irtec Licensing Scheme

What is irtec?

irtec is a renewable voluntary testing and assessment scheme that assesses the competence of technicians who maintain and repair vehicles in the heavy goods, light commercial, service and passenger carrying industries.

Technicians and mechanics who take the irtec test are assessed on their theoretical and practical skills and, if successful, are awarded an irtec licence.

An irtec licence certifies the individual, rather than the employer, and can be used to demonstrate a common standard of skills from one company to the next.

irtec licences are awarded at three levels (see below), depending on the technician's skills and experience.

Once an irtec licence is issued, the technician is listed on a national register and is bound by a Code of Conduct.

An irtec licence is valid for a period of five years after which the licence holder must undergo reassessment for renewal.

irtec was developed in 2000 by the IRTE professional sector. In 2010 IRTE entered into a joint arrangement with IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) and IMI Awards Ltd, the leading awarding body for the retail motor industry, to further strengthen irtec's aims to improve industry competence and standards. IMI Awards Ltd now manages the quality assurance process for irtec, including the approval of new irtec testing centres, monitoring of the assessments and assessors.

SOE and IMI also work together, via a joint steering group and in consultation with industry, on future irtec developments and initiatives, to ensure that irtec reflects the changing needs of employers.

Read more about the licences

For more information click here

Becoming an approved centre

If your centres is interested in offering Irtec, please contact us at info@imiawards.org.uk or call 01992 519 038