Auto International Association

Transcription

1 Can Boost Sales for Imports What Industry Leaders Say About the Import Parts Specialist Certificate Program Now, more than ever, it is important that our distributors have all of their countermen pass the Import Parts Specialist Certificate test. Not only will they sell more import parts, but they will have fewer returns because of their deeper understanding of import vehicle systems. Jeff Olefson, Vice President, Original Engine Management (OEM) Hundreds of auto care industry counterpersons have taken the Auto International Association s (AIA) on-line, open-book import specialist certificate program. Offered by AIA, a segment of the Auto Care Association, the is designed to help develop counterpersons skills and professionalism to meet customers needs, and enhance their own careers and advancement opportunities. The easy to use, self-administered online testing program was created through the collaborative efforts of AIA s Education Committee, and Babcox Media, and is designed to help create real experts in the import parts business through a process that teaches and tests a range of technical skills and knowledge of today s parts counter professionals. With Olympus, all counter training starts with the fundamentals. An integral part of the foundation of our import counter training is the Import Parts Specialist Certificate Program. The Certificate Program gives my staff a look into the unique world of selling parts for import models. Through the process of taking the test, they learn that its not necessarily what you know but what you can find to solve your customer s problems. W. Michael Brown, President, Olympus Imported Auto Parts Corp. With the rise of import vehicles and the key role they play in the aftermarket I recommend at least one counter person at every store become an AIA Import Parts Specialist. The online format, and flexibility these tests give counter people and customer service staff to validate and increase their knowledge and skills of imports, is priceless. Investing in employee training and education is something we take seriously and these certifications are a perfect fit. John Sanford, General Manager, Autowares Foreign Parts Specialists

2 AIA Enhances the Image of the Jobber Profession and Improves Skills The test is open-book to adequately allow the certificate program candidate to research and respond to questions. A score of 80 percent or better is required to pass the test. Those who pass the tests receive a certificate and patch identifying them as an Import Parts Specialist. Test Pricing List Volume Discounts* Price Per Test Orders of 50 or more $26 Orders of 100 or more $24 Orders of 500 or more $20 Individual Tests Auto Care Association Members $40 Non-Members $65 *Volume discounts are available to Auto Care Association members. Join online at call Auto Care Association member relations at or info@autocare.org. Auto International Association a segment of the Auto Care Association 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300 Bethesda, MD Phone: Fax: sue.kalish@autocare.org Website:

3 Frequently Asked Questions What is the Import Parts Specialist CertificatE Program? The was created by the Auto International Association (AIA), a segment of the Auto Care Association. The program creates real experts through a process that tests and teaches a range of technical skills and knowledge to drive import parts sales and provide top-notch customer service. The program can help counterpersons: increase their knowledge about parts for imports and boost their credibility when selling parts; increase professionalism and help counterpros earn their customers trust and respect; become customers first call when they need parts for import applications; and develop the counterpersons skills needed for career advancement opportunities. How Does the Program Work? The is set up to test counterperson knowledge of import nameplates but also to provide a research and learning experience. Each test requires a candidate to locate information specific to import nameplate vehicles, replicating the research component of being an onthe-job counterperson using available resources to provide the right parts to help their customers diagnose and repair vehicles. How is the Test Administered? The test is only available online. The test is open-book to adequately allow the certificate program candidate to research and respond to questions. Because the test is open-book, certificate program candidates can utilize any resources that are available to them. Program candidates do not need to attend any courses or purchase any preparation materials. What Types of Questions are Included in the Test? Questions are primarily multiple choice, but there are also some true and false questions. There are 100 questions on the test. The questions cover all major vehicle systems. Do I Have to Complete the Entire Test at One Time? No, there is a 60-day time limit for completing the test. By clicking the Save and Quit button, you can save your progress so you can return at a later time. Can I Go Back and Change Answers to Questions Once I Have Saved and Quit the Test? Yes. Does Everyone Take the Same Version of the Test? No, each test is created from a pool of questions. What is the Passing Score? The passing score is 80 percent.

4 Frequently Asked Questions How many attempts do I have to pass the test before having to pay again? You will have two attempts to pass. If you need more than two attempts to pass, you will be required to purchase another test. Leaving the test prior to completing it does not count as an attempt. An attempt is only recorded after answering all the questions. How Do I Purchase the Test? Visit our website and click on the large Create an Account button. Indicate whether you are creating a company account for staff or a single person account for yourself. If you are creating a single person account, you will need your company s Auto Care Association membership number. Once your account is created, you ll be able to purchase the test you need. There are discount prices for Auto Care Association members. Discounts are also available for bulk purchases. For added information, please refer to the walkthrough document posted on the certificate program site. It is a very helpful tool for the how-to aspect of purchasing tests, logging in, etc. What Do I Get When I Pass the Test? Those who pass the test by achieving a score of 80% or better will receive a certificate and patch by mail identifying them as an Import Parts Specialist. What are the benefits of the import Parts Specialist Certificate Program to the individual passing the test? Passing the test reflects personal achievement and builds self-esteem. The person will feel more confident in his or her abilities to grow personally and professionally and more confident when selling parts for import applications. In addition, the ability to earn the certificate may lead to career opportunities or potential advancement. What are the benefits of the import Parts Specialist Certificate Program to the company sponsoring the program for its employees? The company will benefit by: Having employees with the knowledge to sell parts for import applications (more sales!) Giving jobbers more credibility in dealing with installers and making parts recommendations for import nameplates Enhancing the image of the jobber profession and improving skills Demonstrating a commitment to the import parts profession If you have any questions, please contact Sue Kalish at sue.kalish@autocare.org or , ext Auto International Association a segment of the Auto Care Association 7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1300 Bethesda, MD Phone: Fax: sue.kalish@autocare.org Website:

5 Sample Questions The following examples have been provided to illustrate some of the various types of questions that may appear on the test. Question 1: Wear sensors on most Mercedes are an integral part of the: 1. Valve Train 2. Suspension System 3. Brake System 4. Drivetrain Question 2: A 2003 Mercedes E500 has batteries. 1. Three 2. One 3. Two 4. Four Question 3: How many control arms are used in the front of the multi-link suspension system on a 2003 Audi A4? 1. Two 2. Four 3. Six 4. Eight Question 4: A 2008 Toyota Camry has a TPMS: 1. As an option 2. Standard 3. SE and LE Models 4. Non TPMS System For more information on AIA s, please contact Sue Kalish at sue.kalish@autocare.org or , ext Correct Answers: (1) 3 / (2) 3 / (3) 4 / (4) 2