Certified Professional Detailer?

[VWR32]

How does one achieve this coveted status? I have read of many "professional classes", but none that offer such a name. Id it a program offered at a trade schools? What are your thoughts?

[RTexasF]

First I've ever heard of it.

[Mike Phillips]

Certifications for detailing are a popular topic the problem is getting some kind of agreement in the industry is tough to do.

Besides that, whose to say a person can attend a class, get certified by whoever is holding the class, but then go back and do shoddy work?

Factory paint is thin, that's a issue.

A mechanic can be certified and bold on a starter motor but he doesn't have to contend with thin paint, just a couple of bolts and a wrench. Polishing paint takes more "care" and "passion" than can be guaranteed by a certification.

The certificate we provide is modeled after the certificate I used while at Meguiar's and that's a "Certificate of Participation", not accomplishment because there's no way to control the kind of quality work a person turns out after attending a class.


Just some thoughts on the topic...

[Mike Phillips]

If I were looking for a detailer to work on my car, I would trust the write-ups of the detailers work and the feedback provided about them on a forum like this as it's kind of like Angie's List in that it's self-policing.


Forums are great because everything is out in the public...

[Dr Oldz]

I find word of mouth is better than any kind of certificate. It may take doing some jobs in the begining fairly cheap to gain someone's trust. But after a few people have faith in you to take care of their vehicle, they will tell others!

Personally, I would rather have someone tell me "he/she did a great job and I would go there again" then to go to someone who just has a bunch of papers on the wall!

[rwright]

I have inquired about a certain program out there and to this date I have not received a response. If this is such a great thing then why do those who push it not appear on the list? I'm not attempting to start trouble or anything, I honestly just want a response. I am interested but need a justification.


Sent using Tapatalk

[nickelanddime]

To me its a little like being a tattoo artist there isn't any certification, its exacting work and its not always the same, but if you are good you have a portfolio to show customers its more an art than something that can be taught

[silverfox]

There are so many types of paint and conditions to influence the proper solution that it would be near impossible to get a certification that meant anything. Conditions in a controlled class situation may not necessarily be duplicated. Nothing replaces passion and experience.

I'd love to take a class but I'd prefer even more...hanging out with prominent detailers picking their brains and experiencing what they face on any given day. That would be worth more to me than a piece of paper.

[dtuna42]

To me its a little like being a tattoo artist there isn't any certification, its exacting work and its not always the same, but if you are good you have a portfolio to show customers its more an art than something that can be taught

I believe most states require licensing for tattooist's. Doesn't mean they're good, I think it has more to do with the laws requiring sanitizing and/or disposal of different equipment, insurance, etc...

[opie_7afe]

imo id rather there be no certifications for detailing. seems like every industry now wants you to have a piece of paper saying your certified. that piece of paper is worthless, as if your a great detailer it shows in the quality of your work and how you explain stuff to your clients.people should grade you on the quality of work you do not a silly piece of paper...real world experience is worth way more then that piece of paper. hope i helped with my opinion