BETHESDA, MD — Aftermarket firms can begin the new year with a competitive edge by encouraging employees and customers to take the newly updated Auto International Association (AIA) Import Parts Specialist and Master Import Parts Specialist certification tests.

Better-trained counter personnel and service technicians are vital to ensuring quality repairs and satisfying import nameplate customers. These tests address the pressing need for professionals with knowledge and training to help drive improved sales and provide the best customer service to import nameplate owners.

AIA, a segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), created its certification program in 1989 to test and recognize the technical skills and knowledge of professionals working in the import parts business. More than 3,000 professionals have been certified as Import Parts Specialists and 750 have achieved Master level certification.

AIA certification is recognized by the University of the Aftermarket as a testing prerequisite for the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) designation. Tests are open book to encourage research, and a score of 80 percent or higher is required to obtain certification.

Both tests are available to non-AIA members, and there are special AIA segment member prices of $30 for the Import Parts Specialist test and $40 for the Master Import Parts Specialist test. Significant volume discounts, available only to AIA Segment members, for Import Specialist/Master tests are: $26/$36 per test for orders of 50 or more, $24/$34 each at 100 or more, and $20/$30 per test for orders of 500 or more.

For more information on the AIA import parts specialist testing and certification program and to order tests, contact Lee Kadrich at 301-654-6664, or e-mail: [email protected].

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