(1) Every individual applying fire-resistant material for or as a contractor must be certified by the department. To qualify for certification, the individual must complete initial training and must complete refresher training every five years for recertification.

(2) All training provided under this section must be provided by an apprenticeship program registered with the Washington state apprenticeship and training council, or by fire-resistant material manufacturers or other certified training providers, that have been approved by the department to provide training in the application of fire-resistant materials. Training provided by manufacturers must include training in the application of at least four different types of fire-resistant material products.

(3) An individual who has completed the training required under this section must submit an application to the department to receive certification as a certified fire-resistant material applicator.

(4) The department shall, by rule, develop and administer a certification process for fire-resistant material applicators, including the minimum standards for initial training and refresher training, and the approval process for fire-resistance material manufacturers or other certified training providers. The department's rules and certification process must be in place at least one year prior to January 1, 2026.