IKECA Certified: Kitchen Kings Cleaning Staying Ahead of the Game

kitchenkingsga
Aug 7
2 min read

What Is IKECA?

IKECA (International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association) is a globally recognized trade association dedicated to advancing the standards of commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning and inspection. For professionals in Atlanta’s fire protection and kitchen exhaust industry, IKECA represents the gold standard in safety, certification, and education.

IKECA’s History & Mission

Founded in 1989, IKECA began when a group of kitchen exhaust cleaning specialists recognized the need for a unified voice in the industry. Their shared commitment to fire safety and proper exhaust system maintenance led to the creation of the first trade association focused solely on kitchen exhaust cleaning.

In 2009, IKECA became an accredited standards developer with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This milestone allowed IKECA to help shape national standards for cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining commercial kitchen exhaust systems—standards now referenced by organizations like the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and International Code Council, and adopted by jurisdictions across the U.S., including Georgia.

Today, IKECA continues to lead the industry with a strong focus on certification, ethics, and continuing education, helping companies like Kitchen Kings of Atlanta stay ahead in fire safety and compliance.

IKECA Certification Programs

As the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry evolves, staying current with codes, standards, and technology is essential. IKECA offers two key certifications that ensure technicians are trained to the highest standards:

CECS – Certified Exhaust Cleaning Specialist

The CECS designation is for experienced professionals who lead cleaning crews and ensure compliance with IKECA standards. Every active IKECA member must have at least one CECS-certified technician. At Kitchen Kings, our lead technicians proudly hold this certification, ensuring top-tier service across Atlanta’s commercial kitchens.

CECT – Certified Exhaust Cleaning Technician

The CECT certification is designed for crew members beginning their careers in kitchen exhaust cleaning. These technicians work under the supervision of a CECS-certified leader, gaining hands-on experience and training in accordance with IKECA’s rigorous standards.

Why IKECA Matters to Atlanta Businesses

Whether you operate a restaurant, hotel, or commercial kitchen in Atlanta, partnering with an IKECA-certified company like Kitchen Kings means: