Qualification Details

ATA Paint Technician

Qual Ref: IMIA-PAI-2-10

How do you become accredited?

• To become an ATA Paint Technician, you must pass five practical assessments and an on-line knowledge test at an IMI Awards assessment centre approved to offer this ATA route/level.   
• ATA Paint Technician assessments will usually last a full day
• Before you can take an assessment you should be able to prove your experience of working as a Paint Technician for at least two years, or if you already have a recognised level 2 qualification, you will need to show a year’s work experience.
• On the assessment day you must sign the ATA Code of Conduct.  You will also have your photograph taken in readiness for the ID card issued to successful candidates.
• You must successfully complete all the assessments within a 12 month period from the first assessment date.
• Any passed assessment elements may be 'banked'..
• Once you have achieved your accreditation, your details will be entered on the ATA register of accredited technicians.
• To ensure that you have kept up-to-date with new technologies, you will have to be re-assessed every 5 years to maintain your accreditation.

Click here for the full guidelines of this ATA route  - Issue 2 December 2010

Assessment Details

• Six practical assessments covering:
  - Surface Preparation
  - Preparation, Priming and Flatting Procedures
  - Sealing Techniques
  - Colour Identification and Mixing Process
  - Application of Wet on Wet Paint
  - Application of Clear Over Base (COB) Metallic Paint
• One on-line knowledge test comprising 30 questions which must be completed in 60 minutes.  Topics which may be included are:
  - legislation, health and safety relating to refinishing
  - identification of substrates
  - preparation techniques
  - mixing and application of foundation coats
  - identification of basic paint faults
  - spray equipment adjustment and maintenance
  - application of topcoats

Costs

• Registration (including ID cards for successful technicians): £50 
• The cost of the assessment day may vary from centre to centre.  You should contact your nearest IMI Awards centre for details.

Other levels of Paint ATA

• Senior Paint Technician