Automotive Technician Accreditation

Air Conditioning Technicians: About ATA

You can now prove your competence with Automotive Technician Accreditation

With the increasing complexity and sophistication of vehicles and a shortage of skilled individuals, there has never been a greater need for competent technicians.

Properly trained technicians are highly skilled professionals, Automotive Technician Accreditation has been developed to enable identification of them.

ATA is a voluntary assessment programme for technicians working in the retail motor industry. It has the backing of major vehicle manufacturers, independent service and repair organisations and Thatcham.

ATA registered technicians sign and are bound by a special Code of Conduct. They are issued with a photo identity card, included on a public register on a dedicated website and there is publicity and point-of-sale material available.

A universal standard of competence

All Air Conditioning ATA levels meet the minimum requirements as set out in EC Regulation (EC) No. 307/2008 to ensure that it meets the skills requirements of the retail motor industry.
To achieve accreditation, technicians must pass a series of practical assessments and an online knowledge test at an ATA Approved Assessment Centre.

For Air Conditioning technicians there are three competency levels:

• Refrigerant Handler

• Air Conditioning Service Technician

• Air Conditioning Diagnostic Technician

The accreditation, which is valid for a period of 5 years, is achieved via an approved ATA assessment centre. Technicians will be required to undertake a one-day practical assessment and on-line test. The assessment cost varies between assessment centres, please contact your assessment centre for exact cost. There is a single accreditation fee of £50, and includes registration, on-line testing and individual photo identity card.
*Assessment fees are exempt from VAT.

Technician pre-requisites
 
To be eligible for ATA assessment, technicians must possess a minimum level of industry experience, in an appropriate role, as follows:

Refrigerant Handler – 3 months
Service Technician - 1 years
Diagnostic Technician - 2 years

OR hold a relevant national qualification at the same level and have a minimum level of post qualification experience in an appropriate role, as follows:

Refrigerant Handler – 3 months
Service Technician – 6 months
Diagnostic Technician - 1 year