Home > News > June 2005 > 17-Jun-2005

New accreditation aims to raise standards of car servicing and repair

A new initiative that aims to raise standards of car servicing and repair by testing the current competence of technicians working in the retail motor industry was launched yesterday.

Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) is a voluntary assessment system designed to recognise technical competence, provide a benchmark for technician recruitment and career development, and improve consumer confidence in the retail motor sector.

Having first signed a code of conduct, a technician must pass a series of timed practical tasks, adjudicated by an ATA-registered assessor and an on-line knowledge test, to achieve accreditation.

There are three levels of accreditation - Service Maintenance Technician, Diagnostic Technician, and the highest level: Master Technician – that reflect an individual's job role, experience and qualifications.

Successful individuals are issued with a unique photo identity card, valid for five years and are listed on a public on-line register. ATA-registered technicians must be re-assessed after five years to maintain their credentials.

The assessments are based upon National Occupational Standards, to help ensure they evolve with changing skills requirements and future innovations in technology. ATA has the backing of Automotive Skills, the Sector Skills Council for the retail motor industry.

Commenting on the launch of Automotive Technician Accreditation, Steve Nash, Aftersales Director, BMW, and IMI Chairman, said: "The introduction of a unilateral benchmark of technical competence for the retail motor sector will clearly identify skilled individuals, which is as important to consumers as it is to employers seeking qualified technicians. ATA will reinforce efforts to improve career development and elevate the status of a highly important and creditable profession."

Automotive Technician Accreditation has been developed over two years and trialled with a number of founding partners, including: BMW; DaimlerChrysler; Durham Constabulary; Ford; Hertz; Nationwide Autocentres; Toyota and Unipart. Other vehicle manufacturers and industry stakeholders have since become involved, including car retail group Pendragon plc.

Governance, moderation and administration of Automotive Technician Accreditation is the responsibility of The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI),

There are two routes to achieving Automotive Technician Accreditation status:

- Via an ATA approved assessment centre, such as a training division of a national service and repair organisation; an independent automotive training provider; or college of further education.

- Via an ATA approved vehicle manufacturer assessment programme.

According to the IMI, the recommended fee for ATA assessment is under £195, although this may vary regionally. There is also an individual accreditation fee of £50, inclusive of registration, on-line testing, issuing of a photo identity card and all administration.

External link

For more information about the Automotive Technician Accreditation, visit: www.automotivetechnician.org

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