Automotive Technician Accreditation

Paint Technician: ATA Assessment Process

There are two competency levels; Technician and Senior Technician.

To be eligible to take the assessment, Paint technicians should ideally have a minimum level of industry experience in an appropriate role as follows:

• for technicians 2 years
• for senior technicians 3 years    

or
• hold a relevant NQF qualification at the same level and have a minimum of one year post qualification experience in an appropriate role.

Assessments

To attain each level of accreditation, technicians must pass a series of tests of practical skill (listed below) and an online-knowledge test. Each element has an allotted time in which to complete the task.

To ensure currency of assessments, no more than twelve months may elapse between the first successful assessment and the last successful assessment.

Candidates who initially pass any of the practical tasks may ‘bank’ these assessments achieved for a maximum of twelve months. Candidates who are referred on any of the practical assessment tasks, may re-take these assessments within the twelve-month period. 

Self Assessment

To take a self-assessment and gain an idea of which level may be most appropriate for you, please click on the link below. You will then need to enter your name, which is also your password and then pick your route.

Click here to start your Self Assessment...

Paint Technician

The six practical assessments at Technician level will measure competence in the following:

• Panel surface preparation process 
• Preparation, priming and flatting procedures 
• Sealing techniques
• Colour identification and mixing process
• Application of Wet on Wet Paint
• Application of Clear Over Base (COB) Metallic Paint

Please refer to Guidelines for more details

Paint Senior Technician

The four practical assessments at Senior Technician level will measure competence in the following:

• Cosmetic Repair on a Plastic Component and application of foundation materials
• Application of Clear Over Base (COB) Metallic Paint – 3 Stage Pearlescent
• Rectifying a paint run
• Panel Preparation and Fade Out

Please refer to Guidelines for more details

On Line Assessments

To allow flexibility the online knowledge test can be taken before, during or after the assessment day. The test remains valid for 12 months from completion. If all other assessments have not been completed within 12 months, centres will need to contact the IMI to reset the test and the applicant will need to complete the test again.

The test will be multiple choice ‘online’ and consist of 30 randomised questions. The time limit for the test will be 60 minutes.

The technician level on-line test will be aligned to national occupational standards and measure knowledge in the following areas:

• legislation, health and safety relating to refinishing
• identification of substrates 
• preparation techniques 
• mixing and application of foundation coats
• identification of basic paint faults 
• spray equipment adjustment and maintenance
• application of basic topcoats

The senior technician level on-line test will be aligned to national occupational standards and measure knowledge in the following areas:

• legislation, health and safety relating to refinishing
• complete preparation prior to top coat application 
• colour mixing and matching techniques 
• application of metallic and mica top coats 
• identification, rectification and prevention of paint faults

To gain a pass, the applicant will be required to achieve a mark of 60% or above