The International Detailing Association
The International Detailing Association (IDA) is the leading global association for professional detailing operators, suppliers, and consultants to the industry. The association is dedicated to promoting the value of professional detailing services, the recognition of professional detailing as a trade, and empowering detailing industry professionals at each stage in their career.
The detailing industry is currently unregulated, which means there are no federal standards, licenses, or laws that govern the industry. With the detailing industry going through rapid growth, many people see the opportunity for high profit and start a business with little to no formal education or training — and the general public is not aware of the true technical skill and knowledge that is required to become a master of this trade.
It is the duty of the IDA to not only set the standard of what a professional detailer should be, but also to educate and certify professionals to help them deliver quality work to their communities. All IDA members agree to abide by the IDA Code of Ethics, so when you choose to work with an IDA detailer, you can rest assured that your vehicle will be taken care of by a true professional who is held to a higher standard of service.
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IDA Member and Certification Levels
Members
IDA members are professional detailers who agree to operate under a Code of Ethics. As a part of the International Detailing Association, members have access to the best educational resources, certification, and networking opportunities to keep them up to date on developments in the profession, including all the latest skills, tools, and techniques.
Certified Detailers (CD)
The IDA offers a certification program that affirms an experienced detailer’s knowledge and skills. Certified Detailers (CD) have completed the first level of certification, having passed a series of written exams that assess their knowledge of professional detailing standards such as equipment and chemical usage, paint protection, interior detailing, and safety and compliance.
Skills Validated (CD-SV)
Skills Validated (CD-SV) detailers have completed the next level of certification, having demonstrated their hands-on detailing skills through individual assessment by a Recognized Independent Trainer (RIT), in areas including wash Bay/prep, interior, exterior correction, and finishing steps.
Recognized Independent Trainers (CD-SV, RIT)
Currently, the highest level of certification a professional detailer can achieve is that of Recognized Independent Trainer (CD-SV, RIT). RITs are active IDA members that are industry trainers with a minimum of three years of training experience. They have to complete a rigorous application and vetting process, including submitting references, letters of recommendation, and a sample class outline. They share their knowledge and expertise with fellow detailing professionals via trainings, educational sessions, and certification across the globe.
Watercraft Certified (CD, WC)
Individuals who achieve the status of IDA Certified Detailer – Watercraft Certified (CD, WC) have demonstrated expertise not only as an auto detailer, but also in the dedicated area of watercraft detailing. Watercraft Certified Detailers have exhibited the specific knowledge needed to properly care for various vessels in multiple marine environments, and they understand the intricacies that distinguish watercraft detailing from other forms of detailing.
Motorcycle Certified (CD, MC)
Individuals who achieve the status of IDA Certified Detailer – Motorcycle Certified (CD, MC) have demonstrated expertise not only as an auto detailer, but also in the dedicated area of motorcycle detailing. Motorcycle Certified Detailers have exhibited the specific knowledge needed to properly care for various types and styles of motorcycles, and they understand the intricacies that distinguish motorcycle detailing from other forms of detailing.