| In an effort to serve the general public by enhancing
the professionalism throughout the door and access systems industry,
three major trade associations created a new, independent organization
to promote and recognize high business standards. The Institute of Door
Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) was formed in 1996 through
a cooperative effort of the International Door Association, the Door and
Access Systems Manufacturers Association and the American Rolling Door
Institute.
IDEA has created management education seminars and
professional development workshops for owners, managers and field
personnel within the door and access systems industry.
Many door dealers have taken part in education and
training activities to maintain the highest possible level of knowledge
about their industry. Others have taken the
additional steps toward earning Dealer Accreditation for their companies
and Technician Certification for their employees.
What Accreditation and Certification mean to the
consumer
Accreditation is available to companies who
sell, service and install overhead doors and access systems. It is a
voluntary program in which applicants must complete a comprehensive
six-part study course covering all aspects of the residential and
commercial door and access systems industry.
In addition to passing six written examinations,
applicants must provide documentation to IDEA regarding insurance
coverage, proper tax registration or licensing, business tenure and
reputation. Companies that earn IDEA Dealer
Accreditation are able to hold themselves out to the general public as
having met a voluntary standard of quality that is recognized by the
industry as a symbol of excellence.
Installers and service technicians also have
professional recognition opportunities through IDEA certification
programs. Certification is available to
residential garage door technicians, rolling steel fire door technicians
and – as of January 1, 2006 – commercial sectional door
technicians. Certification standards are new
to the industry, but are growing in visibility and stature, and are
expected to become the standard for educated consumers in the near
future.
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