Automotive Technician Accreditation is a national voluntary scheme which tests the current competence of individuals working in the retail motor industry, who are committed to an ethical code of conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions for people working in the motor industry
What is ATA?
ATA stands for Automotive Technician Accreditation. This voluntary scheme tests both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge of individuals working across the motor industry in a number of disciplines. It was launched in 2005 and by 2010 there were more than 26,000 accredited individuals on the accreditation register.
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 individuals 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 individuals 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 individuals receive an ATA certificate and ID card which includes their photo (taken on the day of their assessment) together with the accreditation route and level, date issued and expiry date.
Individuals 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 individuals are published on the ATA web-site so that the public can see where their closest ATA accredited individual works. This is a free advert for businesses, which highlights that they employ individuals who have been independently tested.
AN individual’s personal details are NOT published on the website.
Can the ATA accreditation be removed?
Yes. An individual 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 not yet heard about ATA?
CORGI has been in existence since the early 1970s, which has now been replaced by Gas Safe. It is a legal requirement before a technician may work in this sector, whereas ATA was only launched in 2005 and is a voluntary scheme. To get the scheme more widely noticed by consumers everyone needs to play their part to enable the scheme to become known universally. As more individuals achieve ATA, the more we can all help in spreading the message to customers, The IMI provides employers with the means to do this, through press release templates, logos for stationery and web-sites and promotional materials (contact the IMI for further information – 01992 511521).
How much does it cost?
Each individual must be registered with the Awarding Body to take the assessments for the desired level of accreditation.
The cost of an assessment is set by the assessment centre, not the IMI, so it’s advisable to check fees directly with the centre concerned.
There is a one off accreditation registration payment of £50.00 which is valid for the period of accreditation (5 years). The assessment centres are responsible for collecting the £50.00 accreditation fee.
What do I get for the £50.00 registration fee?
Before achievement
After achievement
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 approves the assessors to carry out the ATA assessments?
The IMI’s awarding body subsidiary, IMI Awards, approves the assessors by measuring their skills against the criteria which is agreed by the industry. Assessors are employed by the assessment centres.
Are there any pre-requisites for entry to the ATA assessments?
No, the IMI provides the assessment centre with the criteria for each route and level. This allows the assessment centre to advise and recommend to the candidate the most appropriate level that they are assessed at.
What do I get for the assessment day cost?
Is there an average cost for the ATA assessment to help me plan and budget?
Typically, the fees for Light Vehicle are around £250. ATA fees in the body repair sector are around £350.00 per person. This could be slightly more for Vehicle Damage Assessor, but a lot less for refrigerant gas handling (air-conditioning).
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. The ATA Centre can usually advise if funding is available and also any training may be available if the candidate so wishes.
What happens if an individual is referred (fails)?
If a candidate is referred on any 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 an individual is referred on any of the assessment elements, they can be reassessed on those tasks again at another time at the same centre, once it is felt that the candidate has achieved any necessary knowledge updating and/or practical skills.. There may be a discretionary fee for these reassessments.
Any elements that are passed can be ‘banked’ for up to twelve months from the time of the first assessment.
If I am referred on the assessment day how quickly must I retake the assessments?
If you are referred on any of the tasks you will have 12 months in which to be reassessed in these areas. After this time, you will have to retake the whole assessment. The practical tasks are constantly reviewed and may change in line with industry requirements during this 12 month period
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 ATA 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 an individual’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.
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 your own small items of test equipment with you, providing they meet the assessment centre’s 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?
By signing the code 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 individual and the complainant.
Do I have to sign the code of conduct to become an ATA accredited individual?
Yes. This is a mandatory requirement. A card will not be issued if the individual 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.
What is expected of me before the assessment takes place?
You are advised by the assessment centre 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 fully understood the ATA centre joining instructions and any code of practice that is issued by the centre. 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.
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 has different competency levels within the assessments (practical and knowledge) . 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 an ATA assessment route that has been developed for assessors to prove current competence and sign a code of conduct the same as ATA individuals. 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 are for business, ATA is a method of measuring the current competence of the individual i.e. compliance on the skills of technicians, ATA is seen as the preferred method of achieving this standard.