Automotive Technician Accreditation

Parts Advisor: ATA Assessment Process

Parts Advisor: ATA Assessment Process

There are two competency levels: Parts Advisor, Senior Parts Advisor.

A requirement of ATA is the individual must meet the prerequisites for each grade of assessment. To be eligible to take the assessment, a Parts Advisor must: 

 - have a minimum level of industry experience in an appropriate role

-  for Parts Advisors   2 years,
-  for Senior Parts Advisor   5 years

or; 

 - hold a relevant nationally recognised qualification at the same level and have a minimum level of post qualification industry experience in an appropriate role as follows:

-  for Parts Advisors   1 years,
-  for Senior Parts Advisor   1 years

Assessments

To attain each level of accreditation, an individual will have to pass practical assessments and an on-line knowledge test.

Individuals who are referred on one or two practical assessments may re-take these assessments within the twelve month period. Individuals who are referred on more than two practical assessments will have to retake all the assessments again.

Parts Advisor

The five practical assessments at Parts Advisor level will measure competence in the following:

• Communication
• Sales and marketing
• Vehicle Identification and selecting components
• Returned items
• Picking parts

Senior Parts Advisor

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

• Communication
• Sales and marketing
• Stock control
• Business awareness
• In-tray – day to day issues

On Line Assessments

To allow flexibility the online knowledge test can be taken before, during or after the assessment day. If all other assessments have not been completed within 12 months, the candidate will need to complete the on-line test again.

The test will be multiple choice ‘online’ and consist of a number of randomised questions.

The on-line test consists of 30 questions to be completed in 45 minutes.

The tests measure knowledge in the following areas:

• House keeping
• Health and Safety
• Legislation
• Maintaining positive working relationships
• Identifying the vehicle
• Customers
• Vehicle identification
• Selecting the correct component/s
• Parts selection
• Payment and returns
• Warranty of parts
• Sales and Marketing
• ICT
• Stock levels
• Organisational awareness

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