Whereas some industries must comply with mandatory certification regulations, commercial vehicle maintenance generally does not. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no benefit to seeking voluntary certification of one’s knowledge and expertise in the areas of technical and managerial ability.

Certification itself is a means of documenting and validating one’s professional reputation. It affords the opportunity for measuring one’s skills against industry-accepted standards that are objectively determined. Moreover, certifications are not just credentials; they can be viewed as strategic tools that deliver tangible value to both the certification holder and the holder’s employer.

The certification process is a disciplined one, designed to both measure competence but also improve performance. Shortcomings can be identified in the certification process, providing a roadmap for personal and professional growth. Successfully completing industry-accepted certifications can not only instill confidence and spur career success it can also impart a sense of personal satisfaction to successful candidates. Being certified in your profession can distinguish you among your peers, prepare you for advancement and develop you to serve as a mentor or role model for others. What’s more, certification saves the company more money than the investment in the certification program via more effective preventive and predictive maintenance leading to fewer breakdowns and vehicles out-of-service, more efficient use of labor, and maintenance cost control.

Voluntary certification opportunities are available for technicians at all levels in their careers. These certifications are also available for fleet supervisors, managers, and data specialists. Certifications are also important for the schools and training centers that develop new technicians — so critical to solving the industry’s need for its next generation workforce. Unfortunately, many industry stakeholders do not pursue certification for a variety of reasons and are missing out — does this sound familiar?

Attend this session as we present a compelling case for voluntary industry certifications. Representatives from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the ASE Education Foundation, the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI), and the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) will be on hand to discuss the benefits of technician, educational facility, and managerial certification on commercial vehicle maintenance operations. If your operation isn’t embracing industry certification opportunities, this session will explain what your company and its employees are missing.