COCHRAN ACADEMY

Hands-On Automotive
Detailing Training

Learn the skills. Understand the process. Build the confidence to do it professionally.

Whether you're looking to start an automotive detailing business, add new services to your existing shop, or simply improve your skills, Cochran Academy provides hands-on, real-world training designed to prepare you for the work you'll actually be doing.

Hands-On Real vehicles and equipment
Small Classes More instructor interaction
All Skill Levels Beginner through professional
REAL CARS. REAL TOOLS. REAL TRAINING.

Professional skills are developed by actually doing the work.

Our training isn't built around sitting in a classroom watching demonstrations. You'll work hands-on with vehicles, professional products, tools, equipment, and techniques while receiving instruction from experienced professionals.

No experience? No problem. We train complete beginners, working detailers, business owners, and technicians looking to take their skills to the next level.

FOUNDATIONAL TRAINING

Intro to Detailing

Build Your Foundation the Right Way

TRAINING FROM $750

Designed for students who want to learn professional detailing procedures from the ground up.

You'll learn proper techniques for safely and efficiently detailing vehicles while developing a repeatable process you can use on your own vehicles or in a professional detailing business.

TRAINING INCLUDES

Professional wash techniques Wheels, tires & wheel wells Chemical selection & dilution Decontamination procedures Interior cleaning techniques Carpet & upholstery cleaning Leather & vinyl care Steam cleaning applications Tool & equipment use Workflow & efficiency Vehicle inspection Customer-ready finishing Product recommendations Shop & mobile setup guidance Pricing & service considerations
OPTION 1

Group Training

$750

A hands-on training experience with other students and our most affordable way to develop professional detailing skills.

Group classes are offered on scheduled dates and require enough students to run the class.

BEST FOR Beginners, hobbyists, new employees, and those exploring the detailing industry.
OPTION 3

Private Intensive

$1,995

Our most personalized Intro to Detailing experience, designed around your experience level and goals.

  • Business startup guidance
  • Service packages and pricing
  • Equipment recommendations
  • Mobile vs. shop operations
  • Workflow and customer experience
  • Marketing and growth considerations
  • 3 follow-up consultation calls
BEST FOR Entrepreneurs, new detailing business owners, and students seeking the highest level of individualized support.
ADVANCED TRAINING

Paint Correction &
Ceramic Coating

Professionally Correct and Protect Automotive Paint

TRAINING FROM $1,495

Paint correction is one of the most valuable skills a professional detailer can develop.

Learn the techniques required to safely improve automotive paint while understanding the variables that determine the correct approach.

Ceramic coating installation is incorporated into our advanced paint correction training because proper coating installation begins with proper paint preparation.

TRAINING INCLUDES

Paint inspection Understanding paint systems Identifying paint defects Swirls, oxidation & scratches Water spot evaluation Paint measurement Machine polishing Dual-action polishers Rotary polishing fundamentals Pad selection Compound & polish selection Test spots One-step polishing Multi-stage correction Edge & body-line safety Wet sanding concepts Finishing techniques Coating preparation Ceramic coating installation Real-world troubleshooting
OPTION 1

Group Training

$1,495

Hands-on instruction covering paint inspection, machine polishing, correction techniques, and professional finishing procedures.

BEST FOR Detailers ready to move beyond basic detailing into paint correction.
OPTION 3

Private Intensive

$2,750

Individualized training built around your current abilities and the services you plan to offer.

  • Building correction packages
  • Pricing correction services
  • Estimating labor
  • Managing expectations
  • Ceramic coating packages
  • Selling correction services
  • 3 follow-up consultation calls
BEST FOR Professional detailers and business owners adding high-value paint correction and ceramic coating services.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING

Window Tint Training

Professional Hands-On Automotive Window Film Installation

TRAINING FROM $1,995

Window tinting requires technique, repetition, patience, and hands-on practice.

Cochran Academy's Window Tint Training gives students a strong professional foundation while maximizing actual installation time. You'll learn using professional tools, film, and vehicles in a real-world environment.

TRAINING MAY INCLUDE

Window film fundamentals Professional tint tools Film handling Glass preparation Contamination control Pattern creation Cutting techniques Side-window installation Heat shrinking Rear-window installation Squeegee techniques Edge finishing Film removal Troubleshooting Installation efficiency Shop setup
OPTION 1 · 2 DAYS

Semi-Private Training

$1,995 / student

Two full days of hands-on instruction in a small training environment with meaningful installation time and direct feedback.

BEST FOR Beginners, employees, working detailers, and students looking for professional tint training at a lower investment than private instruction.
OPTION 3 · 3 DAYS

Private Intensive

$3,495

Three full days of one-on-one instruction with substantially more repetition, installation time, troubleshooting, and workflow development.

  • Additional full-vehicle installation
  • Advanced heat shrinking
  • Challenging rear and quarter windows
  • Frameless windows
  • Installation speed and consistency
  • Building tint packages and pricing
  • 3 follow-up consultation calls
BEST FOR Business owners, serious new installers, and detailers adding window tint as a major service.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT TINT TRAINING

Training builds the foundation. Practice builds the installer.

No legitimate two- or three-day course can replace months of hands-on practice. Our goal isn't to tell you that you'll be a master installer after three days.

Our goal is to shorten the learning curve, teach you professional techniques from the beginning, identify and correct bad habits, and give you the knowledge necessary to continue practicing correctly.

MORE THAN TECHNIQUE

Thinking About Starting a Detailing Business?

You don't need to already own a detailing business to attend Cochran Academy. In fact, many students come to us before they start.

Learning proper technique from the beginning can save you months, or even years, of trial and error.

LEARN MORE
Equipment you actually need Products and chemicals Shop vs. mobile detailing Service packages Pricing Workflow Service timing Customer communication Upselling additional services Paint correction Ceramic coatings Building your service menu
WHY COCHRAN ACADEMY?

Training Designed for the Real World

01

Hands-On Training

Work with professional tools, chemicals, machines, and vehicles instead of spending most of the day watching demonstrations.

02

Small Class Sizes

We intentionally keep training small so students receive meaningful instructor interaction and feedback.

03

Your Experience Level

Whether you've never held a polisher or you've been detailing for years, training can be adjusted around your experience.

04

Business Experience

For aspiring owners, training can include pricing, workflow, equipment, customer service, and the realities of running a detailing business.

05

Support After Training

Private Intensive programs include three follow-up consultation calls so the relationship doesn't end when the class does.

06

Professional Processes

Learn not only what to do, but why you're doing it, so you can make better decisions when you're working on your own.

TRAINING INVESTMENT

Academy Training Options & Pricing

Know the investment before you inquire. Choose the training format that fits your goals, experience, and desired level of instructor support.

Training Program Group / Semi-Private Private Private Intensive
Intro to Detailing $750 $1,295 $1,995
Paint Correction &
Ceramic Coating
$1,495 $1,995 $2,750
Window Tint Training 2 DAYS $1,995 per student 2 DAYS $2,495 3 DAYS $3,495

Group / Semi-Private

Professional hands-on instruction at a lower investment while sharing some instructor time with other students.

Private

One-on-one instruction that allows us to tailor the training around your ability, pace, and goals.

Private Intensive

The most hands-on time, individualized instruction, repetition, business guidance, and continued post-training support.

RESERVING YOUR TRAINING

Ready to Put a Date on the Calendar?

A $250 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve private training. The remaining tuition must be paid in full prior to your training date.

Once your deposit is received, we'll work together to select training dates that work for both you and Cochran Academy.

Payment options may also be available through Klarna for approved customers.

PRIVATE TRAINING DEPOSIT $250

Non-refundable reservation deposit

BOOK NOW Learn More →
LET'S FIND THE RIGHT FIT

Not Sure Which Course Is Right for You?

Before recommending a training program, we'd rather understand what you're trying to accomplish.

When you contact us, tell us:

Your current detailing experience Whether you currently own a business Whether you're planning to start a business Services you're comfortable performing Services you'd like to learn Your short- and long-term goals

We'll help determine which training option makes the most sense for your goals instead of simply trying to sell you the largest package.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're starting from zero, looking to add paint correction and ceramic coatings, or building an automotive appearance business, Cochran Academy can help you develop the skills and confidence to take the next step.