Chapter 3 — Certifications | Darco Construction Painting Course

Chapter 3 · Certifications

The credentials that get you hired.

Most beginners apply for jobs with a blank resume. Here's how to make sure you're not one of them.

⭐ Your OSHA 10 is covered in Chapter 2. Start that first. Then work through the certifications below while you study the rest of this course.

Get these before you apply

⭐ Early
FREE

PCA Overdrive — Painter Training (Video Series)

Free video-on-demand training from the Painting Contractors Association. Covers Introduction to the Trade, Interior Levels 1–3, and Exterior Levels 1–3. Supported by Sherwin-Williams, PPG, and Benjamin Moore.

Watch on PCA Overdrive ↗

Early
$99

PCA Premium Training — Certificate of Completion

Full training portal with sequential videos, knowledge-check quizzes, and a digital certificate. $99 per course for non-members. On your resume, this signals serious commitment.

Enroll at PCA ↗

Get these in your first 1–2 years

Year 1
$30–80

First Aid / CPR + AED

Required on most commercial job sites. Renews every 2 years.

Red Cross ↗

Year 1–2
$150–250

OSHA 30 — Construction

Goes deeper into all construction hazards. Valued for lead or foreman roles. 30 hours online.

Enroll at OSHAOutreachCourses.com — $59 ↗

Longer-term — years 2–5

Years 2–4
Varies

EPA RRP Certification — Lead Renovator

Required by federal law before disturbing lead paint in pre-1978 residential buildings. Opens a huge market uncertified painters legally cannot touch. 8-hour course, renews every 5 years.

EPA RRP Info ↗

Years 3–5
Varies

PDCA Craftsman Certification

Industry-recognized credential demonstrating mastery of professional standards. Valued by commercial clients and large contractors.

PCA Training ↗

Watch — how to get your OSHA 10

How to Get Your OSHA 10 Certification Online — Fast & Easy

A painter walks through the exact OSHA 10 enrollment process — where to sign up, what to expect, how long it takes, and what you get.

OSHA 10EnrollmentPainter Perspective

Watch — what PCA painter training looks like

PCA Painter Training — Official Overview

The official PCA overview of their Painter Training program — what it covers, how it's structured, and what certificate you earn. Watch it, then sign up for free at pcaoverdrive.org.

PCACertificateFreeOfficial

📝 Chapter Complete?

Know your credential roadmap and started PCA Overdrive?