IDA certification

[ClearVue18]

Well if you are the worst detailer in the world, it's gonna be hard to answer the 100+ questions on the exams with 80%+ note in each category. They do verify you know what you are doing in every single aspect of detailing. While it is not perfect, it is still a good starting point to verify if at least you have the theory down and know what you are doing. Then if you decide to do the skill verification test, you have to show the work on an actual car. I don't see how you can fake that.

When you look at the board of directors for the IDA, most of the big names in the industry are there. I think it would be nice to see Kevin Brown on the board and maybe Garry Dean and Larry Kozilla but as it is right now, I have a lot of confidence it the ability of the board to represent the industry in a good way. So who certifies them? I think their legacy speaks for itself. Mike, Renny and Yvan have been trainning people for decades. I don't see who could be better suited to establish the parameters for testing and certifying others.

Yes not tryin to be a A-hole here or maybe I am a lil. Hire a electrician for your next home project that has never went to any type of schooling except for taking a 100 question survey and google at their fingertips. Let them show you that they received a certification sticker from a business that no one knows anything about. Then let me know what happens. I’ve included a boat and sample water to get the voyage going


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[Mike Phillips]

They do verify you know what you are doing in every single aspect of detailing. While it is not perfect, it is still a good starting point to verify if at least you have the theory down and know what you are doing.

And that portion I made bold is the key part of your statement.


No matter what, EVERY endeavor starts with a starting point. No starting point is an automatic failure. Simply by starting you now have a base where you can then grow and get worse or grow and get better.

It's easy for our industry to complain, stepping up to the plate and doing something requires work, dedication and tenacity and a lot of the times the seeds planted won't turn into success until years down the road but they would not have had a chance without first someone starting something.

[Mike Phillips]

Yes not tryin to be a A-hole here or maybe I am a lil.

Just to note, this isn't the place to be or type like a "lil A-hole".

Yes I know there are zillions of places on the Internet where this is not only acceptable but relished among some folk but not here. So consider this a very friendly admonition to not act or type like a lil A-hole. And here's a smiley face to mean friendly. If I were to mean this to be intended as anything else I would use a different emoticon. Just want to make that clear so there's no misunderstanding.


Also, here's the forum rules just to make sure everyone reading this into the future is very clear on what is acceptable and what is not acceptable behavior on this forum. I will highlight the pertinent portions in red text. And the IDA while technically is an organization, it is under the umbrella of the term company in rule 4.


Forum Rules


The purpose of Autogeekonline.com is for detailing discussion, providing a place for likeminded auto "Geeks" to share knowledge and partake in fellowship.

1. The AutogeekOnline discussion forum is exclusively sponsored by Autogeek.com. Product discussion should be limited to products that are available from Autogeek.com and PBMA's family of websites.

Links, videos or recommendations to competing products and companies that are not available through Autogeek.com will be moved to the Moderators forum and offenders will be warned or simply placed into the SELF-BANNED category of member groups on this forum.

Repeated linking and recommendations of products not available through Autogeek.com may result in a permanent ban. Moderators have the right to edit any posts that contain links, recommendations or other information pertaining to competing companies that are not associated with Autogeek.com


2. No arguing with Moderators or Administrators.

3. You are welcome to disagree but you must be polite.

4. No bashing any company or their products. No bashing other people. If you can't say anything nice about someone, then don't say anything at all, this also includes talking to others in a demeaning manner.


REMEMBER this forum is here for those that are new to detailing and those that have been doing this for years. We expect that you treat everyone with respect no matter what their level of detailing is. We all had to start somewhere.


5. Forum Nicknames and Avatars must be family friendly, they cannot even hint towards anything raunchy, sleazy, sexual or inappropriate. When in doubt we will err on the side of caution and ask you to choose a different Avatar or Nickname.

6. E-mail addresses cannot be used as a forum nickname.

7. If any thread gets off topic it will be at the discretion of the moderator to close and/or move it to moderators corner.

8. Keep language "G Rated", this includes insinuations. If you wouldn't say it in front of your grandparents, your parents or your children, then you shouldn't probably be posting to the AutogeekOnline forum.

9. Self-promoting clickable links are not allowed in your posts. Detailers can put a link to their company in their signature, as long as they are not selling anything but their services.

10. Moderators have the right to move any thread that does not follow within the AGO rules to moderators corner.

11. Only one account per member! The only conceivable reason for multiple accounts would be for fraudulent activity. You will be banned for this action immediately.

12. Continuously breaking the rules to disrupt the online community will result in you being banned from the forum.

13. No Commercial sales, personal sales or samples from competing companies. One post trying to promote and you will have banned yourself permanently. This is a private forum not an open forum. No links to outside companies for sales either.

14. All messages posted to AutogeekOnline become the property of Autogeek.net. and may not be deleted without first obtaining permission.

15. No personal attacks toward members or non-members will be tolerated.




Exceptions:
We stand behind our Moderators, if our Moderators think you're causing problems for the online community they are empowered to take whatever action necessary to correct the problem.


Rule Infraction Enforcement
Everyone makes mistakes however; pushing the house rules to the limit will not be tolerated. Therefore, chronic and severe violators of AGO rules will be warned, put on a Queue (time-out), or completely banned based on the severity of the violation. We will apply rule enforcement as follows:

1st time offense - Warning: Minor rule infractions, you will be sent a PM or email by a moderator pointing out the infraction. There will be no action at this time outside of the warning.

2nd time offense - Queue: This will give you a 24 hour up to a two week forum break. This will occur after you have been warned previously or if you are involved with bashing of other members, being a hot-head, spamming, bad language, posting inappropriate materials.

3rd and last time - Banned: You will have effectively banned yourself if you are a repeat offender or if you are involved with any of the following....blatant spamming/selling, attacking forum moderators, pornography, racial/sexist/threatening posts, trolling, fraud, liable/slander, multiple accounts, shills.

[Neospektiv]

Mike turned me on to this site after I sent him the email about the VIF. I am relatively new to the world of auto detailing. However I own a few other companies in the countertop, homebuilding and healthcare industries and am not new to being a "noobie."

While some may not find value in the IDA, it will only become what the members make of it and are willing to invest in it. Some trade organizations are better than others. The countertop industry organization (ISFA) never really caught on and its membership is steadily declining, the Homebuilders association is good depending on what chapter you are in, CEDIA is incredible - but techies thrive on knowledge, the healthcare associations...... well everyone just wants to tell you how important they are.

I love to learn. I probably read (or listen to - love audible) 3-4 books per month on business, marketing, sales, operations and also scour sites like this for businesses I am involved in. No, the majority of the information is pointless or repetitive, but I am just looking for that one single idea that will make me some money. For instance, the VIF form, it may not be exactly what I want for my business, but it gives me a starting platform to build on and I do not have to reinvent the wheel myself or pay a team member to waste time creating something from scratch. BINGO - last night's email to Phillip made (or saved) me money.... at least when I get a copy of it.

I also see that the auto detailing industry deals with "hacks" just like the other industries I am in. My advice is to not worry about it. Every industry needs people at the low end, the high end and everywhere in between. Yes it will suck to see the poor quality of some operators, but if you lose a customer to them it is on you.... either 1) you were trying to sell a client that was not in your target demographic or 2) you clearly did not sell the value of your company in a way the client understood. Plus it feels sooooo good when they come back to have you fix the problem after they go the cheap route.

My primary income comes from my luxury homebuilding company and work with Global 500's, but all of my companies are in the luxury segment as that is where I am comfortable. I used to worry about low cost competition or "hacks" all the time when I was younger. It is not worth your time worrying about. Figure out how to sell against it and understand who your ideal customer is so that you do not waste your time.

What matters is are you happy with where you are at? Are you making the money you want to make? Is your company doing what you want? These answers will be different for every single person. Don't compare yourself to others, just focus on yourself. We all are at different levels in our professional and personal development.

If you don't like your answers to any of these questions, the problem is not the association, or the client, or the competition. The problem is yourself. This is so simple to understand, yet so tough to act on because it attacks our pride. Nothing sucks more than having someone critique you and your idea. You will be stronger for it though.

I am looking forward to being a part of this industry. I love cars and finally have some breathing room to tackle something new.

We are just finishing the build out of our detailing studio in Dallas. I am running behind, but plan on being in full operation in September. (My family and I spend the summers in OR) I am really looking forward to learning from you all and hopefully I will be able to add value as well.

[LSNAutoDetailing]

Yes not tryin to be a A-hole here or maybe I am a lil. Hire a electrician for your next home project that has never went to any type of schooling except for taking a 100 question survey and google at their fingertips. Let them show you that they received a certification sticker from a business that no one knows anything about. Then let me know what happens. I’ve included a boat and sample water to get the voyage going


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Typically when Mike responds to a thread, there is usually little reason for anyone else to follow up, however, I've read through this post and feel the need to correct a few things. First off, ask the average Joe or Jane who drops their vehicle off at a mechanics shop, what does ASE stand for. Most probably could not tell you on the spot.

(1) Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a professional certification group that certifies professionals and shops in the automotive repair and service industry

(1) ASE certification is usually required (not by law but by employers) for those interested in pursuing a career in automotive mechanic/auto mechanic or automotive technician service

How is this different from the IDA? With that said, let me state that IDA is a formal organization for establishing standards, training, evaluation, continuing education and participation for those working in the vehicle detailing industry. IDA was recognized at SEMA and APEX. Mike has done a great job earlier in this thread explaining the value and importance of a professional organization so I digress.

Note that above ASE was started in 1972 and is NOT a requirement. But you can bet your bottom dollar I go to ASE certified mechanics.

Getting the IDA cert isn't about taking 10 tests and scoring a high score and getting a patch. My experience actually took some dedication, ambition, drive and financial re-investment. My Friday evening started off by saying bye to the wife and pups and jumping on a plane to Florida. Yes, purchasing air-line tickets, reserving a hotel and a rental car.

Saturday morning at 7:30 I arrived at Stuart FL and joined several others to embark on the certification. There was no google, or click-dot-com, the tests were administered by Mike Phillips himself. After each test we discussed who got what right, and who got what wrong and why.



Then came the eval, where I had to pull my rental car into the Show Car Garage and Mike methodically asked questions and for me to demonstrate techniques, and to explain why. Mike stood over my shoulder the whole time, so I can assert, there was no going to You Tube of Mike Phillips videos.

Note: Warren in the photo below is part of the USAF Air Force One Detail Team. He too had to fly down and take time out of his schedule as he felt getting the certification bettered himself and his profession.



The bonus at the end of the day was to scuff-n-buff a 1948 Willies Jeepster for one of Mike's clients.









While the average Jane or Joe may not know "IDA" they probably don't also know what "ASE" means, but does that matter? What I know is someone took the effort, the time, dedication and the where with all to set a goal and accomplishment for the betterment of themselves. One could say why get a Cisco Certification, or a VM Ware Cert, or a Windows Certified Engineer Cert., but the difference is, one took the time to prove to themselves they could professionally be challenged and pass the bar.

For me, it was one of the most memorable events in my detailing life. I made great friends, and if I can pass Mike Phillips' muster, then I'm doing something right. It's also nice to be only one of a few within 100 Miles who carry IDA CD-SV and IICRC Certifications.

P.S. I can't fire my employee, she'd cost me too much if I did... She's been with me 25 years... she probably wanted to fire me a few times... Off the roof that is!

Paul G, Mike Phillips and Brenda G (wife aka Interior Gal) at SEMA 2017








(1) - https://en.wikipedia.org/####/Automo...ice_Excellence

[Mike Phillips]

Wow!

Talk about a ROCKSTAR first post!

Welcome to AutogeekOnline!

[SharplineDetail]

Per Yvan Lacroix of Optimum Polymer Technologies and the IDA;

If you're asking what the IDA can do for you, instead of what you can do for the IDA you're asking the wrong question.

Those of us who give educational seminars, proctor tests and serve on the board or on committees, do so on a voluntary basis. No one is getting rich from the IDA. If you can't afford the membership, or feel it's not a good idea to support the industry that supports you, then move on instead of attempting to discourage others from joining.

Those of us that are not only members, but actually participate in the IDA get many benefits from our little membership dues. You get continued education in the form of newsletters, webinars, and education days like at MTE (Mobile Tech Expo). You get an association that is doing all it can with what little resources it has (the more members it has the more it can do for all of them) to make detailing legitimate. The Certified Detailer and Skills Verified tests are not pay and pass tests, some people fail them, and some of them have been doing it for years.

The IDA brings detailers together, and helps them elevate our industry with the participation of many detailers, but also industry suppliers. Many companies support the IDA financially because they know it's needed in our industry. When ASE, I-CAR and SEMA were started they had the same reluctance from potential members, look at them today, and what they do for their members. Unfortunately, detailing businesses are for the most part owned and managed by technicians, not business owners. It makes perfect business sense to join the IDA, but from a technician’s point of view, they see it as throwing money away because they're not getting a tool or chemical in return for it.

There are those that will tell you "A piece of paper doesn't mean you know how to detail" Those are the people who are missing the point. Certainly the CD and SV exams prove you have the basic knowledge to perform the job, but the certificates aren't going to magically make you a world class detailer or increase your bookings. You have to work that certificate - show it to potential customers as a sign that you cared enough to join a professional organization. Use the IDA events to network and learn from your contemporaries. Attend the numerous webinars that are offered. Tap into the vast network of resources (the people) of the IDA.

Also, the IDA isn't sponsored by a brand, it isn't selling you a product. Certainly, going to a manufacturer for training/learning when its offered is a good thing. Learning various techniques and perspectives is a good thing. The IDA is on neutral ground in terms of product - its centered on process.

[Guyb]

I would like to say as a member of the IDA, with CD-SV, I have never been bombarded with tons of emails related to the IDA. I get the monthly newsletter email and other notices and events. Yes, I have had the usual spam emails about detailing that many non-members have also received. To obtain cetification you can attend CD in a day events or take the test online. CD and Skills Validation are held across the U.S.
When I started out I was a member of this forum with no detailing skills. I had buffed out aircraft and cars before but never considered myself a detailer. Though the help of Mike Phillips and other members of this forum I gained a lot of knowledge and confidence in begining a transition into a second career as a detailer. I signed up for Mike’s Detailing Boot Camp which as we all know became Competition Ready Detailing Classes. My job schedule kept changing preventing me completing this class for quite a while, so I ended up training with Renny Doyle first. As part of wanting to be a successful detailer I looked for an association that could help me achieve my goals. The IDA provided me as a member, webinars that were live and recorded for my continued growth. After several months i decided to become certified by taking the test online. For me, even after reading all the books the Mike has written and the various study material I found online I considered the test to be a challenge. It was harder than my ASE certification I have. My next achievment was finally getting into Mike’s class and taking the IDA Skill Validation test afterwards. So now back on track of this post the IDA.

I now have a great group of detailers that I can call on when I have any detailing problems. I know these members have put in the hard work and effort to be called IDA detailers. All the webinars they have for me, well the are for everyone, members or not. Even at the annual meeting when the various awards are given out well surprise, even non-members can win some of the awards. The IDA is not about egos or being better than someone, it is about helping the detailing industry grow and become better recognized. Being a member of the IDA does not mean I am more skilled or better detailer than many of you. It means I have Code of Ethics that I detail by along with the skills I have gained. I recognize my limitations. The IDA has a world wide membership not just here in the USA so it is not just a few good old boys that formed a club. Oganizations come and go,it's the members that keep it going. If you are a detailer that makes money detailing, you should at least have an open mind and see if the IDA is for you and how you can give back to other detailers. If you don’t think its your cup of tea then don’t join. You really can’t knock an organization that you haven’t participated in.

[JCDetails]

I’ll echo guyb’s comments. I’m an ida member and recently got my CD, waiting on a more local opportunity to get the SV.

I maybe get one or two emails a month from the IDA. It’s definitely growing and I think it’s on us as detailers and members to help bring that awareness and recognition.

Not too many industry groups like this with leadership that can really walk the walk.

To be honest, there isn’t much in detailing that’s truly rocket science, so I found the tests to be awfully easy even being relatively new in the game and just making the transition from enthusiast to part-time weekend warrior.

At the very least the membership provides you a little credibility and some really good learning and networking opportunities. Whether you pursue certification is entirely up to you, but I think it’s a good thing. At the very least a step in the right direction for an industry that’s really the Wild West.


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[Calendyr]

Just received my certification package yesterday. A bit disapointed. I sent an email to the IDA and hope they can fix it...

1) There is an error in my business name on the certification. Since my business name is bilingual, there is a french character in 2 places in the name : é and it's missing entirelly at both places ;( So instead of reading Esthétique Auto Montréal Car Detailing, it's showing Esthtique Auto Montral Car Detailing... ;(

2) No patches for my uniforms... I don't know if they used to give them and no longer do, or it they never gave them and the patches I saw on various detailers were obtained by other means but I was hoping to get a few to put on my uniforms... I asked in my email so I am waiting for info on that....

Just minor stuff, but after paying 300$+ for a certificate and patches I am left on my appetite LOL

All kidding aside I am happy to have completed the certification, I hope it will be helpful in my marketing.