i found one off of the cerakote web site.  So what does it mean when they are certified? does that guareentee a good job will be done?

My boss went to the class. I do all the work.

Kinda weird.

Cerakote prefers that the owner of the company go to the course for some reason. Really all it does for you that I've seen is give you more marketing exposure since that's the only way to get onto the Cerakote website and thus into their marketing machine. My partner and I are going in December, I'm not all that convinced it's worth it but some of our major clients really want us to get certified so off we go.

I had my favorite P226 sent to a local certified Cerakote guy. When I got it back the finish was terrible and the guy did a hack barrel fit job without consulting me. They should print Cerakote certifications on toilet paper so they are actually useful to someone. If you need a pistol refinished, spend a little extra and ship it to CCR, or another very reputable outfit.

That's part of the problem, certification only means they've been taught the right way, doesn't mean that's how they do it on the regular. Best bet for an applicator is to go off their reputation. Lots of local folks all over the country who are every good at this stuff, some are certified, some are not.