IDA Recognized Independent Trainers

A Recognized Independent Trainer (RIT) is an individual recognized by the IDA as qualified to offer quality training and that demonstrates the needed skill set to proctor IDA certification exams. RITs have proven to industry peers that they understand multi-faceted knowledge of techniques, terminology, and understanding of chemistry and their relation to detailing. Their RIT endorsement does not make them a more competent detailer, rather someone recognized as a detailing trainer to others in the profession. An RIT is someone to whom fellow industry professionals can reach out for accurate information. They assist others in becoming the professionals that a customer would want to entrust with some of their largest investments.

RITs are held to the highest level of integrity and professionalism and are expected to support others in the detailing industry, the organization, and its certification programs. RITs must strictly adhere to the IDA Code of Conduct and be a prime example of ethical conduct to others. The role of the RIT within the IDA is to conduct certification testing for Certified Detailers (CD) and Skills Validated (SV) candidates and to be a resource for individuals seeking detailer training.

What are the required qualifications to become an RIT?

To be eligible to apply for RIT status, you must:

Have current IDA membership
Have a current Certified Detailer - Skills Validated (CD-SV) Certification
Have a minimum of three years of experience in the last ten years training individuals to become professional detailers*

You will also need to:

Have a facility available to administer training and testing (you must be able to provide photos and proof of insurance and/or a lease/use agreement)
Offer training to the public (not only within your organization or your employer's organization)

*If you don't have the training experience required, contact us to learn more about our RIT Intern Program.

Application Process

To apply for RIT status, complete the online RIT application available on the Certification: Skills Validated group page (only CD-SV individuals have access to this group). You will also need to provide the following required elements:

Two references within the professional detailing industry (each must be from a separate company/organization)
Three letters of recommendation in standard letter format and at least 300 words each (these CANNOT be written by either one of the two references provided or by someone from within your own company/organization)
1. One from a current RIT
2. One from a past or current IDA Board member or recognized industry individual
3. One from a student who attended your training
An example class syllabus from one of your detailing training courses

Submitted applications will be reviewed by IDA staff for completeness then forwarded to the IDA Recognized Independent Trainer (RIT) Review Board. IDA staff will contact the applicant with available dates and times to meet with the RIT Review Board to discuss the candidate's application/qualifications and the scope of the position. Upon application approval by the RIT Review Board, their recommendation will go to the full IDA Board for final ratification at their next monthly meeting.

RIT Responsibilities

To maintain your RIT status, you MUST:

Attend two of four Quarterly RIT Meetings each year or watch the meeting recordings. These meetings are held virtually on the second Thursday of April, July, and October, and in person in January/February at Mobile Tech Expo;
Hold at least one public IDA Certification Event every year or complete at least ten individual certifications per year;
Participate in an IDA recognized national or international Certification Event, such as the annual Global SV Week or an industry tradeshow;
Serve on the IDA RIT Review Board, as requested;
Maintain membership with the IDA;
Maintain certification status through regular biennial renewal; and,
Submit Certification Event paperwork within two weeks (14 calendar days) of hosting.