PWNA Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Training School
An intensive 4-day hands-on training program for contractors, business owners, technicians, and anyone looking to enter or expand within the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.
Get Trained. Get Certified. Lead the Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Industry.
PWNA has been providing certification programs and contractor education for over 30 years in support of the professional cleaning industry. Our original kitchen exhaust cleaning certification program was developed in the mid-1990s by industry pioneer Phil Ackland, helping establish some of the earliest training and educational standards for the KEC industry.
Today, PWNA continues that commitment by providing training, certification, safety education, and contractor support to companies and technicians throughout the industry. PWNA also actively represents contractors on the NFPA 96 Committee, ensuring the voice of real-world contractors, technicians, and business owners is represented in discussions on commercial kitchen exhaust system cleaning, fire prevention, and safety standards.
Our mission is not only to provide training, but to help protect and strengthen the future of the industry through education, advocacy, safety, and professional development.
Benefits of PWNA Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Training School
- Improves safety for technicians, kitchen staff, and property
- Reduces damage risk and costly mistakes on the job
- Builds real technical skill through hands-on, instructor-led practice
- Creates consistent results across every job and every crew
- Builds customer trust through visible, professional training
- Supports insurance and compliance readiness for your operation
- Strengthens your reputation as a trained KEC professional
Trained contractors are better prepared, more confident in the field, and more defensible when questions arise from clients, inspectors, or insurers.
ARKANSAS
KEC Training SChool
Instructor: Daryl Mirza
September 21 - 24, 2026
Delaware, AR
This intensive four-day program combines practical instruction with hands-on training to help participants build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.
The program is ideal for contractors, business owners, technicians, and anyone interested in entering the field or expanding their existing services.
• Over 35 hours of training
• Extensive hands-on field instruction
• Live cleaning of an actual commercial kitchen exhaust system
• Lunch provided each day during training
• Safety and operational instruction
• Business development discussions
• NFPA 96 awareness and documentation procedures
Professional Training Backed by Industry Standards
PWNA Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Training School is part of the association's commitment to ongoing professional education for members of the pressure washing and exterior cleaning industry. This program is designed to support contractors at every stage of their career — from those entering the KEC trade for the first time to seasoned technicians looking to sharpen their skills.
Training focuses on building and maintaining job-ready KEC skills through structured, hands-on instruction: proper cleaning technique, equipment operation, grease depth measurement, access requirements, and safety protocols specific to commercial kitchen exhaust systems. As NFPA 96 and ANSI/IKECA standards evolve, PWNA training helps contractors stay current and aligned with accepted industry practices.
For PWNA members, this training serves as a tool for professional growth and accountability. Companies use it to onboard new technicians, refresh existing crews, and promote consistency across every job. Individual contractors benefit by strengthening their technical knowledge and demonstrating a real commitment to professionalism in the KEC trade.
What You'll Walk Away With
- Improved safety for technicians, property, and the public
- Reduced risk of costly mistakes and system damage
- Consistent results you can repeat on every job
- Stronger customer trust through visible, professional training
- Insurance and compliance readiness built in from day one
- A reputation as a trained, credentialed professional in a trade where that matters
FAQ Section — PWNA KEC Training School
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend the KEC Training School?
Contractors, business owners, technicians, and anyone looking to enter or expand within the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry — no prior KEC experience required.
How long is the training?
Four days of intensive, hands-on instruction.
Is this the same as certification?
No. The Training School is hands-on skills training. PWNA's NFPA Owner and Technician Certification tests are separate — designed to verify knowledge, whether you build it here or already have it.
Do I need to be a PWNA member to attend?
No — the training is open to members and non-members.
What will I learn?
Hands-on cleaning technique, equipment operation, safety protocols, and the practical skills that support NFPA 96 and ANSI/IKECA C10-2021 compliance in the field.
What should I do after completing the Training School?
Many graduates go on to take the NFPA Owner or Technician Certification test to formally demonstrate the knowledge they built in the program.
How do I register?
Register through your PWNA account at my.pwna.org, or join PWNA to access member pricing and additional benefits.
Will this be accepted in every jurisdiction?
Acceptance can vary — check with your local Fire Marshal. AHJs also get free access to review the exam directly.
Should I purchase the standards themselves?
Yes. PWNA strongly recommends owning NFPA 96 and ANSI/IKECA C10-2021 for test prep and ongoing reference in your business.
Reference Library
KEC Standards & Safety Resources
The codes, standards, and safety guidance behind every PWNA KEC training and certification program — straight from the source.
NFPA 96
The Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations — the code every PWNA certification is built on.
KEC Standards & Safety Resources
The International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association — co-developer of the ANSI/IKECA C10-2021 standard and a leading voice in the trade.
KEC Overview
A plain-language primer on kitchen exhaust cleaning — what it is, why it matters, and the fire risks it prevents.
OSHA 1910.94
OSHA's Ventilation standard, covering the design and upkeep of exhaust hood, duct, and fan systems technicians work on every day.
