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How do I Become a Building Cleaner?

Jill Gonzalez
Jill Gonzalez

If you want to become a building cleaner, you only need to have a high school diploma. In some cases, employers are willing to hire applicants who did not finish high school. Many applicants apply for these jobs without having any particular kind of skill set. Employers are usually more than willing to train candidates who present themselves well, and appear to be motivated to work.

As a general rule, the only building cleaners who need a specific amount of education are those who hold supervisory positions. For the most part, employers tend to prefer to hire people for these jobs who at least have an associate's degree. A bachelor's degree is rarely required, unless it is for a higher level administrative position.

Some window washers clean the exteriors of tall buildings.
Some window washers clean the exteriors of tall buildings.

Even though it is not necessary to possess any education credentials, you should be able to follow directions well if you want to become a building cleaner. Supervisors typically expect you to perform the duties of your job as they ask you to, so it is essential that you speak the same language as your immediate supervisor. In some cases, you could be asked to write basic reports concerning problems at a particular job site, or you may be asked to complete checklists as you perform your daily tasks. Should this be required of you, you would need to be able to write clearly, so that others can understand your reports.

A building cleaner must be able to follow directions.
A building cleaner must be able to follow directions.

You might be required to follow certain safety or other strict procedural guidelines. If you want to become a building cleaner, you should make sure that you are well-versed in how to stay safe on the job. If this is an issue, your employer will likely provide any training that is necessary.

To succeed in this job, you should have the ability to get along well with other people. Though you do not need to have exceptional communication skills, you do need to be able to talk to people that you might come in contact with as you work. To become a building cleaner and move forward in your career, you should choose to work hard at all assigned tasks, so that you can be eligible for future promotions.

Only those who seek supervisory positions in building cleaning need a specific amount of education, at least an associate's degree.
Only those who seek supervisory positions in building cleaning need a specific amount of education, at least an associate's degree.

Popular certifications for building cleaners are Registered Executive Housekeeper (REH) and Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH). People who aspire to supervisory or management positions should consider going through one or both of these programs of study. Keep in mind, however, that the REH program is only available to individuals who hold a bachelor's degree. The CEH can be earned by those who have completed a high school education.

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    • Some window washers clean the exteriors of tall buildings.
      By: Jeff
      Some window washers clean the exteriors of tall buildings.
    • A building cleaner must be able to follow directions.
      By: James Steidl
      A building cleaner must be able to follow directions.
    • Only those who seek supervisory positions in building cleaning need a specific amount of education, at least an associate's degree.
      By: Photobank
      Only those who seek supervisory positions in building cleaning need a specific amount of education, at least an associate's degree.