ProLevel®
To earn Gold Class recognition, shops must achieve and maintain a high level of role-relevant training across each of the major collision repair roles. This is measured when all role representatives achieve ProLevel 2, earned through I-CAR training or approved industry training providers. Working with the Inter-Industry, I-CAR has grouped these knowledge areas according to skill level, called ProLevels. Each ProLevel® builds upon previous knowledge and training, to cover progressively more in-depth content. Individuals progress from ProLevel 1 through ProLevel 3, with ongoing annual training thereafter, to ultimately achieve and maintain advanced-level knowledge. Gap training may be required if an individual lapses in ProLevel training progression.
PDP
The Professional Development Program™ (PDP), which is the foundation of Gold Class recognition, features distinct training paths that provide each person involved in the collision repair process the up-to-date knowledge and skills they need to perform their role successfully. The PDP for Collision Repair Professionals includes four roles that are required to earn the Gold Class® recognition: Estimator, Refinish Technician, Structural Technician, Non-Structural Technician.
Get to Gold Class Package
An all-inclusive training package customized for collision repair shops working towards Gold Class recognition. Find out more!
Role Representatives | Scaling | Location Level | Hands-On Skills Development | Welding | Annual Training | Knowledge and Skills Protocol
Role Representatives
All required role representatives must reach ProLevel 2. One technician can hold no more than two required roles at a shop.
Turnover Rules:
If a new hire comes into to your shop during a Gold Class® renewal cycle, that technician will not have to meet training requirements until the following Gold Class renewal.
Estimator
Refinish
Structural
Non-Structural
Scaling
Based on industry feedback, Gold Class requirements include scaling based on the shop size. Scalability to the shop size ensures every shop has an equal percentage of trained professionals.
In the example pictured, a shop employs two estimators, three nonstructural technicians, four structural technicians, and four refinish technicians.
For this example one out of the two estimators need to complete ProLevel 2, two of the three nonstructural technicians need to complete ProLevel 2, all four structural technicians need to complete ProLevel 2, and two of the refinishers, need to complete ProLevel 2 for the scaling Gold Class requirements. Watch this video to learn about scaling.
Location Level
These courses prepare technicians at the shop with the knowledge needed to understand the vehicle construction beneath the structure of today’s modern vehicles, which can significantly impact a complete, safe and quality repair. Even if the repair is outsourced, a general understanding of the work involved is essential. Watch this video to learn about Location Level training.
Hands-On Skills Development
Hands-On Skills Development provides unique, personalized preparedness for both collision repair shops and technicians to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving collision repair industry.
To view required courses, click here.
Request a Hands-On Skills Development course at your shop today.
Welding
Welding certification may be renewed every 3 years
• All Structural Technicians MUST be trained on welding
• Welding training is optional for Non-Structural Technicians
Welding Recertification courses are available. Passing the skills test forgoes retaking the training and certification course at renewal. Recertification is an option for active, certified welding technicians.
Request a Welding Training & Certification or Recertification course at your shop today.
Annual Training
Role Representatives - Technicians who achieved ProLevel® 3, must complete six annual training course credits annually.
Non-Role Representatives - All technicians in the shop not assigned as a role representative must also complete six annual training course credits annually.
Any Core Curriculum™, Vehicle and Technology Specific Training™ (VTST) and Industry Training Alliance™ courses will count towards the six-course minimum to meet annual training requirements.
Automotive Collision Repair Industry Knowledge and Skills Protocol
This protocol goes through each collision repair role (estimator, refinish technician, non-structural technician, structural technician, electrical/diagnostics technician, mechanical technician, production management and auto physical damage appraiser) listing:
• Knowledge and skill areas needed to perform complete, safe and quality repairs
• Detailed definitions of the knowledge and skill area
• Specific knowledge detail (if applicable) • Specific skill detail (if applicable)