Certification

Discussion between group of men in meeting room

PPG Certification Training is a key part of PPG's commitment to ensure that automotive and commercial refinish technicians stay up to date with the latest products, processes and techniques for maximizing a paint shop's productivity and quality.

Automotive and Commercial Refinish Technical Certifications

To achieve PPG certification, technicians must have at least one year of experience and successfully complete certification training specific to the PPG premium paint system used in their facility. Certification training sessions include a 2-day in-person training course consisting of classroom and hands-on training. Courses are conveniently offered at PPG Business Development Centers and various field locations across North America.

To maintain and renew their PPG certification, technicians must be recertified every two years by completing a 1-day recertification training course. PPG technician certification is an integral part of both the PPG Lifetime Limited Paint Performance Guarantee and the PPG Commercial Vehicle Paint Performance Warranty program. Register for a certification or recertification class today.

Five Levels of Automotive Refinish Certification

One often-overlooked benefit of achieving certification status is the recognition that automotive refinish technicians can gain by third-party acknowledgement and accreditation. To help recognize the professionalism of our painters, PPG offers five levels of certification: Blue, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Master.

After achieving initial Blue-level certification, technicians are eligible to graduate to the next level by attending certain qualifying classes every two years. After eight years, qualified technicians are eligible to graduate to Master Certified Technician level. With completion of each level, technicians are awarded a patch identifying their status.

Distributor Technical Representative Certification

Available exclusively to PPG Platinum Distributors, the Distributor Technical Representative Certification (DTRC) program is designed to strengthen the caliber and problem-solving skills of distributor technical representatives. Beginning with a comprehensive evaluation process, DTRC candidates are assessed in all key areas of refinish repair and their industry knowledge, followed by verification of performance skills.

The DTRC program consists of two equally important phases: the Online Basic Knowledge Assessment and a rigorous two-day Hands-on Performance Evaluation.

After successfully completing the two courses in this program, the distributor technical representative earns elite status as a Certified Distributor Technical Representative.

Student Certification

PPG has partnered with select colleges and technical schools to give students the opportunity to become industry certified through the PPG Partners in Education™ program. To become PPG-certified, students must pass both written and hands-on testing conducted by PPG. Upon successful completion of the program, participants earn a two-year PPG certification.

Industry Partnerships

PPG has partnered with the following professional organizations and educational institutions to provide the highest level of training.

I-CAR

The I-CAR Vision is that every person in the collision repair industry has the information, knowledge and skills required to perform complete and safe repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

The non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) works to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. Today, more than 330,000 professionals hold ASE certifications, and work in every part of the automotive service industry.

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA's mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.