The Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) is a trade qualification for all facets of automotive repair in the United Kingdom. It is a voluntary scheme (not legally binding) similar to that for electricians run by the NICEIC and similarly, is not government-run. History It began in June 2005. It was introduced because the level of complexity required to maintain cars needed more competent technicians, from ATA-registered garages. Around 25,000 mechanics are ATA-registered. Management It is run by IMI Awards Ltd - IMIAL, a not-for-profit organisation that is part of the Institute of the Motor Industry (formerly Automotive Skills), based in Brickendon, Hertfordshire near Bayford railway station south of Hertford. They maintain a register of ATA qualified technicians. The IMI is the main national training organisation for automotive mechanics in the UK. The accreditations are a part of the (national) Qualifications and Credit Framework. IMIAL has around 21 full-time staff at its head office. IMIAL is a member of the Federation of Awarding Bodies IMIAL also maintains close contact with the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency. Examination Technicians are trained at over 500 approved centres (FE colleges and commercial training organisations) around Britain. Each set of practical tests for each type of accreditation takes around a day, with an online test (for simplicity of marking). It takes place at an IMI Awards Ltd centre. See also Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Retail Motor Industry Federation Good Garage Scheme References External links Automotive Technician Accreditation Companies employing ATA technicians Institute of the Motor Industry IMI Awards Autocity (IMI) News items Garages in August 2010 Video clips YouTube channel Explanation of the scheme Customer confidence Motor vehicle maintenance Automotive technologies Mechanics (trade) Vocational education in the United Kingdom Accreditation 2005 establishments in England