How to become an MOT Tester

VOSA and The IMI

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced plans to work with VOSA and the wider industry to develop a new Light Vehicle Technician ATA route, setting training and assessment standards for MOT testers.

Currently technicians have three means of accessing the VOSA 'Nominated Testers course'.

1. They can prove their skills through a nationally recognised qualification i.e. a Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair NVQ at Level 3
2. They can successfully achieve the VOSA NTTA (Nominated Testers Technical Assessment) or
3. They can hold a current ATA Light Vehicle Diagnostic Technician ID Card.

VOSA plan to phase-out the NTTA at the end of 2011, leaving those technicians without a relevant nationally recognised qualification with just one route to becoming an MOT tester - "option 3" above. That said, VOSA and the IMI agree that someone with this level of accreditation will have the current vehicle knowledge and skill needed to carry out an MOT on a modern passenger vehicle to the correct standard.

Further information can be sourced from the 'So you want to be an MOT Tester' on the VOSA website at:

So you want to be an MOT Tester? »

The ATA Light Vehicle Diagnostic Technician knowledge and skills are based upon what are referred to in academic terms as 'level 3 National Occupational Standards (NOS)'. Not only has the MOT tester to inspect a vehicle, but they require further knowledge to enable them to ascertain  why a fault with a vehicle has occurred in the first place and any implication that the latter may have for other systems in that vehicle.

ATA - Diagnostic Technician

It is worthy of note that ATA Light Vehicle Diagnostic Technician assessments are rigorous and robust. They are based upon the diagnosis of various aspects of a vehicle including diagnosing faults within the braking system and the engine management system as well as complex vehicle electrical faults. Furthermore, the tasks will include using tools such as fault code readers, scan tools and multi-meters not to mention mechanical measuring equipment such as micrometers and Dial Test Indicators.

ATA - Vehicle Inspection Technician

Although The MOT Tester and The Diagnostic Technician both require a high level of competence, their job roles, required skill-set and knowledge are quite different. Consequently, the IMI has agreed to develop a specific ATA route around the job role of "Vehicle Inspection Technician".

The new route will focus on class 4 and 7 vehicle inspection and will be based upon level 3 NOS - development will commence in September 2011 and be available to the sector from April 2012.

As with the development model for previous ATA routes, the IMI will work with the sector during the development of the Vehicle Inspection Technician route. This will include conducting initial research into technicians' needs, facilitating Expert Working Groups, carrying out wider consultation to enable the industry to shape the route, and finally testing and trialling the assessments to ensure that the development has met the original objective.

Like other ATA routes, practical assessments will be conducted by approved assessment centres. These will be Quality Assured by an Awarding Organisation (previously known as an Awarding Body) to ensure that the assessment process is robust and that all participating technicians are assessed against the same standards.

As is the norm, special attention has been paid to keeping costs and "down-time" to a minimum - this is especially true during tough financial times. "ATA Vehicle Inspection Technician" will, therefore, be delivered at approved assessment centres that are strategically located across the UK.

If you wish to be a part of the development of the Vehicle Inspection Technician ATA route, please contact consultation@motor.org.uk.