Programs

PDR University Certification Program

A structured certification ladder designed to recognize skill development in paintless dent repair.

PDR University offers a structured certification ladder designed to recognize skill development in paintless dent repair. The certification system identifies technicians who demonstrate increasing levels of technical expertise and professional responsibility.

Primary Skill Track

Certification Levels

Each certification level reflects increasing technical expertise and professional responsibility.

PDR Master Technician Badge
Advanced

Master Technician

Master Technician certification recognizes advanced technical expertise in paintless dent repair including complex dent repairs and severe hail damage.

Skills Demonstrated
  • Advanced dent removal
  • Bodyline dent repair
  • Severe hail damage repair
  • Metal manipulation control
  • Advanced panel reading
Requirements
  • Demonstrate advanced repair capability
  • Pass Master Technician evaluation
PDR Technician Badge
Professional

Technician

Technician certification verifies the ability to perform professional dent repairs including door dings and hail damage repair.

Skills Demonstrated
  • Door ding repair
  • Hail damage repair
  • Panel reading
  • Metal movement control
  • Use of professional PDR tools
Requirements
  • Demonstrate repair capability
  • Pass Technician evaluation
PDR Apprentice Badge
Entry Level

Apprentice

Apprentice certification represents the foundational level of the PDR University certification ladder.

Skills Demonstrated
  • Basic dent repair principles
  • Tool familiarity
  • Basic panel reading
  • Metal movement fundamentals
Requirements
  • Pass Apprentice evaluation
  • Complete R&I Technician certification
  • Complete Estimator certification

Supporting Certifications

Supporting certifications ensure technicians understand the complete repair process from damage assessment to final repair.

PDR R&I Technician Badge
Supporting

R&I Technician

R&I certification focuses on safe removal and installation of vehicle trim and components required to access dent repair areas.

Skills Demonstrated
  • Trim removal
  • Interior panel removal
  • Lighting removal
  • Vehicle disassembly procedures
  • Proper reinstallation
Requirements
  • Demonstrate trim removal and installation
  • Pass R&I evaluation
PDR Estimator Badge
Supporting

Estimator

Estimator certification focuses on evaluating hail damage and preparing accurate dent repair estimates. Certified estimators understand dent counting, measuring hail dents, and applying matrix pricing.

Skills Demonstrated
  • Dent damage evaluation
  • Repair planning
  • Accurate dent repair estimating
  • Understanding repair methods and limitations
  • Communication of repair scope
Requirements
  • Demonstrate hail damage evaluation
  • Demonstrate matrix pricing knowledge
  • Pass estimator evaluation
Apply for Certification