Automotive Technician Accreditation

Paint Technician: ATA Assessment Process

There are two competency levels - Technician and Senior Technician.

A requirement of ATA is the prerequisites for each grade of technician to pass an assessment. To be eligible to take the assessment, a panel technician must:

 - have a minimum level of industry experience in an appropriate role i.e. for paint technicians 2 years and for senior paint technicians 5 years or;

 - hold the lower level ATA and have a minimum of two years post accreditation experience in an appropriate role or;

 - hold a relevant NQF qualification at the same level and have a minimum of two years 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 six months may elapse between the first successful assessment and the last successful assessment.

Technicians who are referred on one or two practical assessments may re-take these assessments within the six-month period. Technicians who are referred on more than two practical assessments will have to retake all the assessments again. Each of these assessments are given a maximum time allowance according to the complexity of the assessment.

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

• New panel surface preparation process 
• Preparation, priming and flatting procedures 
• Sealing techniques
• Colour identification and mixing process
• Preparation and application of wet on wet paint processes and masking techniques

Senior Paint Technician

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

• Carry out a cosmetic repair on a plastic component 
• Carry out plastic and textured paint application
• Application of clear over base (COB) metallic
• Carry out local repair (blend/fade out)
• Rectifying a paint run

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 6 months from completion. If all other assessments have not been completed within 6 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 45 minutes.

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