A chimney sweep is a professional cleaner that ensures that your chimney is clean and safe to operate. A chimney sweep will be familiar with all of the mechanics of a fireplace and furnace flues in order to properly remove soot and debris. Many chimney sweeps are now also trained to maintain different types of venting systems, like appliances that use oil and wood heat to operate. If this sounds like the type of job you would be interested in, you will need to complete several steps to become a chimney sweep.

Sign up for courses that will train you to become a chimney sweep. You must go though a specialized trade training program to start working as a chimney sweep. The Chimney Safety Institute has regular training programs that focus on different areas of the chimney sweep profession.

Complete the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Exam. At the end of your training, you must take a certification exam for chimney sweeps. The exam covers inspecting chimney systems, maintenance of residential heating appliances, sweeping the chimney and clearing out debris. You must prepare for the examination over the course of your training program.

Join the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Once you get your certification, you will want to join this union in order to attend trade shows, get updates on chimney codes that can affect your business and receive discounts on liability insurance. Your name will also be registered in the group's database, which will allow potential customers to find your contact information.

Start your own chimney sweep business, or apply to become a chimney sweep with an established company. To search for available openings, you can use a job search engine like Simply Hired.