The Professional Valeters and Detailers trade association has, since 2012, promoted the values of its members as a professional body for the car care industry. Its moniker: “Skilled, Proven and Insured”, was bolstered in 2019 when it launched formal in-person assessments, marking a departure from the remote business assessment it had to rely on previously. We developed an extensive assessment system in partnership with the trade association to focus on the qualities that distinguish a car care professional from the crowd in a largely unregulated industry. We were the first PVD Assessment Centre, and have since helped seven other centres launch around the UK where members can take the practical component of their assessment.
The theory component is now taken remotely online, whilst being invigilated via video link. It comprises 100 questions picked randomly from a question bank, so every exam is different. All questions are multiple-choice, they are not designed to challenge literacy skills, they are to ensure members have broad and accurate knowledge. The topics covered are chemical knowledge, technical methodology, health and safety, customer care, and business administration. The exam is one hour and the pass mark is 80%.
The practical assessment is between 90 and 120 minutes and is a one-to-one session with a PVD Approved Assessor, of which we have two on the staff at UKDA.
The assessment is purchased directly from PVD here (select UKDA from the dropdown menu) and then you will be contacted by PVD to book the Theory portion necessary before the practical exam.
Pre-requisites for PVD membership are available on their website, and include a minimum of one-year trading full-time – longer if operating part-time or offering advanced services, reduced for those completing an approved professional starter course. Those operating mobile are required to have relevant insurance, while those operating from commercial units will also require full custody cover or a trade road risk policy. Those working in marine or aviation environments, or offering additional services such as PPF will require further cover as appropriate.
Regardless of pass or fail, all candidates will get a feedback session based on their theory and practical performance at the end of the second day and an opportunity to re-book a second attempt free of charge once you are confident you understand any improvement areas. We will be sent all assessment documentation in advance by PVD, and we will return your completed marking forms for ratification after your assessment. PVD will then get in touch with you directly to certify.
