TIA to launch Certified Earthmover Tire Service program

CARLSBAD, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2016) — The Tire Industry Association (TIA) plans to roll out its Certified Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) program later this year with the goal “to take OTR tire and wheel service training to the next level by focusing on more technical aspects,” according to TIA's Senior Vice President of Training Kevin Rohlwing during the Off-the-Road Tire Conference in Carlsbad.

TIA will host a pilot class in April, the outcome of which will determine ideal class size and cost. A schedule will be released afterward for the remainder of 2016.

The program — originally unveiled at the 2015 OTR Tire Conference — will include Type 63 certification for OTR tire service for up to 63-inch rim diameter tires and Type 51 certification for up to 51-inch rim diameter tires.

To earn certification, technicians must complete a five-day class and achieve at least a 90-percent score on a written exam and a perfect score on a skills demonstration.

The program's goal is similar to TIA's Auto Tire Service and Commercial Tire Service certification programs — to train the trainers who will go into the field to train other technicians.

"The goal here is to raise the bar. The goal here is to create an elite network," Mr. Rohlwing said.