I have a small book of ford certifications and still do an awful lot of "lube oil and filter" on stuff. At first it was a pain, then I realized I could look for issues that may have been overlooked or gone unnoticed thus far. Then suddenly my days where less stressful and I had a lot more work to keep me busy.
punk
A certification is a piece of paper, it says that someone somewhere thinks you are capable of the job at hand. Experience is knowing what the hell your doing, or at least being able to figure it out. With experience also comes the ability to ask questions and get the needed information to do the job correctly.
My first job ( indication of age coming) was as a commissioned "gas island salesman". i.e. gas pump jockey--but with a twist. We were all on commission--I have never heard of anyone else who did that for commission, but the owner was smart--if teenagers are lazy--they certainly won't work for commission.
Anyway, back then, everything was "full service". Everyone thinks "full service" is just extra stuff to do while the gas is pumping. Not for me---everything was a sales opportunity.
Clean the windshield--check the W/S/W blades
Check the oil?--sure look at condition of the oil ( when was your last change?) look at belts and hoses, etc
Check the air in your tires? Of course--tread is getting thin, shocks are leaking oil etc.
Now there were plenty of guys who did illegitimate stuff to sell, but not me; never had to. Most cars were (are?) rather poorly maintained. An honest sales guy can make a decent living at it.
Wish I could get that same job again.
