The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is offering update units for dealers that have staff looking to renew their Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) status.

Technicians have to renew their ATA status after three years. The ATA Update Modules have been developed in order to help dealers reduce costs while maintaining an accredited workforce.

ATA Update Modules related to autoglazing, customer service and motorcycle are the being launched following the introduction of accident repair, light vehicle and light vehicle inspection modules earlier in the year.

Linda Stansfield, the IMI’s chief operating officer, said: “In response to our continuing dialogue with ATA stakeholders, the new update modules have been designed as ‘bite-size’ assessments, which ensure that individuals can demonstrate their current competence in a cost-effective manner without having to retake the full assessment.

“The IMI will be offering ATA Update Modules for all other ATA routes in due course.”

Additionally, to improve opportunities for individuals to achieve their first ATA, holders of vocational qualifications such as NVQ, SVQ or VCQ, can now gain accreditation by completing the required number of ATA Update Modules within a three-year period.

In readiness for the Government’s digital radio switchover in 2015, a new ATA route, digital radio installation technician, is being launched on November 5.

Aimed at specialist auto-electricians and retailers of in-car audio equipment, the new half day assessment at an ATA Approved Centre will measure competence in the installation of digital antennae and DAB adaptor kits, as well as the replacement of DAB head units and fault diagnosis.