Participants will be tested on late-model domestic hoods, deck lids and doors mounted to fixed stands. Aluminum panels may be of imported manufacture.
Repaired areas will be evaluated using a state-of-the-art, surface scanner designed to rate surface irregularities, and by visual evaluation of the test administrator. A pre-determined acceptable tolerance level is programmed in the sensor software. Repairs that fall outside the acceptable tolerance level for the above listed criteria will constitute failure for the assigned proficiency level. Failure of any part of the Journeyman testing will result in a no-pass, and the candidate will not receive certification. Candidates may re-test for the certification, but Vale recommends that you seek out additional training and spend the time necessary to be confident in your abilities before re-testing. All judging of the testing is final, and testing fees are non-refundable.
Vale will not make public the results of testing unless authorized by the certified technician. Repairs will be covered with a label when completed. Tampering with covered repairs will result in an immediate no-pass status, and the participant will be asked to leave the facility. Participants will not be allowed to observe the judging of another participant’s repair. Should the repair result in a no-pass, the participant will be allowed to view the repair image and rating on the sensor. Successful participants will be awarded a certificate and wallet sized I. D. card reflecting the level of demonstrated proficiency. Your name and certification number will be listed on the Vale website with your permission.
Should any part of the testing in the Craftsman or Master Craftsman category not be completed to a satisfactory level, the candidate may apply the passed segments of that testing to one lower proficiency level rating, provided all the criteria of that second (lower) level are satisfied. Example: Candidate passes first two criteria of the Craftsman level but fails the third criteria will qualify for Journeyman status with no more testing. Failing one test segment, a candidate testing for Master Craftsman level may apply successful test segments to Craftsman level, and complete the test to satisfy Craftsman level criteria. You may drop down one time only. Should any part of the second (lower) tier of testing result in a no-pass, a certificate will not be awarded. Candidates wishing to return for testing to upgrade their status to a higher level may do so on the next available test program date. You may only test for one level per test date.
Tools and lighting will not be supplied. Technician should bring the necessary tools, lighting (with power converter if needed), buffer, sanding blocks, etc. In short, the technician should prepare as if going to a storm site. AC power sources are supplied.
Repairs will be time-limited to one hour for each dent. If the repair fails to pass with time left on the clock, the technician may resume repairs until time is up. The repair will then be re-scanned, and that reading will be final. Time limitations are imposed for test purposes only, and are not meant to imply that a “flat rate time” should be applied to PDR repairs.
PDR Technician Proficiency Rating Criteria Technician must complete the repairs within the prescribed time limit to the pre-determined level of tolerance.
The following will result in a no-pass:
High/low spots in the metal outside pre-determined tolerance level
Cracking of paint/clear coat
Sanding marks/sanding through clear coat
Drilling will result in no-pass.
Access from the front edge of the door will not be permitted.
Glue pullers are not permitted
One hour is allotted for each repair.
Journeyman
Remove #2 medium depth dent in the open area of a hood or deck lid.
Remove #2 medium depth dent in the open area of a door.
Craftsman
Remove #3 deep depth dent in open area of a hood or deck lid.
Remove #3 deep depth dent in open area of a door.
Remove #3 medium depth dent under brace on hood or deck lid and a door.
Master Craftsman
Remove #4 deep depth dent from open area of a hood or deck lid.
Remove #4 deep depth dent from open area of a door.
Remove #3 medium depth dent from open area of aluminum hood or deck lid.
Dent Sizing
Dent sizes as outlined above are defined as:
# 2 = 28mm diameter
# 3 = 36mm diameter
# 4 = 48mm diameter
Medium depth =0.91mm to 1.25mm depth
Deep depth = 1.26mm to 1.40mm depth
(“Deep” depth dents contain some metal stretch, but have been demonstrated to be repairable to meet test standards.)
Time Limitations
Technician must complete the repairs within the prescribed time limit to the pre-determined level of tolerance. Repairs will be limited to one hour. If the repair is completed within the allotted time, but determined to be a no-pass, a fifteen-minute grace period will be allowed to complete the repair. The repair will be re-scanned and that reading will be final.
Time limitations are imposed for scheduling purposes only and are not meant to imply that a "flat rate time" should be applied to PDR repairs.
Testing procedures for all three levels are endorsed by The National Association of PDR Technicians (NAPDRT)