The Certified ETS Instructor Program provided by the Tire Industry Association (TIA) is the most advanced and comprehensive assessment of proficiency in the classroom and in the field in the tire service industry.
Before attending the certification class, each student must successfully complete the 200-Level Basic ETS Program. During the Certified ETS Instructor class, candidates must pass a written exam with a score of 90% or better and a hands-on demonstration assessment with a score of 100% in order to receive the designation of Certified ETS Instructor. Certified ETS represents the highest standard in tire/wheel service training and certification, so Certified ETS Instructors are a small but elite group of industry professionals.
In 2016, before rolling it out as an official course, TIA conducted a pilot class for earthmover tire service. According to Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training for TIA, there were five individuals who successfully completed the pilot class were recognized as Certified ETS Instructors when the program was launched.
They are:
- Eddie Brink of Purcell Tire & Rubber Co. in Elko Neb.
- John Sparks of Sparks Commercial Tire in Findlay, Ohio
- Jim Chigas of Sullivan Tire in North Reading, Mass.
- Jason Darrow of Sullivan Tire in Hooksett, N.H.
- David Buchanan of Tire Centers in Hickory, N.C.
In June of 2017, the first official Certified ETS Instructor class was held. The four individuals who successfully completed the program to earn the designation include:
- Ricky Herron of Edward C Levy Co. in Detroit, Mich.
- James McKinney of Edward C Levy Co. in Detroit, Mich.
- Mark Shimko of McCarthy Tire Service in Kingston, Penn.
- D. Staggs of Purcell Tire & Rubber Co. in San Tan Valley, Ariz.
A few months later in September, the second Certified ETS Instructor class took place. The following people successfully completed the program:
- Aaron Bishop of Free Service Tire Company in Kingsport, Tenn.
- Wesley Hester of Free Service Tire Company in Knoxville, Tenn.
- Shawn Paulus of Superior Tire Service, Salem in Ore.
TIA will be conducting several Certified ETS Instructor classes in 2018 and will be releasing a complete training schedule with dates and locations in the coming weeks.
