Creating a professional motor vehicle sales industry through education

Mandatory Certification Courses

The Salesperson Certification Course – Level I is the introductory certification course for new motor vehicle salespeople. It provides a foundation for professional and legal selling through a detailed examination of the Motor Dealer Act, the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, the Sales of Goods Act, contract law and other related legislation. The course outlines the responsibilities of a sales professional through the entire selling process, from advertising to presenting vehicles, negotiating sales and documenting transactions. The course is followed by the licensing exam.

Classroom option      
The two-day course is offered in Surrey and Victoria. 
Course fee: $420 

Facilitated webinar series 
Using the same content and resource binder, participants complete the course in five facilitator-led, fully-interactive webinars and self-directed course work on the VSA Fasttracks website.  The webinars and the locally supervised exam can be completed within a two-week period.  Please see the Webinar Series Requirements (pdf).
Course fee: $520

The Salesperson Certification Course – Level II Upgrade is an advanced level program for experienced motor vehicle salespeople. Building on knowledge of the Motor Dealer Act, the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, the Sales of Goods Act and contract law, the workshop challenges the experienced professional to accurately apply the legislation to real life cases. The course design and industry experience of the participants stimulate active participation and vigorous discussion.  The two-day course is being offered throughout the province during 2010.  Prerequisite:  Level I

Note:  Level II is now mandatory for experienced sales professionals who took the original certification course prior to June 1, 2004.  In time, all licensed salespeople will be required to take this advanced course.

Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC) licence holders

A quick history of professional development in the motor vehicle sales industry

Industry leaders created strong roots with the Motor Dealer Standards Association (MDSA), established in 1999. One of the most impressive achievements of the MDSA was a determination to upgrade the professionalism of salespeople. Working with Douglas College and other educators, a two-day course was designed. By 2004 when the Motor Dealer Council (now VSA) began, more than 4,000 salespeople had gone through the voluntary certification program. The VSA is building upon the success of those who pioneered these programs, particularly Douglas College and Okanagan College.

The first mandatory course for all salespeople and consumer-related business staff in the motor vehicle sales industry came with the creation of the Motor Dealer Council (now VSA) on June 1, 2004. This course recognizes that to be a motor vehicle sales industry professional, one needs to be fully grounded in the laws and regulations that apply to the industry. Based on models found in real estate, securities, franchising, insurance and various trades and professions, this requirement acknowledges that a motor vehicle is often the first or second most expensive investment made by individuals and families.

FUTURE OFFERINGS

Advertising Workshops
Successful province-wide workshops followed the publication of comprehensive advertising guidelines in November 2005. It is a hands-on opportunity to review the guidelines and to discuss advertising practices with experienced VSA staff, media and advertising professionals.  The updated workshops are planned to be offered on an ongoing basis..

Consumer education and awareness
Plans are underway to supplement the existing website consumer resources, enquiry line information and referrals, awareness advertising and consumer outreach activities with new ways to get out the following messages:

• The value of choosing a licensed motor dealer
• The value of working with a licensed sales professional
• How to be an informed and responsible consumer
• The role of vehicle inspections and vehicle history reports

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