Many people often visit autobody shops with the assumption that their technicians are licensed and properly trained. But, some might wonder how they can be sure their car professional is actually an expert. Below you’ll learn more about the special training autobody employees go through and how to know if they’re certified.
I-CAR Certifications – A Must for Any Autobody Technician
An I-CAR certification is commonly needed for a technician to work at an autobody shop. This training system requires each student to go through intense training in a variety of areas. These include welding, electrical diagnostics, auto damage appraisals, and refinishing techniques.
To ensure that each student is knowledgeable in these courses, numerous tests are given. These will determine whether they pass or need to study more. I-CAR programs are mainly broken up into two sections:
Platinum – shows that a professional is skilled in vehicle technology and basic repair.
Gold – indicates the highest performance in welding, collision repair, and framework adjustments.
But, once they pass, most reliable autobody shops will require their technicians to occasionally re-train with the program. This way, they can stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and technology.
Besides ensuring that a technician is certified, it helps an autobody shop understand where workers will shine best. This guarantees that your car is properly cared for.
Are There Other Required Certifications?
The necessary certifications will depend on the business. At Downtown Autobody, we also require our technicians to be ASE certified. This program guides them through the correct ways to repair and service vehicles. Some aspects that are taught include:
- Advanced engine performance
- Light repair
- Vehicle part identification
- Collision repair
It also touches on luxury car restoration and the unique needs certain brands require. As with I-CAR certifications, ASE certifications must be renewed and refreshed every year or so.
How Do I Know if a Worker is Certified?
Many times, an autobody shop will display the required certifications each of its workers need. However, if you’re unable to find this information during a quick Internet search, you might want to contact them. Most will be happy to answer your concerns and can give you a detailed response about the required training their technicians need.
It’s important to ensure that your autobody professional is properly certified. This way, you can rest assured that your car is adequately fixed. All of Downtown Autobody’s technicians are I-CAR and ASE certified and go through extra training to make sure that your car is in good hands.
