Barry Costa

An IICRC approved instructor in the areas of Carpet Repair and Reinstallation; Water Damage Restoration, Barry has instructed across the United States, Canada, the U.K. and Australia.  The recipient of the “John Mauciere Excellence in Education”, “George Cervenka Volunteerism Award”, “2003 CleanFax Person of the Year”, “The Ralph Bloss Humanitarian Award”, as well as other honors bestowed in this industry including “Instructor of the Year”, twice voted by his peers in the IICRC.

Barry’s certifications within the cleaning and restoration industries include:  IICRC certified Master Cleaner; Master Restorer; Senior Carpet Inspector.  Barry was also an approved OSHA General Industry Outreach Trainer. 

Barry is a contributing author to the national water damage standard’s S500-94 and S500 2nd edition and the newly revised ANSI/IICRC S500 3rd edition as well as S100, S300, S520 and the newly approved ANSI/IICRC approved S520 2nd edition.

Upcoming Classes Taught by Barry Costa

Name Date Location Name Price Event Link
IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT)Monday, April 29, 2024Online - Zoom$499.00View Event
IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT)Monday, May 13, 2024Online - Zoom$499.00View Event
IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT)Monday, May 20, 2024Online - Zoom$499.00View Event
IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT)Monday, June 10, 2024Online - Zoom$499.00View Event
IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT)Monday, June 24, 2024Online - Zoom$499.00View Event
IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT)Monday, July 8, 2024Online - Zoom$499.00View Event
IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT)Monday, July 22, 2024Online - Zoom$499.00View Event

What students say...

"A game-changer for me!"

Damian Lynch

I can't express enough how grateful I am for the Water Restoration Technician training I received from the Costa Group Education. It has been a game-changer for me!  The comprehensive program equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to handle any water damage situation with precision and efficiency.  Barry Costa was absolutely exceptional, with years of industry experience and a genuine passion for imparting his knowledge. 

"It was the most fun and engaging class I've ever taken in my life."

Samantha Bambach

I can't recommend Barry Costa's courses enough. I took his WTR course with two months of experience as a project manager under my belt and came out feeling confident in my ability to do a job right and to pass the IICRC test.

Barry goes beyond the basics but in a very digestible way! It was the most fun and engaging class I've ever taken in my life. He is so committed to his teaching and will take the time to ensure every person taking his class understands the material.

Thank you, Barry! 

"One of the best teachers out there"

Nicholas Penev

I just wanted to say thanks for the great class. You are one of the best teachers out there.

I hope that more people have the pleasure of being your student.

I will be sure to send any future workers here with the full confidence that they are in good hands. 

"I learned far more than I expected"

Ted Menadier

Taking Barry’s class exceeded my expectations for taking the WRT class. He taught to the needs of each of his students and gave me critical information that I could use as a business owner. I learned far more than I expected and easily passed the exam with a grade of 98%. The amount of knowledge Barry has in the restoration industry is unparalleled.  His study tools made test preparation easy and effective, but Barry didn’t just teach the test. I am far more proficient at water restoration in practical ways that I can utilize in my business because Barry taught practical and important information that was functional in addition and how to utilize that information in the S500 to be successful.   

"I have a newfound confidence in my capabilities"

John Pruitt

Since I was a child, I have struggled with math. I was unable to read, solve, and understand equations. Literally 2 days in Barry’s class blessed me with this skill. I have been insecure and ashamed of my inability to comprehend math. Barry has truly changed the way I look at myself and solidified the direction to go with my business. I have a newfound confidence in my capabilities and intelligence. This instructor treated me with understanding and care. Not sympathy or empathy. Mr. Costa extended a true helping hand to me. Not only for my career but my life. I thank God for putting Mr. Costa and Carol in my path. I will Never forget the experience and feeling of security this class provided me. 

"Hands down the best instructor I have found"

Jeffrey Lee Chester

I’ve been in the restoration industry since 1999, I am a Master Water and Fire Restorer. Through the years I have attended many training courses and with out a doubt Barry Costa is hands down the best instructor I have found. Barry’s approach to learning impacted me so much, I not only scored well on my exam, but I also now see water restoration in a whole new light. I would highly recommend Barry Costa to anyone wanting to better understand what it is to be a professional restorer. My only regret is that I didn’t find Barry’s teaching 23 years ago. 

"[Barry] made this class lively and entertaining..."

Jason Stone,
Compleat Restorations

Although the class was online which I am not a fan of, [Barry] made this class lively & entertaining as well as the obvious fact that he knows what he's doing & teaching as well as how much passion he has for this industry & more specifically, water restoration.

I am extremely pleased to have chosen the Water Restoration Technician class led by Barry Costa of the Costa Group with the amazing support of his wife, Carol, as they have both confirmed knowledge that I had already learned & put to use prior within my 14 plus combined years within the restoration & insurance industries as well as taught me knew knowledge & ideas on how to look at every drying situation differently.

There should never be a time in our lives that we feel comfortable enough to stop learning as old dogs can learn new tricks. And lastly, never forget those five words that every restorer should remember; Shall, Should, Recommend, May, Can.

Thank you both for this experience!