Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

The Elite Detailer Academy is ESOTERIC’s online auto detailing training. It teaches paint correction and ceramic coating using the same curriculum ESOTERIC has taught since 2012. More than 500 students from 12 countries have trained with us. Lessons are taught by ESOTERIC founder Todd Cooperider.

Paint Correction is $299, Ceramic Coating is $100, the Combo (both courses) is $399 and the Enthusiast course is $150. Each is a one-time payment with no subscription fees. The same training in person cost $2,500, plus travel, lodging and 3 to 5 days away from work. Compare the courses.

If you detail professionally or plan to, take the Combo: it includes the full Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating courses. Take Paint Correction on its own to master machine polishing, or Ceramic Coating on its own to learn prep, application and maintenance. The Enthusiast course is for DIY detailers working on their own car and leaves out the advanced and business topics. See what each course covers.

No. The courses are built so that complete beginners and experienced professionals can both take them. Beginners get a step-by-step foundation, and seasoned detailers pick up the refinements that come from ESOTERIC’s work on high-end vehicles.

The Paint Correction course has 40 videos and about 4.5 hours of instruction (12 classroom topics and 28 hands-on topics). The Ceramic Coating course has 22 videos and about 2.5 hours (13 classroom and 9 hands-on topics). The Combo includes all 62 lessons. You go at your own pace.

Access is lifetime. Once you enroll you can watch the videos and take the quizzes as many times as you like, with no subscription and no expiry, so you can come back to a lesson whenever you need a refresher.

Yes. You can stream every lesson on a phone, tablet or computer, from anywhere and at any time.

Yes. When you complete a course you receive a Certificate of Completion from the ESOTERIC Elite Detailer Academy.

The online program is built directly from our 3-day in-person curriculum. The hands-on lessons are filmed so you can see exactly how each task should be done and then repeat it in your own garage, so there is no need to travel for the practical part. Unlike free videos, it is a complete, structured system rather than a collection of tips.

You don’t need to buy anything before you start. The lessons explain which polishers, pads, compounds and coatings we recommend and why, so you can watch first and then buy only what you need. The Product Recommendations module is free with any course, and US students can find the products we use at EsotericCarCare.com.

No. ESOTERIC sells detailing products, but the training is brand-neutral. We teach the best products and techniques regardless of manufacturer, based on years of testing on thousands of vehicles, so you can work with the products you choose.

The first time through, the lessons play in the order that builds your knowledge step by step. Once you have finished a course you can go back and rewatch any lesson in any order.

Yes. Two complete lessons from the courses are free to watch on our free preview page, with no signup and no card required.

If the training isn’t right for you, email us within 30 days of purchase and we’ll refund your enrollment in full, with no forms or explanation required. Read the full refund policy.

Yes. Dealerships use the Academy to train their detailing and reconditioning departments, and we offer volume pricing for multi-dealership groups. See training for auto dealerships or contact us.