Oct. 7, 2015—H&V Collision Center has been named a ProFirst Certified collision repair facility, the company announced on Tuesday. The ProFirst Certified program, launched by American Honda Motor Co. in March, identifies a group of collision repair facilities committed to a high degree of training, that have the proper tools and equipment, and exhibit professional customer care, according to a release.

H&V Collision is currently the only ProFirst Certified repair facility in its upstate New York area. Its Clifton Park, Kingston, Saratoga, Troy and Queensbury locations have all been officially certified.

The ProFirst Certified program requires that shops first achieve Gold Class status through I-Car. Throughout this process, collision technicians receive intensive training on all aspects of the collision repair process. Also required for ProFirst Certification is specified training for Honda/Acura. This includes instruction on using Honda/Acura service information, high strength steel repairs, and restraint systems. To keep up with technology, shop technicians will also be required to complete additional Honda/Acura-specific classes as they are introduced.

With the certification, H&V will have access to all Honda and Acura factory repair information for both mechanical and collision repair for all years of Honda and Acura vehicles.

In order to maintain ProFirst Certification, annual inspections will be made by an independent third party on behalf of American Honda to ensure compliance.