Automotive Technician Accreditation

Questions and Answers

Frequently Asked Questions for people working in the motor industry

What is ATA?

ATA stands for Automotive Technician Accreditation. Launched in 2005, this voluntary scheme tests both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge of technicians working across the motor industry in a number of disciplines.

Why do I need it?

ATA is a means of identifying people with proven current technical skills who have also signed a code of conduct. Increasingly, consumers want to know their vehicle is in safe and reliable hands and ATA is the first national scheme to identify these individuals.

Who has responsibility for running the ATA scheme?

The Institute of the Motor Industry is the governing body for ATA and is responsible for the register of technicians and issuing of photo ID cards. Its development team facilitates the research and development of the different routes, assessment strategies and codes of practice for ATA centres and awarding bodies. All development is carried out with industry expert groups to meet industry requirements.

I have got a national qualification already (e.g. City & Guilds, apprenticeship, NVQ)

A qualification is a proof of learning which you may have achieved many years ago. ATA is all about proving current competence at a specific time and then keeping up to date to ensure that you remain competent when it is time to renew your accreditation. This is called “Continuing Professional Development” or CPD. ATA technicians have also signed a ‘Code of Conduct’, governed by the IMI, which ensures they will display ethical competence in the workplace.

How long does ATA accreditation last?

Accreditation is time bound for a period which is agreed by the ATA Steering Group, made up from representatives from across the industry.  At present this is set at 5 years. The time period is being constantly reviewed and could be reduced to reflect the rapidly advancing technology in vehicles.

What do I get if I achieve ATA?

Successful technicians receive an ATA photo ID card which includes their photo (taken on the day of their assessment) together with the accreditation level, date passed and expiry date.
Technicians also receive an ATA welcome letter, an ATA update news letter every 3 months and a press release for employers to use to promote their industry professionalism.

Will the public be able to see my name?

Yes. The employer details for accredited technicians are published on the ATA web-site so that the public can see where their closest ATA technician works. This is a free advert for businesses, which highlights that they employ technicians who have been independently tested.

A technician’s personal details are NOT published on the website.

Can the ATA accreditation be removed?

Yes. A technician could have their accreditation revoked if it is proven that they have knowingly broken the code of conduct. Any breach of the code is investigated by the IMI and if upheld, sanctions may be applied to the individual concerned. This could include expulsion from the register.

I’ve heard of CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) before but yet heard about ATA?

CORGI has been in existence since the early 1970s and is now a legal requirement, whereas ATA was launched only 3 years ago and is a voluntary scheme. The IMI, with support from the motor industry, is planning a major campaign to raise consumer awareness of ATA over the next year. This will be a long running promotion to get the scheme more widely noticed by consumers but everyone needs to play their part if the scheme is to become known universally. As more technicians achieve ATA, the more we can all help in spreading the message to customers and the IMI provides employers with the means to do this, through press release templates, logos for stationery and web-sites and promotional materials.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the assessment, which is payable to the centre carrying out the assessment, will vary depending on the ATA route, i.e. Light Vehicle, Vehicle Damage Assessor.  This cost is set by the assessment centre, not the IMI, so always check the costs directly with the centre concerned.
Each technician must be registered with the IMI to take the assessments for the desired level of accreditation. 

What do I get for the £50.00 registration fee?

Before achievement 
• Registration for the online test and issue of candidate personal identification number (PIN)
• Access to the self analysis tool on the website
• ATA centre listing and search engine
• ATA helpline

After achievement
• Issue of ATA card
• Card lanyard
• Accredited Technician pack
• Recognition on ATA database and website
• ATA newsletter 3 times per year
• Administration support
• Access to apply for higher level of accreditation
• Contribution to scheme publicity and promotion

What happens if I want to go for a higher level of accreditation during the five year period my card is valid, will I have to pay another £50 fee?

Yes. The accreditation fee covers the costs of maintaining the scheme’s quality assurance, assessment development and auditing of all the levels in all disciplines.

Who is responsible for setting the assessment day costs?

ATA assessment centres set the cost for the ATA assessments and this will vary, depending on factors such as consumable costs, type of ATA assessment required, duration of the assessment day or days, number of candidates on the day and agreements between ATA centre and employer or individual.

Who approves an assessment centre for the delivery of ATA assessments? 

The IMI’s awarding body subsidiary, IMI Awards, approves the assessment centres to ensure they meet the requirements to provide consistent, high quality assessments to the candidates. The awarding body will monitor the assessment centres on a regular basis to ensure that the centre constantly meets the requirements of ATA.

Who accredits the assessors to carry out the ATA assessments?

The IMI’s qualifications subsidiary, IMI Awards, accredits the assessors by measuring their skills against the criteria which is agreed by the industry. Assessors are employed by the assessment centres.

Who sets the pre-requisite requirements for entry to the ATA assessments?

The IMI acts a catalyst for industry professionals from across the sector to determine the requirements for entry to the scheme. The ATA centre checks these are correct prior to a technician undertaking the assessments. Periodic checks are also carried out by the awarding bodies to ensure these requirements are met.

What do I get for the assessment day cost?

• A suitable assessment facility from the registered ATA approved assessment centre
• ATA registered assessor
• Assessment day information that will provide the candidate with ‘what to expect’ on an assessment day
• Administration including taking of the photo identification of the individual 
• Technician support to set up the assessment tasks
• Consumables
• Up to-date tools, equipment and vehicles
• IT facility for the multi-choice online test
• Induction to understand and support the process
• The assessments on the day
• Feedback on performance (fully competent or feedback on areas that may highlight a training need)

Is there an average cost for the ATA assessment to help me plan and budget?

Typically, the fees for a Light Vehicle assessment are around £250, however the ATA assessment fees in the body repair sector are typically higher and depend on the ATA route and assessment level (Technician or Senior Technician). These body repair sector costs are also sometimes higher as the assessment could be spread over several days.

Who is responsible for the cost of training to get me or my employees to the required industry standard for ATA?

The individual or the employer. Some funding could be available via the Train to Gain scheme and the ATA Centre can usually advise if funding is available.

What happens if a technician is referred (fails)?

If a candidate is referred on one or more of the practical assessments then the centre must provide the candidate with feedback. The feedback is important as this will highlight what training is necessary to allow the candidate to receive training in the right area.

Will I have to retake the assessment day again if I’m referred?

No. If a technician is referred on one or two practical tasks (dependent on ATA route / level), they can be reassessed on those tasks again at another time at the same centre. There may be a discretionary fee for these reassessments.

If a technician is referred on more than two tasks, then it will be necessary to undertake the whole assessment day again, once it is felt that the candidate has achieved any necessary knowledge updating and/or practical skills.

Where can I go for the training?

The choice is yours. ATA centres sometimes offer additional training (at extra cost) but if not available, it’s up to you where you seek the required course. The advantage of using an ATA centre for training is that they fully understand the assessment process.

If I pass, how long will it be before I can expect my ATA ID card?

The photo ID card is issued by the IMI and therefore all the information must be transferred from the assessment centre to the IMI. The process should take no more than 15 working days but please contact the IMI if you have concerns over the time taken. Please ensure that all the details that you provide to the assessment centre are correct, as incorrect or insufficient information is often the main cause of any delay in accreditation.

How would I know if I or my staff could pass without and training?

Individuals that are highly skilled and have kept up to date via CPD could well pass without training, but using the self assessment tool on the ATA website and talking to ATA centres would be advisable.

Should I put myself or my staff through the ATA assessment and then train to any gaps?

It is not advisable to use the ATA assessment day as a training needs analysis, although feedback is given on the day regarding a technician’s competence. Instead, it is worth exploring opportunities for any pre-assessment refresher training if required. Many ATA centres do provide this service.

What is the advantage of a training organisation helping me with a training needs analysis (TNA)?

This will identify skills and knowledge gaps so you can spend time training in the areas you need.  This saves time, money and ensures you don’t have to do any irrelevant training.

If I am referred on the assessment day how quickly must I retake the assessments?

If you are referred on a small number of tasks (i.e. one or two), then you will have 12 months in which to be reassessed on these areas. After this time, you would have to take the whole day again. The practical tasks are constantly reviewed and may change in line with industry requirements during this 12 month period.

What if I feel nervous about using the equipment at the ATA centre?

Talk to the ATA assessment centre and agree some awareness training if necessary. The assessment centre will advise on which equipment that you could use during an assessment, or alternatively you could take you own small items of test equipment with you, providing they meet the assessment centres health and safety requirements and are correctly calibrated (certificates may be asked for).

What would happen if I was referred on a safety critical area of the test?

You should seek training to rectify the skills gap as soon as possible and inform your employer of the issue.  Both you and your employer have a legal obligation to ensure a safe repair is carried out.

If I disagree with an assessment decision, what can I do?

You have the right to appeal against any assessment decision that is made. This appeals process should be highlighted to you at the beginning of the assessment day. If it isn’t, please contact the IMI directly. If you should have a complaint, it is important to follow the correct appeals procedure, which is available from the IMI.

What does signing the code of conduct mean?

Signing the code means that you agree to act professionally and ethically on behalf of the industry, your employer and its customers. It also means that you will keep your skills up to date through continuing professional development (CPD). The code of conduct is available on the ATA website and will be explained to you on the assessment day.

What happens if someone reports me for working outside of the code of conduct?

The IMI would investigate any complaint at no financial cost to you or the complainant.  If you are found to be working ethically and professionally within the code then no action will be taken.  If you are found to be in breach of the code the IMI would implement appropriate sanctions, which could involve removal of your accreditation.  An appeals procedure is in place to ensure that there is fair process both for the technician and the complainant.

Do I have to sign the code of conduct to become an ATA technician?

Yes. This is a mandatory requirement. A card will not be issued if the technician does not agree to abide by the code of conduct.

How can I provide some feedback which might influence future ATA assessments?

If you want to make suggestions about the assessments, you can contact the ATA development team at the IMI by email or phone (details on this web-site).

How can I find my nearest ATA centre?

You can search for your nearest assessment centre on this web-site.
 
As a technician or vehicle damage assessor what is expected of me before the assessment takes place?

You meet the prerequisite requirements for your desired level of accreditation.
You have carried out the self assessment on the ATA website and are confident you are ready.
You have carried out training to close any gaps in your skills prior to the assessment day.
You have read and understood the ATA centre joining instructions and code of practice. Please note that many individuals are unaware of the assessment content until the assessment day as they have not read the joining instructions thoroughly.
You bring any equipment and PPE that is indicated in the joining instructions
You make contact with the ATA centre if you have any concerns prior to arriving on the assessment day.

What ATA routes/disciplines are available?

All available routes are shown on this web-site. They include:

Panel (body repair)
Paint (refinishing)
Mechanical Electrical & Trim (MET, previously body fitter)
Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA, previously estimating)
Light vehicle
Motorcycle
Customer Service
Air conditioning
Roadside Assistance
Auto-glazing

More ATA routes are in development so if your discipline within the motor industry is not listed please contact the IMI for further details.

What level of ATA should I register for?

This depends on your experience and your current job role. Each ATA route and level has different prerequisites. There is a self-assessment tool on this website, so you can check which level is suitable for you.  You may want to discuss with your employer and if necessary the ATA centre before applying for an ATA assessment.

What is ATA Assessor Accreditation?

This is a new ATA assessment route that is being piloted for assessors to prove current competence and sign a code of conduct the same as ATA technicians. It’s important moving forward that the people who do the assessments are also tested to ensure they remain up to date.

How does ATA compare with other industry standards and schemes?

ATA is all about the skills of the individual and it’s unique in this respect. A number of schemes such as the Kitemarks in Crash Repair and Automotive Garage Services, require compliance on the skills of technicians and ATA is the preferred method of achieving this standard.