IDA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Phase I (the certification exams) consists of 10 exams, 10-20 questions each, in these subject areas: Equipment, Chemicals, Glass, Interior Detailing, Leather, Paint Correction & Protection, Wheels & Tires, Prep Wash/Wash Bay, Detailing Terminology, and Safety & Compliance. You need at least an 80% or better to pass each exam. When you purchase your first attempt of an exam, you are provided a free 2nd attempt (if you fail to achieve 80% or higher). Should you require a 3rd attempt (max. 3 attempts per exam), you may purchase an exam retake for $10 each. Once you purchase a retake, you will receive access information within eight business hours. If you do not pass an exam after three attempts, please contact us at info@the-ida.com regarding next steps.

IDA Certification is processed on a weekly basis. Upon submission of your enrollment order, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online certification portal.

Attention: Be sure to check your junk/spam mail folders for access, as sometimes the emails will filter there based on your mail settings.

Upon successful completion of all 10 exams, you will be sent an email indicating that you’ve passed and you may begin using the CD designation following your name. Your certificate and patch will follow shortly thereafter.

Phase II (the Skills Validated tests) represents the four primary categories that each candidate must demonstrate their “hands on” ability to perform. The detailer must perform each phase of the testing on their own and meet the minimum proficiency expected in order to pass. The exam is presented in a scenario-type format to afford the detailer the opportunity to demonstrate the abilities expected of the advanced detailing professional.

Before registering for a Phase II event, the applicant must have already completed Phase I Certification, having passed the ten written exams, to fulfill the classification of Certified Detailer (CD). Phase II Skills Validation (SV) testing demonstrates hands-on skills and in-person testing by an IDA Recognized Independent Trainer (RIT) in areas covered in the written exams: Wash Bay/Prep, Interior, Exterior Correction, and Finishing Steps. Each portion of the test will be a one-on-one teacher to student session.

Phase I - Certified Detailer (CD) Exam Pricing:
Members
$25 per exam
Prepay all ten (10) exams for $200

Non-Members
$45 per exam
Prepay all ten (10) exams for $400

Phase II - Skills Validated (SV) pricing: 
Members
$200

Non-Members
$400

• Order Online CD Exams in Portuguese
• Order Online CD Exams in Spanish

• Watercraft Certification (CD, WC)
• Motorcycle Certification (CD, MC)
• RV Certification (CD, RVC)

To maintain your certification you must complete eight (8) hours of detailing-related continuing education over a two-year period beginning with the date of your initial certification. You will receive one CD credit hour for each full clock hour of a qualifying program with a max of four (4) credit hours per calendar day. (MTE's Education Day is the only exception to this.) IDA Certified Detailers with a Specialty Certification must ensure that at least two (2) of the eight (8) total credit hours are earned via continuing education activities related to each specialty.

You must renew within two months of your Certification Expiration Date to retain your certification. The cost for Certification Maintenance is $100 for IDA members and $150 for non-members.