General information
What is MVP and why is it important?
NTEA’s Member Verification Program (MVP) recognizes eligible commercial vehicle industry companies for outstanding business practices and successful implementation of quality standards. MVP status helps companies stand out to fleet managers and truck dealers for their public commitment to excellence.
Who can apply for MVP status?
NTEA manufacturer and distributor members are encouraged to apply for MVP status.
Is there an MVP application fee?
There is no MVP application fee — NTEA underwrites the cost of the program as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the core competencies of its members.
How long is the MVP status valid?
Once qualified, companies receive MVP status for a three-year term.
What happens when the MVP term expires?
To renew, MVP members must document compliance again to ensure their ongoing commitment to professionalism, industry knowledge and high performance.
What are the benefits of obtaining MVP status?
- MVP designation for a three-year term (renewable status)
- Access to a promotional toolkit, which includes a special MVP member logo and resource templates (article, email, email signature) to help participants market their status
- Recognition across multiple NTEA communication platforms when first achieving or renewing MVP status, including press releases to key media contacts and promotion in Association publications.
- Listing in the MVP online directory
- Annual window clings
Application/renewal process
What steps are involved in the process to apply for or renew MVP status?
The first step is to complete an MVP application, gather the required documentation, and submit the packet for review. Once received, NTEA will review the material and provide a status update as well as next steps.
What application should I use to apply or renew my MVP status?
- U.S. and Canadian companies with vehicle certification responsibilities should use the application for Criteria A.
- NTEA manufacturer members have the option to use Criteria A or B applications.
- If applying for or renewing MVP status in response to contracting requirements of the General Services Administration, use the U.S. application for Distributors/Manufacturers that upfit - Criteria A.
When reviewing the MVP application, I noticed there is a Certified Employees requirement and an Education and Training requirement. What is certification compared to training?
Certification is the formal process of validating and recognizing an individual's skills and knowledge in a specific area, typically through an exam or assessment, resulting in a credential that serves as proof of competency. It often has a set of requirements, including prior experience or education. For MVP application purposes, an employee is “certified” if they receive certification by National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in specific areas outlined in the MVP application and/or by American Welding Society (AWS).
Training, on the other hand, is the process of learning and developing those skills and knowledge through courses, workshops, or hands-on practice. Examples in the work truck community include Truck Equipment 101, Truck Equipment 201, etc.
In short, while training is focused on education and skill-building, certification is the official recognition that one has mastered the subject matter covered in the training.
How can my company fulfill the Certified Employees requirement?
This MVP criterion requires applicants to verify that at least 20% of their shop employees (up to a maximum of 15 workers) have been trained and certified in at least one specific technical skill. There are a variety of different certifications that fulfill this requirement, including (not limited to):
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Welder Performance Qualifications
- American Welding Society certification
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification
- Work Truck Industry Welder Certification Program Trainer-the-Trainer certification
- Company participation in another third-party certification program that meets or exceeds ASE/AWS programs
- Certified machine operator, certified equipment installer, certified quality inspector, certified quality manager (certification from third-party testing group required)
- Proprietary company certification program for technicians/mechanics
View this short video from Bob Raybuck, NTEA director of technical services, for helpful tips regarding the Certified Employees requirement. If you have questions, we’re happy to talk through what may apply for your company. Contact Bob at 248-489-7090 or mvp@ntea.com for assistance.
How can my company fulfill the Education and Training requirement?
To complete this MVP requirement, your company must have one hour of educational credit for each sales/management and shop personnel (administrative staff excluded) per year of qualification (up to 250 credit hours per year), including 10% of total hours consisting of NTEA-based education. All training must be specific to truck equipment distribution/manufacturing, and may take place on or off the company’s premises.
A variety of education and training counts toward this requirement, including (not limited to):
- NTEA (credit achieved by attending Association events or completing online training)
- Other applicable association training and education
- Colleges and universities
- Vocational/technical schools
- Equipment and component manufacturers/distributors
- Chassis OEMs
- Material suppliers
- Industry consultants
- Qualified in-house trainers
- Insurance company representatives (safety training)
- Equipment suppliers (i.e., welding, machinery or painting suppliers)
View this short video from Bob Raybuck, NTEA director of technical services, for helpful tips regarding the Education and Training requirement. If you have questions, we’re happy to talk through what may apply for your company. Contact Bob at 248-489-7090 or mvp@ntea.com for assistance.
What is certification compared to training?
Certification is the formal process of validating and recognizing an individual's skills and knowledge in a specific area, typically through an exam or assessment, resulting in a credential that serves as proof of competency. It often has a set of requirements, including prior experience or education. For MVP application purposes, an employee is “certified” if they receive certification by National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in specific areas outlined in the MVP application and/or by American Welding Society (AWS).
Training, on the other hand, is the process of learning and developing those skills and knowledge through courses, workshops, or hands-on practice. Examples in the work truck community include TE101, TE201, etc.
In short, while training is focused on education and skill-building, certification is the official recognition that one has mastered the subject matter covered in the training.
Are there different applications for U.S. and Canadian companies?
Yes, there are separate applications for U.S. and Canadian companies:
- U.S. MVP applications/renewals:
- Canadian MVP applications/renewals:
What resources are available to help with the application process?
The following resources are available:
- NTEA education checklist – Use this document to list your employees’ education credit hours.
- Work truck industry training checklist – Use this document to list your employees’ training hours.
- Contact NTEA’s technical services team at 248-489-7090 from Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET. Email inquiries may be sent to mvp@ntea.com.
What happens after I submit my application?
NTEA will review each submission and provide a status update.