Do OEM Certifications Really Matter for Your Collision Repair Business?

As a collision repair shop owner, you may ask yourself: Does it really matter if my shop is OEM certified? After all, how many customers truly understand what OEM certification is? The reality is, even if customers don’t grasp the details, certification directly impacts your shop’s bottom line, competitiveness and long-term survival.

OEM certifications are not just another badge on the wall. They provide access to essential resources, training, and networks that can help your business grow, improve repair accuracy and increase customer loyalty.

In this article, we’ll explore what OEM certifications are, 10 ways they can benefit your shop, how to get certified, and why they’re worth the investment.

What Are OEM Certifications?

Starting around 2011, the rapid advancement of vehicle technology – lighter materials, advanced safety systems and connected vehicles – prompted the industry to standardize certification programs. The purpose was simple: ensure technicians consistently follow OEM repair procedures to maintain safety and performance.

A certified shop is one that meets strict manufacturer requirements for equipment, processes and technician training. These programs are constantly evolving to address new developments like ADAS calibration, EV repair, and structural materials.

While customers may not fully understand OEM certifications, they do recognize professionalism. Certification signals that your shop is competent, trustworthy and aligned with manufacturer standards.

10 Ways OEM Certification Benefits Your Shop

The ROI of certification isn’t always immediate, but the long-term gains are undeniable. Here are the key advantages:

1. Access to OEM Repair Procedures – Eliminate guesswork and work directly from manufacturer repair plans for faster, safer, more accurate results.
2. Customer Trust and Confidence – Certification reassures customers that their vehicles are in expert hands, boosting satisfaction and referrals.
3. Insurance Company Preference – Certified shops are often favored for direct repair programs, helping you build stronger insurance relationships.
4. Competitive Differentiation – Certification sets your shop apart from uncertified competitors and positions you as a premium service provider.
5. Expanded Market Reach – Many OEMs list certified shops on referral networks, sending new customers directly to your door.
6. Ongoing Training and Skill Development – OEM programs provide continuous training, helping your team keep pace with rapidly changing technology.
7. Access to Specialized OEM Parts and Tools – Certification authorizes your shop to purchase parts, equipment and software that may be restricted otherwise.
8. Higher Repair Quality and Safety – Following OEM standards ensures vehicles are restored to factory condition in performance, appearance and safety.
9. Premium Pricing Potential – Certified shops can justify higher labor rates because they deliver superior, documented repair quality.
10. Future-Proofing the Business – As EVs, ADAS, and new materials dominate the market, certification keeps your shop competitive for years to come.

How to Get OEM Certified

The certification process varies by manufacturer, but most require:

• A properly equipped facility with OEM-approved tools
• Technicians trained and tested on OEM procedures
• Documentation proving consistent compliance with repair standards

For example, Ford requires in-house training through proprietary programs, while Tesla partners with I-CAR for online modules. Honda requires I-CAR Gold Class and welding certification, while Porsche demands I-CAR Platinum. Each manufacturer sets unique standards, so it’s important to research which certifications make sense for your market and customer base.

Challenges and Considerations

OEM certification requires significant investment in training, equipment, and marketing. Don’t expect business to pour in overnight – certification must be actively promoted. Customers and insurers need to know about it, which means highlighting your certified status on your website, signage and customer communications.

Documentation is another critical factor. Increasingly, OEMs and insurers require proof that you followed procedures exactly. If your shop is certified, the answer to “Can you prove it?” should always be yes.

In short: certification only works if you’re committed to living it every day. If the goal is just to “check a box,” it may not be the right move for your business.

Why OEM Certifications Are Worth the Investment

Technology is moving fast. Roughly 70% of light-duty vehicles now include connected systems, and lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber are increasingly common. Add in the complexity of ADAS and EV platforms, and uncertified shops risk being left behind.

Certification ensures your shop stays relevant. It prepares your team for advanced repairs, protects warranties, and keeps your business aligned with the manufacturer expectations. It also future proofs your revenue stream: imagine a world where connected cars automatically direct accident victims to the nearest certified shop. That scenario may not be far off.

The Role of OEM Repair Information

Certification is powerful, but it works best when paired with the right repair information tools. Solutions like SUN® Collision Repair Information provide access to the most current OEM procedures, wiring diagrams and real-world fixes. Together, certification and technology help you complete repairs more accurately, efficiently and profitably.

Here’s how OEM certifications and SUN Collision go hand-in-hand:

OEM Certifications and SUN Collision

OEM collision repair information and OEM certification go hand in hand, and nobody delivers the most up-to-date information like SUN. The innovations that drive OEM certifications also drive us to create the most advanced collision repair technology available. From up-to-date diagnostics to interactive wiring diagrams, we provide resources for nearly every repair:

Common Collision Repairs

Make your typical repair procedures more manageable with the latest OEM repair knowledge. Repair technicians can quickly find the most current resources using familiar terms such as YMM, codes, symptoms, components, and mileage. The resulting information helps technicians complete common collision repairs more safely and accurately.

Real Fixes

Can you imagine what it would be like if your body shop had access to notes and records from over a billion past mechanical repairs? How about 45 million real fixes? When you invest in collision repair software, you get both. With access to Sun Collision Repair Information, real-world insights and guidance from industry peers who’ve been there and done that are just a click away!

ADAS Repairs

ADAS continue to evolve not only in their complexity but also in their degree of interconnectivity. Modern safety technology increasingly relies on integrating safety features with frames, body panels, windshields, and other systems. The advancing technology can be a challenge, but when your body shop is well-versed in ADAS repairs and recalibration, repairs are much more manageable and efficient.

Materials Data

Manufacturers continue in their quest for lightweight and durable materials for building their latest models, and are introducing advanced materials frequently. The ongoing innovation is good news for drivers, but maybe not for your body shop mechanics — unless you’ve invested in OEM certifications and repair technology. When you have real-time information, you can work confidently with even the most advanced materials.

Implementing OEM certification is one of the best ways to ensure your body shop is performing the safest and most accurate repairs possible. The best way to do that and meet the latest vehicle technology head-on is to put advanced collision repair technology to work in your body shop.

Let SUN Collision show you how to stay a step ahead of the vehicle technology curve for better collision repair today and tomorrow. Get your free no-obligation demo or talk with a collision repair expert at 877-840-1973 to see how having on-demand OEM information can transform your body shop.