Confused About Membership Renewal Credits? Help is Here

ASHI mailed a reminder about Membership Renewal Credits (MRCs) to the membership and my phone started ringing. It was obvious from the questions being asked there is some confusion about the MRC process, which I would like to help clear up.

The basics: who reports what when

MRCs are Membership Renewal Credits. All Members, Candidates with Logo Use and Candidates are required to earn 20 MRCs each year.

MRCs are due September 30, and the time frame to earn them is October 1 thru September 30. For instance, the credits you’re turning in this year will be those you acquired between October 1, 2004, and September 30, 2005.

(The exception is those who joined ASHI between October 1, 2004, and September 30, 2005, will be required to report MRCs for the next renewal period, which ends September 30, 2006.)

How to earn MRCs

MRCs are earned through home study correspondence courses, attendance at ASHI chapter meetings and education events, by conducting ride-alongs with novice inspectors, writing articles, attending InspectionWorld or code certification courses, etc. See the MRC Claim Form for details. It’s available from Fax-on-Demand (800-743-2744), item 1006, or on www.ashi.org by logging in as a member, clicking Resources and clicking ASHI Documents.

How to report MRCs

You will receive your MRC claim form with next year’s dues statement. We encourage you to pay your dues and submit the claim form at the same time, since both are required to continue your membership. Failure to keep up with continuing education will result in administrative suspension.

No supporting documentation is necessary at this time unless specifically requested during an MRC audit.

The audit

ASHI staff is charged with conducting an MRC audit each year, in January. A list of 300-400 Members and Candidates is randomly generated from our database. The people on the listed are required to turn in documentation supporting the MRCs they claimed. Documentation can include certificates of completion, invoices, certificates of attendance, etc. If the documentation does not verify the required number of MRCs, the inspector fails the audit and is placed on Administrative Suspension. He or she remains suspended until the proper documentation is received at ASHI headquarters.

Be prepared

We encourage you to keep your certificates in one place (create an MRC folder) throughout the year so if you’re audited, compiling the information will be easy, fast and without stress.

ASHI’s continuing education requirements are important. They help set us apart from other organizations. If you have questions, please e-mail  yvonner@ashi.org.