CDK Revolutionizes Dealership Training with New Certification Program
In an exciting development for the automotive retail sector, CDK has announced the launch of its innovative software certification program tailored for dealership employees. This program is designed not only to equip individuals with essential skills but also to enhance their professional credentials within an industry that is rapidly evolving.
A Pioneering Approach to Professional Development
The new CDK certification initiative stands out as a pioneering effort in the automotive industry, providing comprehensive training in the CDK product array. This ensures that employees at dealerships can strengthen their career paths with certifications that are relevant to their roles and the specific CDK products they utilize. The program encompasses a variety of courses, with ambitions to offer over 100 different certifications across multiple departments within automotive and heavy truck dealerships.
Expanding the Knowledge Base
Currently, CDK University presents 10 distinct certifications, focusing on key areas such as dealership operations and accounting solutions. Each of these certifications is achieved after completing an assigned learning plan alongside relevant assessments. The curriculum is drawn from an expansive library of more than 900 micro-credentialed courses that address diverse skills and roles, alongside the various CDK product interfaces.
Commitment to Employee Success
KAM McManus, the chief customer officer at CDK, expressed enthusiasm about this new direction. "We are thrilled to offer the CDK University certification program as part of our commitment to helping dealership employees develop as skilled automotive retail professionals through rigorous testing and validation of their skillsets," she noted. This initiative is particularly crucial given the industry's current challenges, including employee attrition rates and the need for qualified talent to foster increased retention and job satisfaction.
Insights from Industry Research
A recent study conducted by CDK revealed valuable insights into employee preferences. The 2024 CDK Dealership Workplace Study highlighted that a majority of dealership staff consider the opportunity to acquire new skills as a significant factor in job satisfaction, alongside competitive benefits and fair compensation. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of employees within the automotive retail sector indicated that they might seek opportunities elsewhere if their current employers do not provide avenues for career growth.
Program Highlights and Features
The CDK University certification program boasts several attractive features:
- Expert-Led Training: Courses will be instructed by industry veterans from CDK who bring real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring relevance and up-to-date content delivery.
- Flexible Learning Options: The program offers live online classes and on-demand sessions, accommodating various learning preferences and schedules, allowing employees to add certifications that complement their core expertise.
- Complimentary Accreditation: Remarkably, dealer employees can embark on their certification journey with no financial burden, as these programs are included in their current CDK experiences.
- Recognized Certification: Upon completion, successful participants will earn a digitally verifiable certificate that is acknowledged across the industry as a symbol of excellence.
- Renewable Certifications: Each year, dealers can reaffirm their competence in their respective roles by updating their knowledge with new courses, with timely notifications for certification renewals.
Moreover, the certifications come equipped with digital badges that employees can showcase on their professional social media profiles. This digital badge serves as a testament to their professional growth and exemplary knowledge, enhancing customer interactions during vehicle purchases.
Engagement with CDK Global
For anyone interested in further details about the CDK dealership certification program and how to enroll, CDK provides a wealth of resources on its website. As a recognized leader in providing cloud-based software solutions to dealerships and OEMs across the automotive sector, CDK Global continues to innovate and enhance dealership operations.
This comprehensive program not only supports individual career aspirations but also fosters a skilled workforce prepared to meet the challenges of the modern automotive retail landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CDK certification program?
The CDK certification program is designed to provide dealership employees with training and credentials relevant to their roles in automotive retail.
How many certifications does the program offer?
Currently, the program offers 10 certifications with plans to expand to over 100 in the future.
Who will teach the certification courses?
Courses will be led by industry experts from CDK, bringing real-world insights and up-to-date knowledge.
Is there a cost to participate in the certification program?
No, the certification program is complimentary for dealer employees as part of their CDK experience.
How can I learn more about the certification program?
Interested individuals can find more information and enroll by visiting the CDK Global website.
