SEMA, the Specialty Equipment

Market Association, will hold its fall test session on Thursday, Nov. 13, in

locations around the nation. Registration for the test closes Friday, Sept.

12.

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.

To receive the SEMA credentials, installers must also pass the National

Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A6 exam on

electrical/electronic systems. The ASE tests are also scheduled for early

November.

Technicians who pass both the SEMA and ASE exams, and who meet

the work experience requirements, will receive credentials from both

SEMA and ASE. The certifications are valid for five years. SEMA

credentials include a certificate suitable for framing and an insignia and

wallet card.

The objectives of the SEMA Professional Installer Certification Program

include enhancing the specialty automotive industry’s image and instilling

consumer confidence; ensuring that consumers and new-vehicle dealers

have a means of defining an installer’s competency and skill levels; and,

providing a reliable way to measure a company’s commitment to quality

and customer satisfaction, according to the company.

SEMA held its first test session on Nov. 8, 2001, and subsequent sessions

in May 2002, November 2002, and May 2003. In the first three test

sessions, 36 installers earned the dual credential, and approximately 300

professional technicians are working toward the professional recognition.

Results of the May 2003 tests have not been finally tabulated.

For information on the A6, contact ASE, 101 Blue Seal Dr. S.E., Suite

101, Leesburg, VA 20175; 703/669-6600; fax: 888/265-3509;

www.asecert.org.

To request a Fall 2003 SEMA Registration Booklet & Test Preparation

Guide, including details on registration and test fees, contact Beverly

Rosen, beverlyr@sema.org, 909/396-0289, ext. 158.

SEMA represents the $27 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in

1963, the trade association has more than 4,500 member companies. It is

a 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 at 1575 S.

Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765-3914; call 909/396-0289; or

visit www.sema.org.