Qualification Details

ATA Panel Technician

Qual Ref: IMIA-PAN-2-10

How do you become accredited?

• To become an ATA Panel Technician, you must pass six practical assessments and an on-line knowledge test at an IMI Awards assessment centre approved to offer this ATA route/level.   
• ATA Panel Technician assessments will usually last a 2 days
• Before you can take an assessment you should be able to prove your experience of working as a Panel 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 3 Feb 2011

Assessment Details

• Five practical assessments covering:
  - MIG Welding to BSI Standards
  - Spot Welding to BSI Standards
  - Rectification of Panel Damage - panel beating techniques
  - Preparation, Application and Finishing of Cold Filler
  - Panel Removal and Replacement Procedures - bolted panels
  - Panel Removal and Replacement Procedures - welded panel
• 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 body repair
  - non-structural panel removal and replacement procedures
  - repair of non-structural body panels
  - welding techniques & methods
  - vehicle construction & materials

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 Panel ATA

• Senior Panel Technician