The Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT) and North American Contractor Certification (NACC) programs are reporting significant progress after a full week of industry engagement at GlassBuild America 2025 in Orlando, followed immediately by the Architectural Glass and Metal Certification Council (AGMCC) Annual Meeting in Florida. Held November 4–7, the dual events created a concentrated opportunity to advance certification efforts, meet with stakeholders, and outline priorities for 2026.
AGMT used the GlassBuild platform to conduct both written and hands-on testing for glaziers, marking another step in expanding access to its ANSI-accredited credential. Nine individuals successfully passed both assessments during the show. More than 250 attendees toured the testing rigs, observing the five sections of the hands-on exam designed to evaluate real-world installation skills. As a direct result of this increased visibility, AGMT confirmed three public testing events for early 2026 in West Columbia, S.C.; Carrollton, Ky.; and Los Angeles, Calif., with full details scheduled to appear on GlazingCertification.com before the end of the year.
In addition to formal testing, AGMT operated a skills demonstration zone, inviting GlassBuild attendees to practice applying sealant and compare compliant and noncompliant curtain wall installations. Over 300 individuals participated in the interactive demos. “It was a great opportunity to check out the testing rigs and gain an appreciation for the skill and attention to detail required to be an AGMT certified glazier,” said John Dzierzynski, Jr., who oversaw the demonstration area.
NACC’s presence at GlassBuild also generated momentum. The certification program staffed an exhibit booth that drew more than 130 meaningful discussions with glazing contractors. Six companies began the NACC application process onsite, an unusually high number reflecting growing industry demand for third-party contractor verification.
“More people are getting involved with AGMT and NACC and lending their support across the industry,” said Program Director Scott Kennett. “The first part of 2026 will be very exciting as we introduce new testing venues and tools for certification. And we plan to attend GlassBuild 2026 in Las Vegas next September.”
Following GlassBuild, the AGMCC Annual Meeting convened November 6–7, bringing together 52 participants in person and virtually. The two-day agenda featured committee sessions, marketing updates, open working meetings for both AGMT and NACC, and a closed-door board meeting. The council also announced several program milestones reflecting steady 2025 growth.
NACC Program Updates
- 94 companies have achieved NACC certification, with the program on track to surpass 100 certified firms by year’s end.
- NACC reported 14.6% net growth in 2025.
- 26 additional companies are actively pursuing certification.
- NACC-certified firms work across 23 states, performing projects in 38 states.
- Contractors with NACC certification show improved safety performance, averaging an Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of 0.821, compared with the industry baseline of 1.0.
AGMT Program Updates
- 2,173 individuals now hold AGMT certification.
- The program recorded 10.6% net growth in 2025.
- AGMT-certified glaziers are active in 40 states.
During the AGMCC meeting, five new board members were elected, representing glazing contractors, suppliers, consultants, and training organizations. Lockheed Architectural Solutions Senior Project Executive Eric Gregoire and Country Glass COO Brian Risinger joined as contractor representatives. Matt Fox of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades—also an AGMT—will serve as board president. Nicolás Esquivel Guzmán of Curtainwall Design Consulting and Andrew Haring of Frameless Hardware Company were elected to general interest and supplier seats, respectively. Chris Giovannielli of Kawneer was reappointed to represent suppliers, while Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Senior Associate Dana Landis was chosen as board vice president.
“Matt Fox was part of the original AGMT program steering committee. His commitment to seeing both programs succeed and grow has been great,” said Kennett. He added that Landis “continues to be a vocal advocate of both programs,” noting her long-standing contributions.
Outgoing AGMCC president Rodney Harvey reflected on the legacy of NACC and its value to the wider industry, stating: “The whole idea of NACC is to make companies run better and to present credentials and credibility to general contractors and owners. To have a program like this that’s been promoting competency is something the industry needs in a dire way. I’m proud to be part of it and will continue to support it.”
As the glazing industry navigates evolving performance standards, labor demands, and project complexity, AGMT and NACC say they will continue expanding access to certification, strengthening consistency across project delivery, and promoting safer, more qualified workforces in 2026 and beyond.
Originally reported by Glazing Certification.
