Bub Abraham's Certification Article.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by buda
We have developed a detail knowledge test that I would guarantee 95% of the detailers on this forum could not pass.

Why?

Because few, if any detailers have had any formal knowledge training.

You know buda, we don't need this kind of in-your-face-talk on our forum and we certainly don't want it.

You might be right about the percentage of people that could not pass this test and you might be wrong, either way you are not going to win any friends by communicating like this. It will not be tolerated.

[Lt1Corvette]

Originally posted by buda

We have developed a detail knowledge test that I would guarantee 95% of the detailers on this forum could not pass.

Why?

Because few, if any detailers have had any formal knowledge training.

Regards
Bud Abraham

Do you have an example or online version of one of these tests? I am curious how I would do on your test.

[buda]

From a technical point of view the I CAR test is good. A great deal of time and effort went into the program a few years back.

They are a well respected independent group in the collision repair industry and techs really want to have their certification certificates.

Mike, I am sorry for my "in your face" commentary, but I feel that detailers that "bad-mouth" certification are also doing a bit of "in your face too."

In deference to your forum rules, I will be more sensitive to my "in your face" comments.

No intent to insult you or anyone on the forum, but trying to make a point that we need to know what we don't know and I have administered this test to numerous "experienced" detailers who could not pass it.

Does that mean a person who does not know the rules of basketball can't play it like an all star? Or a person who has never read the driver's license book or owner's manual cannot drive a car?

Of course not, but we would feel much better as a coach or a passenger in the car if the person did have some knowledge.

That is my point.

Bud Abraham

[detailbarn]

Bud
Looks like you may have missed my question , so here it is again. Thanks

"Bud two questions for you what do you think of I-cars program? Second what would be your outline of a proper certification program. Who do you think should run such a program and how would it operate? Thanks for your insite and thanks for everyone else who posted as well."

[buda]

Sorry that I missed the point of your question:

1. Since I have only briefly read thru the program outline I cannot comment definitively on the program. However, knowing the reputation of I-CAR I would have to say, given that I must answer a YES or No question it is a good one, and worth the time and effort to take the course.

2. Who should conduct a certification program? Obviously, an independent group like I-CAR that is not trying to sell anything. The training programs offered by chemical companies, unfortunately are jaudiced toward selling their products, as one would expect.

3. Outline for the course?

a. Knowledge on paints, chemical; leathers, vinyls; carpets
engines, wheels; rubbers, plastics and any other item
on a vehicle the detailer would be working on. It is my
contention you need to understand the nature of the
material you are working on so you can properly clean it
without damage.

b. Cleaning/detailing tools and technology. A detailer needs
to know about everything that is out there that they can
use to clean/detail a vehicle.

c. Procedures, the philosophy of detailing a vehicle from
start to finish.

That covers the technical side of detailing, but I believe, that you should also be given a course in Developing and Operating a Successful Detailing Business.

In order words, just because you can technically detail a car does not mean you can operate a business that does detailing. You need to know and understand the important things it takes to run a business.

Hope that answers your questions.

Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS

[Rollman]

I think its a good article with plenty of merit . I don't see anything wrong with certification . This industry is full of hack detailer's that do nothing for the good of the industry as a whole . Customer's pay for subpar work and the industry Pays when these same customer's go away unhappy .

Cerification isn't the so called " magic pill " to fix the problems wrong with this industry but it is a good first step down a long road .

I believe anyone not committed to doing the very best in what ever they do shouldn't fear learning . After all that's really what this is all about . Doing everything in your powers to constantly learn how to improve .

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Rollman
I think its a good article with plenty of merit . I don't see anything wrong with certification . This industry is full of hack detailer's that do nothing for the good of the industry as a whole . Customer's pay for subpar work and the industry Pays when these same customer's go away unhappy .

Cerification isn't the so called " magic pill " to fix the problems wrong with this industry but it is a good first step down a long road .

I believe anyone not committed to doing the very best in what ever they do shouldn't fear learning . After all that's really what this is all about . Doing everything in your powers to constantly learn how to improve .

Well said.

[mirrorfinishman]

Re: Bub Abraham's Certification artice.

Originally posted by detailbarn
For those who have a subscription to Professional Carwashing & Detailing, what is your opinion on the article in the September issue titled "Is it time for certification?" Written by Bud Abraham.

Once again, Mr. Abraham has put together a very well written article. This time it's about a subject that is long overdue. Just read the title; 'Is it time for certification?' He's basically asking us to think about the need and the benefits of certification. This is what a good leader does. They lead people in order to put change into motion.

In my opinion, Mr. Abraham is simply trying to get detailers and detailing business owners motivated to take action. After all, things won't change until people change.

Personally, I would give Mr. Abraham the credit he is due for being at the forefront of our industry for the past three decades.

[Rollman]

Re: Re: Bub Abraham's Certification artice.

Originally posted by mirrorfinishman


In my opinion, Mr. Abraham is simply trying to get detailers and detailing business owners motivated to take action. After all, things won't change until people change.

I agree 100% things won't change until people change .

There are some detailer's taking step's to insure the long-term survival of the business, one group I believe doing so is the PDTA .

[Dragpakmach]

I say if theres a test make it 2 part one being written and the other hands on if certification is a big deal to the customer because ultimatley thats the person thats gonna care not the owners counting their revenue in the back room.

[Phil's Automotive]

I just registered for the I-CAR Detailing class. I will let everyone know what i think of it at the end of this month.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Phil's Automotive
I just registered for the I-CAR Detailing class. I will let everyone know what i think of it at the end of this month.

Please do Phil and Thank You!

[Superior Shine]

I can't find the I car auto detailing class anywhere in Ca, Nv, AZ or Fl !!!

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Superior Shine
I can't find the I car auto detailing class anywhere in Ca, Nv, AZ or Fl !!!

I did some searching in the I-CAR website and found the Detailing Course in SoCal but it's only offered in Spanish.

[SpoiledMan]

Doesn't Rightlook offer training?