Certified Fence Contractor

Why Get Certified?

• Build trust with your customers by demonstrating verified expertise.
• Stand out from competitors and strengthen your professional reputation.
• Gain a deeper understanding of best practices that boost efficiency and profitability.

Eligibility Requirements

The CFC program is designed for business owners, senior leaders, and decision-makers in the fence industry. If you’re responsible for managing projects, guiding teams, and running a successful company, this certification validates your expertise.

Applicants must have:

• A minimum of three years of fence industry experience. If you do not yet meet the experience requirement, you may still take the exam and your credential will be awarded once the requirement is met.
• Three professional reference letters that speak to your qualifications, integrity, and reputation. References may include customers, suppliers, industry peers, or community leaders.

Preparation

Applicants with less than ten years of experience are encouraged to attend AFA’s Fence Contractor Business School to strengthen their knowledge and improve exam success.

What You'll Learn

The CFC exam covers core areas of running a fence contracting business, including:

• Marketing, advertising and sales
• Estimating and bidding
• Insurance and legal issues
• Accounting and corporate structure
• OSHA compliance and safety management
• UL 325 and ASTM F2200

Study materials are sent electronically following application approval.

Testing

The CFC exam process has two phases:

1. Pre-Qualifying Exams

• Two online exams covering core fence installation topics and disciplines.
• Designed to test what active fence contractors already know.
• Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with links to take these exams at any time.
• Both must be completed before moving on to the business exams.

2. Business Exams

• Six exams, each tied to a section of the CFC study guide.
• About 50 questions per exam, taken together in one 4-hour session.
• Not open-book. All questions come directly from program study materials.
• Offered only at AFA testing events or through proctored online testing (coming soon).

If You Don’t Pass

If you do not pass one or more of the business exams, you’ll only need to retake the exams you did not pass.

How to Apply

1.    Submit your application online.
2.    Register for the testing event that works best for you.
3.    Prepare using AFA resources and study guides.
4.    Take the exam and earn your credential.

Recertification

AFA certifications must be renewed every three years to ensure that credentialed professionals remain up to date with current safety standards, business practices, and industry developments.

To maintain your certification, you’ll need to complete the required number of continuing education unit (CEU) hours during each three-year cycle and submit a renewal application before your certification expires.

Recertification requirements—including accepted CEU activities, documentation, and renewal timelines—are outlined on our dedicated renewal page.

View Recertification Requirements

Important Notes

• Requirements are subject to change by the AFA Credentialing Committee.
• If you do not meet renewal requirements, you must reapply and retake the certification exam.

Stay Certified

Keep your credential active by tracking your education along the way. 

Renew Now

Frequently Asked Questions