Are you looking for an auto glass academy to up-level your skills? We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the most up-to-date resources for you. Here you’ll find everything from auto glass training programs to auto glass associations, blogs, publications, and more. By being informed about the industry, you can continue to build and grow your glass business.
Training and Education for Auto Glass
Auto Glass Academy
One of the top auto glass training programs available is offered by Auto Glass Academy. Since 1992, the academy has offered professional courses in auto glass removal, replacement, and repair. The curriculum is centered on the latest research and product development.
Auto Glass Academy’s week-long training program includes work in the classroom, as well as hand-on practice. The school has a number of locations across the country. They also offer flexible and customized auto glass training. Auto Glass Academy can accommodate different sized groups, from industry associations to large company locations or even small, local stores.
Graduates of Auto Glass Academy are eligible to take a certification test offered by the Auto Glass Safety Council.
Auto Glass University
The Auto Glass University (AGU) offers a comprehensive overview of the auto glass industry with hands-on auto glass training. AGU training was created by Bob Beranek, the president of Automotive Glass Consultants (AGC). His goal is to create standardized hands-on training, to research issues related to auto glass replacement, and to promote excellence.
The state-of-the-art school uses Beranek’s book, “The Complete Guide to Auto Glass Installation” as a study guide and the resources are provided by Equalizer.
AGU offers auto glass training at host locations in all four regions of the country throughout the year. Classes are limited to 15 students to ensure you get the dedicated and individual attention you need. The programs are customizable and can be held at business locations.
The AGU program provides industry certification for entrepreneurs and others new to the industry.
Auto Glass Consultants
Auto Glass Consultants (AGC) exists to help auto glass professionals stay up-to-date on every aspect of the auto glass industry.
AGC provides businesses and individuals with auto glass training and seminars that are taught by actual technicians. Training includes industry updates, certification programs, safety standards, sales performance, and customer service.
The Collision Repair Education Foundation
The Collision Repair Education Foundation supports the collision industry by helping students and schools obtain funding, grants, and scholarships. It helps provide the best auto glass training methods and equipment for future collision repair technicians.
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Auto Glass Associations (Certifications and Standards)
The Independent Glass Association (IGA)
The Independent Glass Association (IGA) is the oldest and largest auto glass association in the industry. They exist to encourage the safety and proper repair and replacement of auto glass.
With an active membership, auto glass companies with fewer than 100 locations are provided with products and services to help them succeed. The IGA also offers a certification program for individual technicians. To get certified, technicians have to pass a training course and have a minimum of six months’ experience. They also have to make 50% of their yearly income from auto glass replacement.
You can become a member and learn more on their website.
The National Glass Association (NGA)
The National Glass Association (NGA) is the largest trade association for auto glass, architectural glass, and window and door markets in the country.
Individual auto glass installers can take the NGA’s Certified Auto Glass Technician Program. It has two levels: Certified Auto Glass Technician and Certified Master Auto Glass Technician. The Certified Auto Glass Technician (CAGT) requires passing a test plus having 6 months experience in auto glass installation. Certified Master Auto Glass Technician (CMAGT) requires additional testing and 3 years experience as an auto glass technician.
The Auto Glass Safety Council
The Auto Glass Safety Council is an accredited American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards development organization. It created North America’s only auto glass replacement standard, the AGRSS™. The AGRSS Standard sets procedures, education, and product performance.
It also offers an accreditation program for auto glass shops, so you can guarantee you’re compliant with the ANSI/AGRSS Standard.
National Windshield Repair Division (NWRD)
The National Windshield Repair Division (NWRD) is a division of the Auto Glass Safety Council. It is recognized around the world as a source of reliable information on windshield repair.
You can apply online to become a member. As a member, you’ll receive the NWRD newsletter and the Auto Glass Repair & Replacement (AGRR™) magazine.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers a certification for individual auto repair technicians. To achieve ASE certification in auto glass, you need to pass a test and have at least two years of experience in certified auto glass repair and replacement.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The NHTSA issues Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to implement laws and regulations to help prevent and reduce crashes.
Graduates of the Auto Glass Academy and other auto glass training programs should be able to install a windshield per the FMVSS.
Auto Glass Books
The Complete Guide to Auto Glass Installation
The Complete Guide to Auto Glass Installation by Bob Beranek is a textbook about auto glass replacement and repair. It talks about the safe and proper installation and repair of all auto glass.
You’ll find easy step-by-step instructions illustrated with photos, diagrams, and tables from two of the industry’s leading experts.
Auto Glass Publications
National Auto Glass Specifications (NAGS®) International
NAGS® International is a publishing company that provides the industry with its own way of categorizing auto glass parts.
Every four months, NAGS publishes new catalogs, calculators, and hardware guides for the auto glass industry.
Auto Glass Journal
Auto Glass Journal® is a useful resource for the latest techniques and tips on auto glass installations. You can use the archive search function to find information based on the vehicle’s year, make, and model.
AGGR Magazine
AGRR Magazine publishes articles from some of the most knowledgeable auto glass experts. You’ll find information on installations, business advice, and top trends in the auto glass repair and replacement industry. You can subscribe for free and opt to receive the hardcopy or digital version of the magazine.
GlassBYTEs.com
Powered by AGRR Magazine, GlassBYTEs.com offers industry research, articles, and news from the auto glass industry. You can also sign up to the free e-newsletter, so that you can stay up-to-date with the latest information.
Auto Glass Blogs
There are a number of great auto glass blogs where you can learn from techs working in the industry. Many auto glass businesses have blogs directed at consumers, but you can follow them too. By understanding the questions and needs of your customers, you can be a better auto glass technician. You can find out what other businesses in your local area are doing by looking at their blog pages. You can also see a good list of auto glass blogs here.
Auto Glass Video Content
AutoGlassTV (AGTV) delivers free, 24/7 content about the complex world of auto glass removal, replacement, and repair. It features guides from Auto Glass Academy, interviews with industry guests, and product spotlights.
Events for Auto Glass
Auto Glass Week 2021
Auto Glass Week™ is the only event dedicated solely to auto glass professionals. Attendees can take part in competitions, listen to speakers, attend educational sessions, and talk with top industry suppliers and experts.
The next event takes place January 12 to 14, 2021 in Orlando, Florida and registration is open now.
I-CAR Conference
I-CAR®, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, provides guidance and resources on how to perform safe and quality repairs.
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