Certification programs

Austin:
Go to the PWNA site: www.pwna.org
Click on the certification link and download the certification outline. That will give you all of the information you need.

You do not have to be a member or go to the boot camp in order to sit for the test and become certified.
 
Just my two cents worth

I have been running into this problem for getting bigger accounts in my area. What I am working on is doing community service. This has really helped with getting in front of the bigger customers. You supply your man hours, and they pay for gas and soaps. This gets you in front of the TV. and that holds "water" for the bigger customers. You can't beat this kind of publicity. I know there are down falls for this sort of thing, but so far for me, it has generated a tremendous amount of higher paying jobs. Talk to the mayor, that is where I started, and then talk to the city council. You will see that cleaning up a park or community center where family's and children spend time, turn into a profitable future. you also may find you will move up the list of vendors when it comes to doing jobs around the community.
 
Austin,

I believe the book from Delco sells for $195.00, that is the cost for the one for environmental cleaning.

Not sure what others sell for.

And NO none of the certifactions are nationally recognized.

Hopefully in the future they market the PWNA and become a force in the industry that is nationally and internationally recognized since they have (had) members from Canada and other countries.
 
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Rob:

You definitely have some good ideas and I would encourage everyone in business to take heed. We do these things on a regular basis and they DO bring in business and enhance the company's image.

But in talking about certifications, you should realize that business contacts don't take the place of certifications - even if your general customer base doesn’t understand what the certifications mean.

Doing these PR things AND working with an organization such as the PWNA to develop and implement proper standards, training, and certification programs throughout the industry will help you much more in establishing a reputation as a respected professional in your community.

What we are trying to do with the PWNA and the Certification Programs is build a National Organization that people, businesses, and government WILL recognize. We can’t do it with just a few people in an industry of thousands. We need Active Participation and we need more people with the expertise, ability, and commitment to work towards the longer-term goals of the industry.
 
My opinions can change over the years by "Liven and Learning". My principles have at most times stayed the same. Just to think when I was a kid I was into legalizing drugs when I played in "The Band" and I had hair down past my shoulders..and today I am the exact opposite....(Mispelled on purpose to coin the phrase)Liven and Learning
 
As a new entrant to the industry, I think a certification program that was affordable would be awesome! I love access to this info, however, a forum's organization can only go so far. If you had a list of topics covering each application from the procedure to chemicals, I think we could all agree it would be beneficial. Case studies on what works and what does not. Granted all the information can be found here or ptstate, but it is not readily accessible. You could offer different stages in the program and could charge significantly for the courses with expanded detail.

Definitely a market and especially for the new guys. Would love to help organize, simply to learn!
 
I think the PWNA is a joke. Any bum down the street can say they are PWNA certified. Experience is key. If you have a strong referral and customer base ppl will go with you. Do you really think it matters. ppl tell me all the time oh it can't be hard to pressure wash. Well I say it takes years of experience to be a pro. This is my forth year and I'm still learning everyday. My comp. has little $900 lowes machines and say they are PWNA cert. My hoses on just one of my reels cost more than that. Sorry to get off subject!
 
CDUPONT said:
I think the PWNA is a joke. Any bum down the street can say they are PWNA certified. Experience is key. If you have a strong referral and customer base ppl will go with you. Do you really think it matters. ppl tell me all the time oh it can't be hard to pressure wash. Well I say it takes years of experience to be a pro. This is my forth year and I'm still learning everyday. My comp. has little $900 lowes machines and say they are PWNA cert. My hoses on just one of my reels cost more than that. Sorry to get off subject!
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I hate to argue this, but any org certs will only be as good as the industry makes them. No matter what the body behind them is.
 
Scott,

You may want to seek legal advice before entering into this if you haven't already done so. When you certify that a person is competent to do a job you take on certain responsibilities. We live in the most litigious society in the world.
 
It has been 6 years since the original post. I haven't done anything with it yet, and probably will not. I know that I am certifiable, and wonder about the rest.
 
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