Automotive Technician Accreditation

Panel Technicians: ATA Assessment Process

There are two competency levels Technician and Senior Technician.

To be eligible to take the assessment, Panel 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 will have to pass practical assessments (listed below) and an on-line 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

Panel Technician

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

• MAG welding
• Bonding (Non Structural/Structural)
• Rectification of panel damage -  panel beating techniques
• Preparation, application and finishing of cold filler
• Remove/Replace/Refit Mechanical, Electrical Trim Components
• Panel removal and replacement procedures - welded panel

Please refer to Guidelines for more details

Panel Senior Technician

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

• MAG welding
• Bonding (Non Structural/Structural)
• Rectification of panel damage -  panel beating techniques
• Preparation, application and finishing of cold filler
• Remove/Replace/Refit Mechanical, Electrical Trim Components
• Panel removal and replacement procedures - welded panel
• Set up, measure and realign body structure using a body jig and hydraulic push pull system
• MIG brazing
• Repair of a cosmetic aluminium panel

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 body repair
• non-structural panel removal and replacement procedures
• repair of non-structural body panels
• welding techniques and methods
• vehicle construction and materials
• repair materials and data 

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 body repair
• selection and use of materials and data 
• selection and use of tools and equipment
• vehicle body repair techniques and methods
• welding techniques and procedures
• vehicle construction and materials

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