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The Unites States does not have a regulatory agency for carpenters. In other countries, an apprenticeship of at least four years is required in order for a carpenter to be certified. This places the burden of confirming the carpenter's experience and expertise on the customer, through reference checks and inspection of past projects.
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Although U.S. laws do not require it, many carpenters acquire a four-year apprenticeship certification through organizations such as, The Associated General Contractors, The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the Associate Builders and Carpenters.