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Smartphones are everywhere. In fact, over 80% of the US population owns one. But since our phones are with us wherever we go, they often take an inadvertent spill here or there. Approximately two-thirds of smartphone owners report damaging their phones within the past year. Coupled with the rising prices of flagship smartphones every generation, millions find themselves in need of quality cell phone repair each and every year.
We recently launched the Swappa Repair Network in order to connect you with quality independent repair shops. These local shops can often perform repairs quicker and more affordably than getting a replacement phone. However, picking the right repair shop can be tough. WISE, which stands for Wireless Industry Service Excellence, is a new industry-wide certification program aimed at making things easier for customers by ensuring a consistent standard of excellence among repair shops.
Keep reading to learn more about the importance of local repair shops and how the WISE certification program helps make sure third-party repair is done right.
Although almost every broken phone can be fixed, cell phone repair isn’t always worth it. In general, you should only fix a broken phone if the repair costs less than replacement. Unfortunately, getting out-of-warranty repairs direct from the manufacturer can cost a fortune. Local repair shops are a fantastic alternative. Not only can they perform similar repairs at a lower cost, but they can often do so in significantly less time.
Although local repair shops are a great resource for affordable cell phone repair, it can be a little intimidating trying to find the right shop. After all, you’re entrusting your most personal piece of tech to a repair technician you’ve likely never met before. Thankfully, you’re not in it alone.
The Swappa Repair Network helps you find a quality repair shop near you. Since launch, our directory has grown to over 2400 locations spread all over the country, so you’re never too far away from repair. We also have a set of requirements for any shop to be listed in our network: Repair shops must have an established retail location, they must have a verifiable business, and they must offer at least a 30-day guarantee. WISE certification builds on this and serves as an additional measure to ensure competence and build consumer trust.
WISE stands for Wireless Industry Service Excellence. WISE is a brand-new certification program created specifically for the phone repair industry. The goal is simple: WISE certification ensures a consistent standard of excellence across independent repair shops.
To accomplish this, the wireless industry trade association CTIA teamed up with more than 53 companies and industry leaders and created a certification program for third-party repair shops. All the major device manufacturers are involved; so rest assured that WISE-certified technicians can perform the repairs your device needs.
WISE technician certification is available at two different levels:
Repair shops with a WISE badge on the Swappa Repair Network feature WISE Retail Certification. WISE Authorized Service Providers have a Level 2-certified technician on-site during all business hours, and have been individually certified to meet a variety of strict quality requirements.
Although WISE certification ensures that a given repair shop has met a predefined standard of excellence, not all quality shops are certified. In other words, you can expect quality work from a WISE-certified shop — but lacking certification doesn’t mean that a shop is inherently worse. Rather, you should view WISE certification as a means of highlighting shops that have gone the extra mile to demonstrate their skill.
The Swappa Repair Network makes it easy to find a WISE-certified repair shop near you. Simply visit our repair locator and look for the WISE badge. Repair shops with a WISE badge have a Level 2-certified technician on-site during all business hours, and they have gone through the necessary steps to demonstrate their technical proficiency. Click the button below to learn more about WISE and how to find a WISE-certified repair shop near you.
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Raising the bar for customer choice in device repair. Have questions? We are here to help.
© CTIA Certification
If you are looking to obtain certification in your current field, seeking a new career, or looking at an entrepreneurial opportunity in device repair, WISE Certification provides the most comprehensive knowledge available in smartphone, tablet and Chromebook repair. Study materials are provided for Level 1 certification, it is self-guided and the test when you are ready, is taken online. For Level 2 certification, depending on your background and qualifications, we can provide you with the best guidance to obtain your Level 2 certification. This is a fast growing industry with exciting entry-level opportunities, learn more about WISE Certification today!
Download our ASC Policies & Procedures pdf here.
Step 1 Prerequisites for Authorization:
The ASC Program requires that the facility be ISO 9001 compliant, and their line managers be WISE Certified. Recyclers are also required to be R2v3 or compliant with e-Stewards.
Step 2 ASC Audit:
At your convenience, please reach out to programs@ctiacertification.org to coordinate with an approved and authorized auditor.
Before the day of the audit, you will need to provide the following:
WISE Authorized Service Centers (ASC) demonstrate a commitment to excellence that aligns with the standards set forth by the Policies and Procedures for WISE Authorized Service Centers. This document defines the facility requirements and processes to become a WISE ASC for the repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing of wireless devices.
Device Repair Retailers, Kiosks, On-Demand Vehicles, and more who meet the requirements outlined in the Authorized Service Provider Certification Program Document.
To differentiate your business and demonstrate your commitment to quality.
Click the Learn More button below for guidance on certification.
The fee is $400 per location or vehicle. Each location and/or vehicle will renew annually for $400 USD.
The short answer – the wireless industry. WISE Certification is a collaborative effort across wireless carriers, device manufacturers, insurance companies, independent repair shops, and leaders in reverse logistics.
WISE stands for Wireless Industry Service Excellence. It is the industry recognized standard for retailers and technicians performing phone repair. As a WISE Certified service provider, we are committed to delivering a consistent and reliable repair experience.
The truth is repairing your phone is personal. You deserve a reliable and trusted professional to make sure your most valued asset is repaired with industry recognized standards. Our hope is that this WISE Certified Provider location gives you peace of mind as you hand over your phone for repair.
WISE Certification is proud to provide you with the highest quality of device repair service in the industry. Look for this sign on the repair store for the confidence you deserve with your most trusted possession. Thank you for trusting us with your phone today!
Smartphones continue to be the remote control to our lives keeping the world connected. When devices are not operating reliably, anxiety sets in quickly! When seeking repair services at a WISE Authorized Service Provider, consumers can be more confident their technician has met the requirements established by wireless industry subject matter experts. Consumers should rest assured data is handled with best practices, and basic safety protocols are followed. Certified repairs should be performed with the highest of quality industry recognized standards.
Chromebook Certification is recommended for technicians at retail, repair depots and on a school campus performing Chromebook repair services, IT professionals managing fleets of Chromebook for enterprise and educational institutions, and others engaged in repairs within a K-12 depot program. Anyone wanting to advance your skills, or add to your other WISE Certifications.
This comprehensive certification program aims to equip technicians with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-evolving world of Chromebook technology.
To pursue designation as a “WISE Specialist Level 1 for Chromebooks,” enroll in the WISE Level 1 Knowledge Exam for Chromebook Repair.
Anyone wanting to grow their technical skillset in device repair.
WISE Level 2 certification is a great way to advance your career in the industry. You will be qualified to repair common device issues and restore device to working condition.
The WISE Level 2 Test Out allows experienced technicians to bypass the program’s hands-on testing requirements by assessing a technician’s practical skills and knowledge, providing an opportunity for experienced technicians to demonstrate their proficiency without undergoing the full Level 2 hands-on training. Level 2 Certification is only available to technicians who have successfully passed the WISE Level 1 Knowledge Exam.
To enroll, please visit our WISE Platform, select Course Catalog, and click the course titled WISE Level 2 Certification Test Out.
Anyone wanting to grow their skills in device repair. You’ll get all the basic knowledge of best practices and device safety protocols for smartphones and tablets.
This certification is a great first step into device repair, a bonus for customer-facing, non-technical staff in repair shops, and more!
Level 1 WISE Certified Technicians are considered qualified to perform diagnostics or repair common device issues without opening the device.
Certification is valid for 2 years upon technician certification anniversary date. Re-certification fee for WISE Level 1 is $200 USD.