https://www.sgia.org/resource/webinararchive/prove-your-skills-how-become-pdaa-mastercertified

Explanation / Expectation PDAA Master Certified installers should be highly proficient at all types of vinyl graphic installations, consistently delivering the very best possible applications to their clients and be willing to stand behind their work. * * Assumes graphics are properly produced from vinyl recommended for the intended application.

Requirements Company is a PDAA member in good standing. Provide (annually) a Certificate of Liability Insurance. Provide (annually) a certificate of insurance for workmen's compensation for all employees (as required by the state or states serviced). Agree to employ at all times at least one full time employee that has passed the PDAA VIP Master Certification Proficiency exams. Paid annual dues.

Master Certification Tests Written Exam Hands-On Cleaning (surface preparation) Trimming (depth control / Knifeless) Flat Surface Graphics (acrylic) Trailer Surfaces (flat with rivets) Vehicle Wrapping (compound curves)

Written Exam 50 Questions Multiple Choice 80% or higher to pass The PDAA VIP Guide is available online to all PDAA members. It contains useful information for installers, regardless of their expertise. It also serves as a study guide for the written exam.

Comprehensive Hands-On Required installation tasks Vehicle Inspection / Hardware Removal Surface Preparation Positioning Application Trimming Finishing

Cleaning Tests Demonstrate PDAA approved surface preparation. Choose the right combination from a variety of cleaning supplies furnished to thoroughly and properly clean these surfaces; a passenger vehicle, glass, acrylic and a trailer surface.

Cleaning Test Tips Use bucket / two rags Use the right solution Don t just wipe - get it clean Wrap cleaning rags around squeegee for tight edges Fold the drying rag, turn frequently Dry the solution BEFORE it evaporates

Knife Control Test Demonstrate your ability to trim applied graphics without damaging the surface. Substrate & Graphic Aluminum with baked enamel finish Digital print; cast vinyl / cast overlaminate

Knife Control Tips Use Olfa with stainless steel blades Snap off to use a new blade for each trim Draw the blade across the vinyl Err on the side of too little pressure Practice makes perfect Real jobs are NOT practice

Acrylic Test Demonstrate your ability to handle any type of flat surface graphic installations (floors, windows, walls, etc.). Why Acrylic? Testing is indoors, but many real world jobs occur outdoors in hot weather. Acrylic is used because it is challenging; it has a high-energy surface causing vinyl to adhere to it aggressively.

Acrylic Test Graphic Cast or calendered No air egress 42 x 94 The graphic is a solid vinyl rectangle with premask.

Acrylic Test Tips Review the methods described for this test in the PDAA VIP Guide. Watch the video demonstration on how to pass this test (PDAA members area) Practice before you take the test until it s easy for you

Trailer / Rivet Test Demonstrate your ability to apply vinyl graphics to a flat trailer surface with rivets. Install the two digital prints, properly positioned and aligned to each other, taking into account proper wind seam overlap and seal the vinyl tight over the rivets.

Trailer / Rivet Test Watch the video demonstration on how to pass this test (PDAA members area) Practice before you take the test until it s easy for you

Trailer Graphics Digital print 2 mil air egress vinyl Cast overlaminate 4 x 8 finished size

Trailer Test Tips On a table: Align panels Mark registration Tape them together Center on trailer surface as one piece Determine which panel to install first for proper wind seam overlap (same as trailer) For both panels: Place masking tape side hinge on vertical edge of graphic nearest the center of the trailer surface Squeegee vertically starting at your hinge

Rivet Tips Use a torch and a rivet brush for first panel Use RB1-A (softer) at first Use RB3-A (stiffer) for tighter rivet finishing Use a RollePro for second panel Consider using a CPA-2 instead of a squeegee Roll with CPA-2 or squeegee up to a row, leaving the other side unapplied. Heat vinyl over rivets with torch, very hot, only 1 or 2 at a time Roll with the RollePro, light to medium pressure, the heat is what makes them tight.

Vehicle Wrap Tests Demonstrate your ability to properly apply vehicle wrap graphics to common vehicle challenges; simple and complex curves, doors, handles, keyholes, hinges, wheel wells, windows and mirrors

Vehicle & Graphics A passenger vehicle, usually a late model Ford van or similar Digitally printed on two mil vinyl with air egress and a cast vinyl laminate, no premask, multiple panels, tiled vertically with 1-in. overlap (approximate).

Vehicle Wrap Test Tips Position accurately Do NOT overstretch the vinyl Do NOT stretch the vinyl into the simple curve indentations Trim well Check ALL edges, make sure none are loose. Post-heat with heat gun and IR thermometer

Vehicle Wrap Side Test Tips On a table: Align panels Mark registration Tape them together Make marks for bottom edge of door Put masking or fine line tape on rubber around front door window and windshield, then consider Knifeless tape on top of those Position the graphics as one piece using magnets

Vehicle Wrap Rear Test Tips Apply Knifeless first Position the graphic using magnets Pre-trim the top door hinge Re-check positioning Start squeegeeing below window Pre-trim bottom door hinge just after working vinyl into simple indentation below top door hinge

Vehicle Wrap Rear Test Tips Divide and conquer apply the vinyl to the flat easy part first which will be the door and a small strip of the body panel next to the door and accomplished primarily with horizontal strokes. Trim away excess in tail light area, separating vinyl above and below tail light. Work area above tail light: Squeegee vertically Distribute excess over largest area possible Trim top edge as you go to relieve stress

Vehicle Wrap Window Perf Tips Remove buttons Use felt squeegee Trimming: Angle knife so that perf does not extend onto frosted, beveled edge of glass Do NOT over extend blade (avoids cutting existing vinyl or paint in recessed area around window) I suggest a plastic snap-off blade type knife to avoid damaging the perf.

General Tips Wear comfortable work clothes. Bring business cards Bring your own tools If you re traveling on commercial airlines: Do NOT carry them on Pack them for safe transport as checked baggage Most airlines charge to check them but it s worth having the tools you re used to and not getting hassled or delayed by TSA (or even arrested). We provide all cleaning supplies and propane. Study for the written test and watch the acrylic video. Relax and work smoothly and efficiently.

Top 5 Benefits Business referrals from PDAA website Special PDAA Member resources Member Discounts from YRC, FedEx, Choice Hotels and more Industry Recognition Distinguishes you from non-certified installers

Return on Investment Investment Costs: Master Test fee $800 (one time charge) PDAA dues are just $600 per year (less than your cell phone bill) New Income Potential: Worse case - If you get even 1 or 2 jobs that pay more than your investment costs (and I know you will, we all do) you re money ahead! PDAA referrals are impossible to estimate, and there are NO guarantees, but the overall membership average was $6,000 - $10,000 per year for 2011.

PDAA Contact Information Join PDAA or Signup for the next Certification Test: sgia.org/pdaa 888-385-3588 For PDAA Authorized Training, contact: rob@robivers.com