FAQ's

Questions and Answers about NGA's Business Accreditation Program

What does it mean to be an accredited business by the National Glass Association?
Attaining an accreditation means that your company has demonstrated best practices in the area of auto glass replacement by verifying that the company has met all the requirements. The criteria focus on requirements that all businesses need to function in an exemplary manner.

What companies are eligible for NGA's Business Accreditation Program?
All glass shops that can verify a physical location, a designated business classification, appropriate state and federal business licenses, business insurance, actual inventory, line accountability, program review procedures, a comprehensive OSHA approved or recognized safety program, and a percentage of NGA certified technicians.

How can I find out more about NGA accredited businesses?
Visit www.glass.org/press/121504_ba.htm
www.glass.org/press/061005_lee.htm
www.glass.org/press/112805_ddoc.htm
www.glass.org/press/032006_vos.htm
www.glass.org/press/032206_Reflections.htm
www.glass.org/press/062006_Jacks.htm
www.glass.org/press/101507_goglass.htm

What is the accreditation cycle?
Accreditation cycle (term) is two years from date of approval.

What are the certified technician requirements?
Verification of employee's skills and knowledge as represented in earned credentials provides a measurement of any employee's required level of training. Auto glass technicians must be certified as follows:
- 1st cycle: 50%
- 2nd cycle: 65%
- 3rd cycle: 85%
- 4th cycle: 90%
Note: If a company chooses not to participate in the program for a cycle and then returns, the technician certification requirements still apply.

What is the accreditation fee?
The fee is $100 for a single location and $50 for each multiple location.

How do I register for accreditation?
Complete, sign, and mail or fax the application form and the accreditation fee (check or credit card) to: National Glass Association, Business Accreditation Program, 8200 Greensboro Drive, Suite 302, McLean, VA 22102-3881; fax 703-442-0630; or download the application form online.

NGA expects each applicant to provide the required information and data on the company's operations and services or the application will not be considered. All information will remain confidential.

NGA will send you a confirmation that your application has been received and is being considered for accreditation within two weeks of receipt. You will be notified by mail if you have been approved or declined for accreditation.

When may my company be reconsidered for accreditation if I am declined?
Your company may reapply after six (6) months.

How many times may I apply for accreditation if I am declined?
Your company may reapply every six (6) months. There is no limit to how many times you apply; however, a $25 administration fee is required for each resubmission.

How do I submit comments about the accreditation process?
Comments or concerns about how the accreditation or approval process is administered must be in writing. Mail your comments to Business Accreditation Program, National Glass Association, 8200 Greensboro Drive, Suite 302, McLean, VA 22102-3881. You may also fax (703) 442-0630 or e-mail your comments to Julie Pearce at juliep@glass.org.

When will my accreditation and credentials be issued?
When your company has met all the accreditation eligibility criteria and your application has been approved, your credentials will be issued approximately 8 weeks after the application is received. At that time, NGA will mail you the following materials:
- Accreditation certificate
- Accreditation decals with expiration date

What are the privileges of NGA accreditation?
- Accredited businesses will have exclusive designation as an NGA Accredited Business and have the right to use and advertise their credential to be able to differentiate themselves from their competitors. This designation must be in adherence to guidelines established by NGA to ensure the credential is used and represented appropriately.
- Accredited businesses will be given increased visibility to consumers through NGA's website and potential co-op marketing opportunities with insurance providers.
- Accredited businesses will be given visibility to the industry through NGA's website, NGA's industry publications, and NGA's annual member directory.
- Accredited businesses will receive an exclusive marketing kit, including window decals, ready-to-frame wall certificate, camera-ready logos to be added to existing company ads and literature (also available electronically); and tips and a template for creating new yellow page advertisements.
- The right to display the appropriate accreditation material including decals.
- Accredited businesses will receive a copy of NGA's Personnel Policy Manual template and NGA's Customer Bill of Rights pamphlet.

Are accreditation results ever released?
Yes, but only if you are approved as an accredited business. If you are declined, NGA will not share, sell, or circulate this information.

How can technicians, insurance agents, or the public find out that my business is NGA accredited?
NGA will list accredited businesses in our magazines and on our website. We will promote to the insurance industry and state affiliations as well as prepare quarterly press releases with newly accredited businesses.

Can technicians, insurance agents, or the public verify my accreditation with NGA?
NGA will release only the following information:
- Accreditation Status (active or expired)
- Effective date
- Expiration date

How will I know when to renew my accreditation?
The Accreditation cycle is every two years. NGA will notify your company in writing approximately 60-90 days before your accreditation expires so that you will have time to resubmit the application with the appropriate enclosures, signatures, and fee.

Can my accreditation be revoked?
The Business Accreditation Program is important to the industry and provides certain entitlements to successful companies; therefore it is essential to maintain the integrity and prestige of this program. All accredited businesses are expected to exemplify the highest legal and ethical principles, to abide by the rules promulgated by the NGA Business Accreditation Council, and to comply with applicable laws. Any violation of these principles, rules, or laws may constitute grounds for appropriate disciplinary action, including immediate revoking of accreditation. NGA will conduct random audits to ensure businesses are in compliance with the program's criteria and guidelines. Any noncompliance issues that may affect a business' accreditation status should immediately be brought to the attention of the NGA Business Accreditation staff contact for appropriate action. The business in question will receive advance notice of the intended action and an opportunity for the business in question to be heard. The decision of the Business Accreditation Council will be final and cannot be appealed.