In towing and recovery, each team member plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient operations and the highest level of safety. Among these key individuals are support personnel such as dispatchers, who, while not on the frontlines, are integral cogs in the wheel of this industry.
Recognizing the need for specialized training for these individuals, the Towing & Recovery Association of America (TRAA) introduced the Towing & Recovery Support Certification Program (TRSCP). It provides a comprehensive curriculum to equip non-operator staff with the necessary knowledge and skills.
While the program targets support staff, it’s also relevant for tow truck drivers, especially those who aspire to take on managerial roles. It’s also appropriate for drivers seeking a deeper understanding of the industry beyond their primary responsibilities. In this article, we’ll explain how to obtain this TRAA towing certification, any prerequisites needed, and why tow truck drivers get this certification.
Understanding the TRSCP
The TRSCP is the first of its kind, an educational program tailored specifically for individuals offering support to incident management efforts without being tow truck operators themselves. This TRAA certification program mostly targets team members who don’t work directly on the roadside. These include dispatchers, compliance directors, office managers, and scene safety supervisors.
The towing and recovery certification program addresses a wide array of topics. These include customer service, traffic incident management, post-incident activities, and many more. It sets the standard for professionals working in these capacities.
Why Do Tow Truck Drivers Get this Certification?
It’s clear that TRSCP targets support staff in the towing industry, so you might be wondering, do tow truck drivers need it? The answer is yes. The certification can benefit all drivers, especially those aspiring to get into leadership or ownership positions in towing and recovery businesses.
The knowledge gained from the TRSCP program can help you understand the overall operations, improve customer service, and enhance incident response efficiency. Here is a breakdown of the main reasons why tow truck drivers choose to enroll in the towing & recovery support certification program:
- Professional development: Aspiring to grow in any profession involves seeking additional knowledge and skills. The TRSCP certification allows drivers to learn about different aspects of the towing industry, such as customer service and post-incident management, which are often not the focus of their daily duties.
- Leadership opportunities: For tow truck drivers who aspire to transition into managerial roles, the TRSCP certification can provide valuable insights into the administrative side of towing operations. Understanding the roles of dispatchers, compliance directors, and office managers is essential for effective team leadership.
- Enhanced safety knowledge: Safety is paramount in the towing and recovery industry. The TRSCP certification equips drivers with the knowledge and skills to manage traffic incidents more safely and effectively. This education protects the driver, their colleagues, customers, and the general public.
- Customer service skills: The program covers customer service training, which is vital to maintaining a positive relationship with clients. Drivers with these skills can enhance their company’s reputation, increasing customer retention and attracting new clients.
- Increased employability: In an increasingly competitive job market, having additional certifications can make a candidate more appealing to potential employers. Tow truck drivers with the TRSCP certification may have an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs, as it demonstrates their commitment to professional growth and a broad understanding of the industry.
Prerequisites and Preparation
Before we talk about the prerequisites for TRSCP, it’s worth mentioning that the program includes two levels of certification: Entry Level (Nationally Certified Towing Support Professional) and Advanced Level (Nationally Certified Towing Support Specialist).
The entry level is open to all qualified candidates from associated fields. The qualified candidates include dispatchers, office managers, and other people in general administrative roles.
These might include agency dispatchers in 911, law enforcement, and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The certification is also open to non-agency parties who are usually present at the scene of an incident, such as fleet safety directors and media personnel.
The only prerequisite for the Advanced Level Certification is the completion of the Entry Level Certification. However, for both levels, there are technical requirements. These include a desktop computer, microphone, webcam, and a reliable web browser like Google Chrome.
To prepare for the certification tests, TRAA offers resource guides for each TRSCP level, available on Amazon. You can enroll in and complete the National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training for better preparation.
Enroll in TRAA’s TRSCP Today
The TRAA’s Towing & Recovery Support Certification Program (TRSCP) is a beneficial investment for support staff and tow truck drivers. It fosters a deeper understanding of the industry, ensuring you’re well-prepared to handle customers and various incidents. With this TRAA certification, you’ll have what it takes to succeed in an increasingly competitive towing industry, regardless of your role within the organization.
