Automotive Accessory Installers Pass SEMA Certification Tests With Flying Colors

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. - The SEMA Installer Certification Program is off to a strong start. In 
fact, according to recently tabulated score reports, more than 100 installers are well on 
their way to attaining the SEMA Certified Accessory Specialist designation.

The SEMA program to certify technicians who install accessories on cars and trucks includes 
four modules: Z1/Electric Sunroofs, Z2/Body Exterior Components, Z3/Leather Interiors, and 
Z4/Roof Treatments. 

A total of 173 installers registered for a total of 207 tests, which were administered for 
the first time on Nov. 8, 2001. Nearly two-thirds, 108 installers, received a passing score 
in at least one exam, indicating that a significant number of participants possess the 
skills and know-how to qualify for certification.

To receive the SEMA credentials, installers must also pass the National Institute of 
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A6 exam on electrical/electronic systems. To date, 26 
of the installers who participated in the SEMA testing program have taken the A6; more than 
two thirds received a passing score.

"The results of our first installer certification tests are very encouraging," said Charles 
R. Blum, SEMA president. "Those who passed are to be congratulated for their accomplishment 
and for having established a new benchmark of achievement. These individuals have shown 
that it can be done-and have done so quite admirably. We urge other installers to 
participate in the certification process and encourage those who did not pass to re-take 
the tests."

"The results auger well for the future of the program and our industry. However, it's just 
the beginning," added Richard Sherman, president of Automotive Enterprises, Brighton, 
Mich., and chairman of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), a SEMA council which 
has ardently supported the certification program. "Now it's up to those who passed the SEMA 
exams, but have not yet taken the A6, to step up and earn their certification credentials."

The ASE A6 exam will next be offered on Tuesday, May 7. All SEMA exams will be conducted on 
Thursday, May 9. The examinations are conducted in many locations across the country for 
the convenience of the technicians working toward certification.

For information on the A6, contact ASE, 101 Blue Seal Dr. S.E., Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 
20175; phone: 703/669-6600; fax: 888/265-3509; web address: www.asecert.org. To request a 
Spring 2002 SEMA Registration Booklet & Test Preparation Guide, including details on 
registration and test fees, call SEMA Fax-On-Demand, 909/396-0182, ext. 750, and request 
document #761. Or visit SEMA Online: www.sema.org/certification. Registration deadline: 
Monday, March 18.

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, represents the $25 billion specialty 
automotive industry. The trade association has more than 4,900 member companies. It is the 
authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers 
and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, 
comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and 
recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA, 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., 
Diamond Bar, Calif., 91765-3914; call 909/396-0289; or visit www.sema.org or 
www.enjoythedrive.com.