Windshield Repair Forum

Hey.

Some real good posts here, for sure.

Couple of points.

$180, 000 to develop a written test? Hmmmm.

I and many other individuals on this forum could have developed one for $10,000 if asked.

Or even $5000.

$150 to take the test?

That's what turned me off in the first place.

We need hand's on testing as well as a written test. I see no reason that anyone who has passed through a supplier training course such as but not limited to Delta shouldn't be immediately certified by the NWRA after taking the written test.

(That should be monitored closely. I can think of one major replacement shop in particular that would end up sewing a certification patch on the shoulder of anyone who knew how to attach the suction cup within a foot of the ding.)

Furthermore, I can see no point to certification without hand's on tests anymore than I could accept certification of a relacement tech without actually installing a windshield.

The point was made that someone could take the present NWRA test and be certified without even cracking a bottle of resin.

Exactly.

Once a realistic and MEANINGFUL certification is in place, an attempt should then be made to convince the networks to use that as a guideline for insurance leads.

When I see that the NWRA is actively working toward those goals, I'll join.

And, I'm NOT denigrating the NWRA. There are many good things they have accomplished and are attempting to accomplish.

I think the only way to get some kind of certification that would actually mean something to the average consumer or even insurance company would be an ASE certification. This is the most well known in the auto industry, you see all kinds of credentials in all professions such as G.R.I for realitors, F.A.C.S for alot of doctors ect. But if you look at the last 2 examples, does the average person know or care what those letters mean ?, I doubt it. I am PPG certified for paint and bodywork, this gives me an ASE patch and diploma. No big deal but to the general public it says that I have some kind of acceptable training in my field.

I had to work in an autobody related field for at least 6 months to be eligable, buy the course material from PPG and then the test was given at a local community college. The test was on paper only, I did not have to actually do any real repairs to pass. So all my credentials really mean is that I can read a book and pass a test, that is all we will most likely ever get from this industry but it is at least something the rest of the world will feel comfortable with.

You hammered home my point, Blind Squirrel.

"Certification" means nothing without an objective, non-vested and honest, unbiased" certification".

But, I do, respectfully, disagree with your contention that the NWRA could not eventually be the one who eventually provides a valid certification assuming they get off dead center and extricate and separate themselves from certain mis-alliances that I think preclude such objectivity.

Associations and organizations have a tendency to change and revise their original philosophic intent simply in order to survive.

I don't think, or at least I hope the NWRA hasn't degenerated to the point that they have forgotten their original intent and who they should represent.

That remains to be seen and that is part of what I will address to their president in another post.

I remember your old name and like this one better.

Where did it come from?

I didn't feel the need for either an organization like the NWRA or certification when I got into the business 16 years ago.

But, times change.

Roughly ten years ago, we were beginning to be considered as a SERIOUS threat by the replacement industry and they marshalled their considerable forces along with their considerable bankroll in order to contain us.

(One network in particular only requires a 15% repair to replacement ratio by their members and I'm not sure they even pay any attention to that measly requirement).

Or.

Take a look at what's happening in Connecticut today. Another attempt by "guess who" to stifle the repair industry.

The NWRA has accomplished much and could do much more toward limiting or erasing outside interference instituted by our competition.

Issues that we either cannot beat down individually or don't have time to pay attention to except collectively.

This forum is a perfect example of what I'm talking about.

The question of proper certification goes much deeper than whether we as individual techs feel a need for same. I think it serves the repair industry as a whole.

It certainly couldn't hurt us.

I remember how simple this business was in the beginning.

But, those days are long gone.