Commercial cleaning business certifications help businesses establish credibility, build trust with prospective clients, and stand out in a competitive market. 

However, with so many certifications available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Obtaining a certification is often costly and takes a long time, so it’s vital to choose the right one to avoid wasting time and money.

What is a certification for commercial cleaning?

Commercial cleaning certifications are proof of a person’s or business’s competency in cleaning commercial buildings and environments, such as hotels, office buildings, and grocery stores.

A professional organization typically issues certifications for commercial cleaning after staff have completed a course or passed an assessment. These are often based on industry standards and assess the required skills and knowledge, such as hygiene and safety protocols.. 

While gaining these certifications is voluntary in most cases, they prove staff are well-trained, improving your business’s professional appearance.

Examples of commercial cleaning certifications include:

• Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) from the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)

• Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)

• Biohazard Cleaning Certification from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)

What is the difference between a commercial cleaning license and certification?

A commercial cleaning license is usually mandatory. In most cases, it is issued by a government body and is a legal requirement for cleaning business operations.

A certification, on the other hand, is not always mandatory, but it shows your commitment to cleaning standards and proves industry expertise.

For example, let's say you want to open a janitorial services business in Oregon. You would need to register with the Oregon Secretary of State and gain a Property Services Contractor License to operate.

Then, you could gain Carpet Cleaning Certification and a Green Cleaning Company Certification to show prospective customers that your staff are professionally trained and dedicated to environmentally friendly cleaning practices.

What types of commercial cleaning certifications are available?

Several types of commercial cleaning certifications cover different aspects of commercial cleaning. The table below provides a brief overview of some of the top certifications for commercial cleaning businesses.

Disclaimer: This list is correct as of April 17, 2025.

Let’s look at each of these certifications in more detail.

1. Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC, GBAC STAR™)

The GBAC STAR™ is an accreditation for facilities to show they are committed to proper cleaning protocols and disinfection methods following established standard operating procedures (SOPs). The training helps businesses maintain a hygienic indoor environment by reducing pathogens.

It’s important to note that this certification is only available at the facility level, not for independent cleaning businesses or individuals.

This certification must be renewed annually through the reaccreditation process.

Study time: Depends on facility type, space, and more.

Test time: Depends on facility type, space, and more. 

Price: Contact GBAC for a quote.

2. ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS)

The ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) helps cleaning businesses understand service requirements and teaches service providers to manage their business efficiently with a focus on quality work. It is a management framework that helps build high-quality, customer-centric cleaning organizations. 

The certificate must be renewed every two years.

Study time: N/A

Test time: Several months to a year, depending on various operational factors.

Price: There is a $500 application fee for members and a $2,300 fee for non-members (which includes the application fee and two-year ISSA membership), plus an assessment fee, a certification fee ($1,495–$1,995, depending on membership status), and assessor expenses.

3. IJCSA Master Certification (IMC)

The IJCSA Master Certification (IMC) recognizes master-level knowledge and expertise in cleaning and janitorial services, including environmental protection and clean building standards. 

It is a complex certification that requires in-depth training and is available for cleaning and janitorial business owners, management, and frontline staff.

This certification covers a wide variety of topics, including (but not limited to):

• Safe cleaning procedures

• Carpet cleaning

• First aid

• Chemicals

• OSHA safety and cleaning standards

• Floor cleaning

• Green cleaning

• Mold abatement and removal

The test consists of over 250 written questions and a phone-in verbal exam.

Study time: 20+ hours

Test time: ~4 hours

Price: Free for cleaning service owners with IJCSA membership ($229.90 per year), $14.95 for subsequent employees.

4. Bloodborne Pathogens Certification (BPC)

The Bloodborne Pathogens Certification (BPC) is tied to the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which protects workers from exposure to blood and bloodborne diseases. 

This certification is mandatory for staff responsible for cleaning locations where they could come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), such as a tattoo or esthetician studio.

To gain this certification, individuals must complete a training course that meets OSHA standards. Various organizations, such as the Red Cross, offer this training.

The BPC must be renewed yearly.

Study time: 1 hour

Test time: N/A

Price: ~$35

5. IJCSA Janitorial Custodial Certification (JC)

The IJCSA Janitorial Custodial Certification is designed to expand custodial knowledge beyond basic cleaning techniques. It covers many areas that custodians need to know, such as:

• Carpet care

• General floor care

• Restroom cleaning

• Chemical hazards

• Customer service

• Communication skills

• Leadership

Study time: 10 hours

Test time: 1 hour

Price: Free with IJCSA membership, $14.95 per certificate

6. Green Seal Certification

Green Seal Certification ensures companies meet rigorous sustainability, health, and performance standards. It shows that a business uses certified, environmentally friendly cleaning products and follows sustainable practices.

This certification can help commercial cleaning businesses land contracts with government, corporate, and eco-conscious clients.

Study time: 24 hours

Test time: N/A

Price: $4,900–$7,500, depending on annual sales revenue. For businesses servicing more than 20 accounts, there is an additional fee ranging from $1,300 to $18,200+.

7. Carpet Cleaning Technician Certification (CCT)

The IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician certification provides deep-dive training into the “art and science” behind professional commercial and residential carpet cleaning. It covers:

• Carpet cleaning science and methodology

• Fiber, yarn, and carpet construction and identification

• Style types and finishes

• Soiling conditions

This certification is ideal for beginners as it has no prerequisites and is the first step in obtaining many IICRC Master certifications.

Study time: 14 hours

Test time: 2 hours 

Price: $299–$678 for the course, depending on the provider, and a $80 exam fee

8. Mold Inspection & Remediation Services (MIRS)

The IJCSA Mold Inspection & Remediation Services Certification provides the required training for businesses to offer mold removal services legally. The course trains members on mold identification and infestation treatment. 

It also teaches fundamental knowledge about toxic mold and the associated health risks, as well as how to ensure safety.

Study time: 80 hours

Test time: 2 hours

Price: Free for members and $14.96 per certificate

9. Chemical Hazards Certification (CHC)

The Chemical Hazards Certification (CHC) course trains employees on various chemical terms and concepts, enabling them to identify hazardous chemicals.

It also covers proper personal protective equipment (PPE) usage and requirements, ensuring safe business operation and preventing occupational exposure to chemical hazards. 

Study time: 2-4 hours

Test time: 1 hour

Price: Free with IJCSA membership, $14.95 per certificate

10. Biohazard Cleaning Certification (BCC)

The IJCSA Biohazard Cleaning Certification course trains members on handling various biohazard cleaning situations, such as:

• Crime scene cleanup

• Unattended death cleaning

• Pet hoarding cleanup

• Decomposition and odor

• Trauma cleaning processes

• Sewage backups and floods 

This is an advanced certification, and businesses are required to have completed the following courses before undertaking:

• BPC

• CCC

• CHC

• Customer Services Certification (CSC)

• MIRS

The course covers OSHA standards, including HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) training. 

Study time: 40 hours

Test time: 2 hours

Price: Free with IJCSA membership

11. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training

OSHA offers a variety of courses covering different aspects of the cleaning industry to ensure safe operations. Examples of OSHA training include:

• Basic hazard communication

• Basic personal protective equipment

• Workplace hygiene and illness prevention

• Guidance for cleaning and disinfecting

• Basic machine safeguarding

For more information about specific OSHA training programs and certifications for the commercial cleaning industry, check out OSHAcademy.

Study time: Varies

Test time: Varies

Price: Varies

Why are commercial cleaning certifications and training important?

Completing commercial cleaning certification programs and gaining credentials is essential for several reasons. It helps you to:

• Establish trust and credibility

• Improve service quality, safety, and compliance

• Differentiate your business

Establish trust and credibility

Certifications signify expertise, professionalism, and quality. They demonstrate to customers that your business, staff, products, and procedures align with industry best practices.

Additionally, a study by NSF International showed that 85% of respondents trust independent, third-party certification organizations. Gaining these certifications ties your business's credibility to the certifying organization.

Improve service quality, safety, and compliance

Third-party certification involves training, which teaches your staff to uphold better safety procedures, comply with regulations, and provide high-quality services.

Furthermore, most certifications require regular audits and assessments to ensure organizations continue to uphold the required standards. This helps to maintain consistency, so customers can be assured they will receive reliable services.

Differentiate your business

Certifications help your business stand out, which is vital for getting noticed. This is especially important when bidding on large contracts or when government bodies are involved. In fact, many bid opportunities require certain certifications for eligibility.

How to get commercial cleaning certifications

Getting certified can elevate your commercial cleaning business, but it requires careful planning for optimal success. Here’s how to earn and maintain certification.

Choose the right certification for your business goals

While certifications benefit your business, getting them can be expensive and time-consuming. It’s therefore important to think carefully about the certifications you need, ensuring they align with your business goals.

Consider the niche you operate in or want to expand into. What certifications are relevant to this niche? Then, decide if you want additional, voluntary certifications such as the Green Seal Certification to showcase a commitment to sustainable practices.

If you’re unsure where to begin, research accreditation bodies to learn more about their offerings. Associations like the IJCSA offer many certification courses included in their membership fee.

Understand the requirements and costs involved

Although the exact requirements and costs for obtaining a certification differ greatly, the process typically involves similar steps.

1. Enroll in the course, book training sessions, and pay the fee. Depending on the certification, this could range from under $100 to over $20,000.

2. Begin training. This could take anywhere from an hour to several weeks.

3. Take the exam. Most exams take around two hours, but some may take more. Some certification courses don’t require an exam, and you will receive your certificate upon completion.

4. Undertake an audit to ensure reaccreditation. These are typically conducted annually but may be completed more or less often.

Maintain and renew certifications regularly

As mentioned above, some certifications require renewal. You must implement continuous education and regular audits, particularly for new staff.

Failure to comply with the certification’s standards in an audit could lead to loss of the certification, so it is vital to uphold them and ensure all staff members are adequately trained.

Grow your cleaning business with Aspire

Commercial cleaning certifications are crucial for growing your business and winning more bids. They help establish trust with prospective customers and provide the necessary training to ensure you consistently provide quality service. 

Once accredited, you can grow your business even more with Aspire’s commercial cleaning software. The platform helps you optimize business operations across the board, enhancing workflows from estimating to invoicing and enabling clear communication and accountability.

Book a free demo with Aspire today and see how it can help your business grow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below you will find the answers to common questions regarding commercial cleaning certifications.

Are there online options for obtaining cleaning certifications?

Yes, many governing bodies and associations, such as the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), offer online certification programs.

How much do commercial cleaning certifications typically cost?

The cost varies between certifications and ranges from around $100 to $20,000+.

How long does it take to get certified for commercial cleaning?

It depends on the certification. Some can be completed within a few days, while others take significantly longer and require weeks or months. These are usually certifications that require extensive coursework and practical experience.

Are there penalties for operating without appropriate certifications?

Yes. While some certifications are voluntary, others, like the Bloodborne Pathogens Certification, are mandatory for carrying out specific cleaning operations. If you're unsure, it is best to check with local and state regulations.