, the certification is designed to maintain a high standard in the industry, something that benefits not only the certified individuals but the companies they work for and the industry as a whole.

Encouraging Certification for Future Leaders

For companies that may not yet be actively encouraging CDS certification, both Sessler and Collier have strong words of advice. Sessler says that the certification can advance individual careers while also benefiting the entire organization.

“If you want to advance yourself, get the certification,” he says. “It shows that you are a leader willing to take the time to become certified to be a better leader for your team and organization.”

Collier is equally passionate about the benefits of the CDS certification, particularly when it comes to safety and profitability.

“We’re trying as a group here to raise the bar and the standards in the industry, to keep all of the field workers safe and successful, and that all starts with leadership,” he says.

For him, the equation is simple: “If you keep an organized project, and you run it safely and successfully, and you have a talented supervisor, you’re making money.”

New certification exam for demolition technicians under development NDA invites industry professionals to participate in development of qualification

Advice for Aspiring Certified Demolition Supervisors

For those considering pursuing the CDS certification, Collier offers practical advice. “The CDS program is not for everybody. It’s for those high-level supervisors that want more,” he says. His key recommendation for potential candidates is preparation: “Go over the content outline, go over the reference material, and do it again.”

When it comes time to sit for the exam, Collier’s final piece of advice is simple: “Relax, take a breath, and choose with your gut, because those people are the people that we want.”

Sessler concurs, stressing that the CDS certification is an investment in both individual careers and the future success of demolition companies.

By obtaining the certification, supervisors can demonstrate their commitment to leading safely and efficiently in one of the most challenging industries.

As the demolition industry continues to evolve, the CDS certification is proving to be a critical tool in elevating safety standards and leadership quality across the field.