Certifications are important for consumers when evaluating service professionals such as mechanics and collision repair technicians. However, certifications can also be confusing, especially for the uninitiated. If you've ever looked at the list of certifications proudly displayed on a local service center's windows, you might have walked away feeling more confused than you did at the beginning.

Choosing a qualified shop after an accident can be even more important than routine repairs, so it's worthwhile to take some time to understand what these certifications mean, why they matter, and which ones are important.

The Essentials: ASE And I-CAR Gold Class

Two common certification bodies for auto collision shops are the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and I-CAR. ASE certifications cover a wide range of topics, which the B-series tests focusing specifically on collision repair. ASE certifies individual technicians, so shops typically advertise having one or more ASE master-level techs on staff.

On the other hand, I-CAR is a nationally recognized industry certification body focusing on collision repair. Unlike ASE, I-CAR certifies full shops rather than individual technicians. The I-CAR Gold Class certification indicates that every shop technician meets I-CAR's training standards. Maintaining I-CAR gold class status also requires annual training and recertification.

Which certification matters more? There's no simple answer, but both are important. When you're looking for a qualified and experienced shop to conduct your collision repairs, these two certifications are an excellent place to start. Both show that a collision center has the training and expertise necessary to conduct competent repairs on your vehicle.

The Specialists: OEM Certifications

I-CAR and ASE both provide general training and certification programs that cover the essentials of automotive maintenance, repair, and collision work. On the other hand, many vehicle manufacturers provide OEM certifications for collision repair. The details vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but these certifications typically cover training specific to certain makes and models.

While manufacturer certification is always helpful, it can be particularly important if you own a higher-end luxury vehicle or sports car. These vehicles are often more challenging to repair and require manufacturer-specific procedures. The higher value of these cars also means bringing them back to factory standards is more critical to maintain their resale value.

Ultimately, certifications should be one consideration out of many when choosing a collision center to restore your vehicle. While they aren't the only factor to consider, they provide a certain level of assurance that an auto body shop has the skills and dedication to handle your repair competently and efficiently.

Contact local auto shops to learn more about collision repair.