Apply for UASG Membership

Outline of the UASG Certification Process

1. Application Received
   Application fee of $750.00.The following required documentation:
   • Verification of employment for installer who will test
   • 3-4 photos of recent work
   • Proof of being in business for 3 years
   • Proof of liability insurance ($1,000.000 in general liability)
   • Worker's compensation insurance (if applicable).
2. Reference Requests
   Reference request forms are sent out to all six of the listed references; the listed references are asked to rate the applicant in five different categories. There is 60 day window for responses to be received from the references.
3. On-site Interview
   After all six reference responses are received, an on-site interview is conducted at your facility by either the UASG Administrator or a Board member. The interview will focus on: (1) verification that the company’s installer(s) are all W-2 employees (not subcontractors); (2) specific inquiries are made regarding job records and business practices; (3) a partial installation on a complex substrate such as a bumper or fender will be observed, which is to be performed by the installer who has been designated to test (a mandatory requirement to move forward). This installer must be a full-time installer, not an administrator of the company who may also possess installation skills. Both 3M and the UASG have strict requirements regarding record-keeping which is crucial should a warranty issues arise. If a warranty issue does arise, proper record-keeping will assist with the evaluation and determination of the outcome of the investigation by 3M as to the reason behind the warranty claim. Absent proper record-keeping, there is no way to determine the reason for the failure. BEFORE THE ON-SITE INTERVIEW WILL BE SCHEDULED, YOU MUST BE ABLE TO ENSURE THAT PROPER  RECORD-KEEPING HAS BEEN PLACE FOR A MINIMUM OF SIX MONTHS. IF YOU HAVE IMPLEMENTED RECORD-KEEPING AFTER DETERMINING YOU MUST DO SO PURSUANT TO YOUR REVIEW OF THE UASG AND 3M GUIDELINES FOR UASG MEMBERSHIP AND 3M CERTIFIED STATUS, THEN THE INTERVIEW WILL NOT BE SCHEDULED UNTIL SIX MONTHS FOLLOWING THIS IMPLEMENTATION. The following are some tips to assist you to successfully prepare in meeting these stringent record-keeping requirements as well as other necessary practices in order that your company will successfully pass the on-site interview. Please be aware that record-keeping documentation must be in place for a minimum period of six months prior to the interview. If your record keeping does not currently meet the six-month criteria, then the interview will not be scheduled until you can assure us that it has been in place for that minimum amount of time.

   It is important that full and complete job records be maintained as to the particulars of any installation from start through completion and acceptance by your customer. These details include aspects of the installation listed below. The applicant should have proof of at least 80% of the items listed below prior to the on-site interview.

   • Type of materials installed such as manufacturer, vinyl and laminate part number, etc.  BASIC REQUIREMENT
   • Customer signatures or approval, when possible
   • Recording of VIN numbers (either the full number, last 6 digits, or photograph)
   • Organized photos
   • A pre-inspection installation sheet completed prior to the installation of any vehicle wrap to document pre-existing damage to the vehicle
   • Diagram or layout for all installs
   • Employee handbook
   • Personnel files for employees
   • Training program in place for new hires
   • Safety equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits)
   • Federal and State employment posters visible
4. Application Summary
   A summary is prepared based on the references and interview.  The summary is distributed to the Certification Committee for approval.  If approved, the applicant is invited to proceed to the testing phase.  If rejected, the applicant is sent the appropriate denial letter.
5. Testing Phase
   Hands-on and written testing is conducted on a regular basis at the 3M facility in St Paul, MN. The hands-on portion of the test is broken down into two categories: 1. Windows, Wall, and Floors, and 2. Fleet; with each section having its own written test of 25 questions. The written test is based on 3M product bulletins and instruction bulletins as well as common knowledge information. A passing score of 85% or better on the hands-on, and both written tests, is required to successfully complete the testing phase and become a 3M Certified Company.If you fail one station you still can pass the hands-on portion of the test. If you fail one station you will need to successfully complete the rest of the stations & pass the station you failed if there is time available. The class ends at 4:30 daily. If at any time you fail a station for the second time, you would fail the hands-on portion of the test. Please note that the applicant will be allowed to reschedule at a later date to attempt the test again.

   Also, please note that an overall score on the on-site visit/interview/references must be 80% or higher in order to proceed to the next step, which is the hands-on and written testing at the 3M facility in St. Paul, MN.

6. Certification
   Once the applicant has passed the hands-on and written tests, the scores are reviewed by the UASG and 3M.  When both agree, the company is then considered a 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company.
7. Compliance Forms
   On a yearly basis, the certified company must submit evidence of the continued employment of the tested installer.
8. Continuing Education
   New materials and tools will be introduced periodically by 3M and training on these new materials and tools will be required on an as-needed basis.