Do you need NGA certifications?

[everest_4]

How many of you on here have any kind of certifications besides the ones from Delta? Is it important for someone starting in this industry to get his NGA certifications or other certs?

[SGT]

****This is a repost from the 5 post down title New Factory Trained Technicians****

Delta Kits Certification- provides the technician with the Delta Kits reccomended practices to develope a proficient skill base to build upon which will provide a strong foundation and confidence level.

NGA and NWRA Certifications- both focus on the Repair Of Laminated Auto Glass Standard and provide you with a knowlege base as to what is required to be compliant with the current standard. The programs do have differences in course ciriculum outside the scope of the standard though.

You ask why would I get certified?

Well, first let me say up front being certified does not mean you are a good technician. As long as you meet the criteria for taking the test, anyone good at taking tests could pass. Coming from a highly regulated aviation industry, I have had to take many, many written tests, oral tests and practical tests to obtain my airframe and powerplant licenses and aircraft fleet specific certifications so I beleive certification provides credibility and shows a certainl level of knowledge, commitment to your trade, high level of ethics, quality standards and customer safety. Beyond that I took both certification tests for the WRO as well. I thought it would factor in somehow. While I do believe, and I may be wrong, I did have the most certifications of all competitors I do not think it mattered in hindsight for the competition.

Do you need to be certified?

Absolutely not. There are no repair police running around to stop you. I am sure there are terrific technician doing great work in good faith everyday who are not certified, will never get certified and have never even visted this forum. That being said, insurance work in the near future may show preference to a shop or technician who is certified if the customer does not have a shop preference. Who knows what may be coming down the pike legislatively or other as well.

Do you need one or both?

Well I guess we all have to decide what is best for ourselves so only you can determine that. For me, my attention to detail on all levels may actually be a negative character trait at times but as the NWRA and NGA keep trying to promote existing certified technicians, real value may be realized in having all certifications so I have both. If you could only get one certification, I would go with the NWRA as it is the body that is working in our favor. I know some feel otherwise and we might find more benefit if we all took a more proactive role in our industry which means getting involved outside of this forum. If we want change we have to be part of it.

Sorry if I got off track there a little. Just giving everyone my insight. If you decide to take any certifications and need help, just PM me.Safe Glass Technologies

Delta Kits Certified
N.W.R.A. Certified
N. G. A. Certified
2008 WRO Silver
2009 WSRPOTYSGT
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[Nomad]

I agree with SGT that being certified doesn't guarantee that you can do good work. In fact there is moral hazard here as people depending on someone else to approve (certify) that some one has the integrity, honesty and skill necessary to do good work will not do the necessary research to find out if that person really is on the up and up. One only has to look at the current economic situation where the SEC certified Bernie Madoff and went out and ripped people off for fifty billion. A wise consumer will ask around, get references from friends etc before letting someone do the work.

Saying that, it cannot hurt to have the certification if and when a customer might ask for it. Doesn't happen often, but might in the future. Proper training in your chosen equipment and experience will do more for your confidence than a piece of paper will. In other words, while you don't need certifications, they certainly would be nice to have and will give some people and companies greater respect for and confidence in your work.

[Eco Steam]

I joined the NGA, but it was mainly to get the discounts.....just being honest. It hasn't really benefited my company being a member. I will more than likely skip next year on paying the $300 annual fee.

Discounts on training for Installation tech and documents, and the certification. It was cheaper if I joined!