Taking Vehicle Wraps to the Next Level

Knowing how to apply vinyl to a vehicle is an important skill to have, but that alone doesn’t define a great — even master — installer. The ability to apply any type of vinyl to any type of surface, and to do it cleanly with no mistakes or errors, is a sign of someone who knows exactly what they are doing. SGIA (Booth 1961) created the PDAA Master Certification program to give those who stand above the rest the opportunity to show off their talents.

To become a Certified Master, candidates must prove they have the skills in several key areas:

• Control of Depth Cut Test
• Acrylic Test
• Trailer Test – Flat with Rivets
• Vehicle Wrap Side Test
• Vehicle Wrap Trimming and Finishing Test

Those interested in pursuing the program must be members of SGIA and must pay the $850 fee, which helps cover the cost of materials, as well as the time and space to administer the test. SGIA holds certification events roughly once every quarter, and candidates are encouraged to both watch videos on the site that will show them exactly what they are expected to do for the exam, but also get training ahead of time. The association is working with a variety of OEMs who provide training, and is in the process of updating the video series to ensure candidates get a good look at what they are expected to know.

Ray Weiss, SGIA’s Director of Digital Print Programs, notes that roughly 75 to 80% of those who attempt the certification actually achieve it, with around 180 installers across the country having earned the status to date. In addition to the certificate, those who pass are also added to SGIA’s online database, which other print service providers (PSPs) looking to outsource vehicle graphic installation can use to find an expert in their area.

To be awarded the Master Certification status, candidates must pass all five areas of expertise. However, notes Weiss, unlike with some other programs, if an installer wants to try again, they only need to re-take the portions they failed the first time. “To become certified, they aren’t stuck with having to redo the entire test,” he says.

In 2019, SGIA plans to offer an additional element to the certification process, allowing those who have earned certified master status to then earn additional badges showing off their expertise in specific areas. For example, an installer could earn additional badges in areas such as window tinting or color change wraps, so PSPs looking to outsource can ensure they are connecting with an expert that fits their needs exactly.

“Do they do everything? Just flat surfaces, only cars, etc.” asks Weiss. “We want PSPs to be able to dial in on the right installer for the job.” Those who are interested in pursuing one of the badges once they go live next year will need to prove their expertise before earning them, just as they did with the Master Certification status to begin with.

To get a better feel for what a Master Certified installer is capable of, stop by booth 4118 to talk to — and gets hands-on experience with — those who have already achieved the status. They will be on hand to help walk attendees through applying a wide variety of vinyls to a range of surfaces, as well as answer any questions.