Automotive Technician Accreditation

Panel Technicians: 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 panel technicians 2 years and for senior panel 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 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 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...

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

• MIG welding to BSI standards 1mm
• Spot welding to BSI standards 1mm
• Rectification of panel damage -  panel beating techniques
• Preparation, appliation and finishing of cold filler
• Panel removal and replacement procedures - bolted panels
• Panel removal and replacement procedures - welded panel

Note: The duration of the panel technician assessments spans two full days.

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

• Set up, measure and realign body structure using a body jig and hydraulic push pull system
• Panel removal and replacement procedures - welded panel
• Panel removal and replacement procedures - bolted panel 
• Preparation, application and finishing of cold filler 
• MIG brazing
• Repair of a cosmetic aluminium panel
• MIG welding to BSI standards 1mm
• Spot welding to BSI standards 1mm
• Rectification of panel damage - panel beating techniques

Note: The duration of the senior panel technician assessments spans three full days.

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: