Watercraft Certification

IDA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

This program is a culmination of the cooperative efforts of industry leaders specializing in the detailing industry. The multi-phased program evaluates and develops a detailer’s technical knowledge and proficiency. Successful completion of the first phase (Phase I), consisting of ten written exams, will grant the detailer the title of IDA Certified Detailer (IDA CD). Successful completion of a higher-level second phase (Phase II), consisting of hands-on assessments, will award the detailer a title of IDA Certified Detailer, Skills Validated (IDA CD-SV).

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IDA Watercraft Certification

The Watercraft (formerly Marine) Certification is the first specialty certification offered by the International Detailing Association. Those 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 marine detailing from other forms of detailing.

For more information about how the program came to be, click here to watch the "Marine Certification Is Here!" webinar recording (member log-in required), featuring a panel of the IDA Marine Certification Task Force members.

How do I sign up?

The first step is to complete the Phase I - Certified Detailer (CD) exams.

Before registering for the Watercraft Certification exams, the applicant must have already completed Phase I Certification, having passed the ten written exams, to fulfill the classification of Certified Detailer (CD). If you have not earned your CD designation yet, order the exams online here or sign up for an IDA Certification Event - Phase I (CD).

Once you have earned the Certified Detailer (CD) classification, you may register for the Watercraft Certification exams.

Order the online watercraft exams here. You can either order the exams as a complete set (save $50 with this option!) or purchase the exams individually. You will have one year from the date of purchase of the first exam (or the complete set) to successfully complete and pass all the exams in the series, or you will be required to restart the exams.

What does the program include?

The Watercraft Certification consists of 5 exams, 10 questions each, in these subject areas: 1) Interior & Vinyl Care; 2) Paint & Fiberglass; 3) Safety & Environmental; 4) Terminology; and 5) Wood Trim, Metal & Brightwork. You need at least an 80% or better to pass. When you purchase your first attempt on an exam, you are provided a free 2nd attempt at the exam if you fail to achieve 80% or higher. Should you require a 3rd attempt (max. 3 attempts per exam), you may purchase an exam retake for $10. Once you submit the retake form and payment, you will receive access information within eight (8) business hours. If you do not pass an exam after three attempts, please contact us at info@the-ida.com regarding next steps.

IDA Certification is processed on a weekly basis. Upon submission of your enrollment order, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online certification portal.

Attention: Be sure to check your junk/spam mail folders for the login, as sometimes the emails will filter there based on your mail settings.

Upon successful completion of all 5 exams, you will be sent an email indicating that you’ve passed and you may begin using the CD, WC designation following your name, along with a copy of the digital CD, WC logo. Your certificate will follow shortly thereafter.

How much do the Watercraft Certification exams cost?

Member Pricing:
$50 per exam
Prepay all five (5) exams for $200

Non-Member Pricing:
$90 per exam
Prepay all five (5) exams for $400

Certification Maintenance

To maintain your certification you must complete 8 hours of detailing-related continuing education over a two-year period beginning with the month of your initial certification. You will receive one CD credit hour for each full clock hour of a qualifying program with a max of 4 credit hours per calendar day. IDA Certified Detailers - Watercraft Certified (CD, WC) must ensure that at least 2 of the 8 total credit hours are earned via watercraft-related continuing education activities.

You must renew within two months of your Certification Expiration Date to retain your certification. The cost for Certification Maintenance is $100 for IDA members and $150 for non-members.