North America’s only third-party personnel certification program for glaziers, the Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT) certification program has introduced a Spanish version of the Knowledge-Based Test (KBT). The ability to test in Spanish removes reading comprehension and writing language barriers to bilingual glaziers who may not feel comfortable testing in English. The Spanish test is now available anytime the English test is administered.
Offering both English and Spanish versions of the KBT opens certification opportunities to more qualified glaziers across the U.S. and Canada.
“Translating the test was important because there are many glaziers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to earn AGMT certification who were intimidated by testing in English,” explained AGMT Program Manager Scott Kennett. “Removing that barrier is a big step forward in ensuring that a wider segment of the glazing population has access to the AGMT certification program.”
Experienced architectural glass and metal technicians (glaziers) earn AGMT certification by passing both the written KBT and a hands-on Performance-Based Test (PBT). Field conditions require bilingual glaziers to read and interpret drawings and instructions in English, so the PBT did not require translation. By contrast, the KBT requires the ability to read and answer detailed questions; translation helps ensure comprehension by a wider audience.
The test was translated by Globalization Partners International (GPI), an ISO 17100:2015 certified translation service provider also certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for information security management. Following translation, the Spanish KBT and study materials underwent a detailed review by a panel of four bilingual AGMT certified glaziers representing different geographic regions: Jose Cisneros (San Francisco, Calif.), Juan Grandos (Houston, Texas), Erick Hernandez (Baltimore, Md.), and Fernando Romero (Los Angeles, Calif.). They ensured translation consistency with real-world terminology used in the field by Spanish-speaking glaziers. The Spanish KBT underwent live beta testing from March through May, with 16 glaziers taking the newly translated exam to both positive results and enthusiastic feedback.
District Council 36 Glazier Coordinator and former glazing foreman Mike S. Galstaun holds AGMT certification. He estimates that 80 percent of the Southern California glazing population speaks Spanish. “Since 2021, glaziers have been asking for a test in Spanish. In less than two years, the program has made it happen,” he said. “I believe with the Spanish test we can open more doors and facilitate more certifications. Glaziers are super excited.”
Since the AGMT program launch in 2019, 1,490 glaziers have earned certification, representing 36 states and four Canadian provinces.
