1. How will the IMI carry out the redevelopment of IMI Accreditation to ensure it meets the industry's needs?
The IMI will develop the IMI Accreditation routes with the support of industry to ensure that the content of the scheme is 'industry recognised' at all times. The development process will include:
- Initial industry research
- Expert Working Group(s)
- Wider industry consultation
Expert Working Groups (EWG) will comprise a mix of expertise to ensure the needs of each subsector are met.
Employers will be given the opportunity to comment in a subsequent wider consultation across the sector. The IMI will also further consult with relevant industry experts to ensure IMI Accreditation remains inclusive and relevant where developments impact industry standards/codes (eg PAS125).
To participate in the wider consultation, register your interest by emailing consultation@theimi.org.uk.
For more details of development and timelines please refer to the IMI communications or the IMI website at www.theimi.org.uk.
2. Is the accreditation validity period changing?
Yes. Consultation with industry has clearly shown that amending the accreditation validity period to three years better reflects the pace of vehicle technology development and ever advancing repair methods. This ensures the validity of the claim that IMI Accredited technicians are currently competent.
3. When will the accreditation validity period change?
Changes to the accreditation validity period across all IMI Accreditation (formerly ATA) routes occured in April 2012. These changes allowed IMI Accreditation to align to IMI Professional Register, enabling IMI Accredited technicians to be included on the register as part of registration fee from 2013.
4. Is the cost of accreditation increasing?
The registration fee will remain at £50 despite the reduction in validity period from five to three years. However, the likely overall business cost saving should technicians reaccredit through Assessed Outcome Modules (AOMs) will more than offset the increase. From now on, the registration fee will increase in line with inflation.
5. How much money does the IMI get from IMI Accreditation?
The only income the IMI receives through IMI Accreditation is £35 deducted from an individual's registration fee. From that, £7 per year is used to produce an individual's IMI Accreditation card, lanyard, badge and communication. The IMI covers all other IMI Accreditation costs (eg marketing, management, administration and from 2013 inclusion on IMI Professional Register).
6. What is the cost of the modules required for Assessed Outcome Modules (AOMs)?
The accreditation registration fee of £50 per candidate covers the three year validity period regardless of whether they maintain their accreditation through AOMs or via full assessment.
Course or assessment costs may apply depending on the organisation that employs you. Please contact your training provider or assessment centre for the costs and further details.
7. Will the skills I require change during the three year period?
Once set, the competencies for an individual's three year validity period will not change unless exceptional circumstances arise (eg a change in legislation such air conditioning F-gas). Any such amendment will be made in consultation with affected parties, including technicians and training providers to allow sufficient time to adjust and to minimise inconvenience.
8. How will the change to the accreditation validity period affect my existing card which indicates five years?
The validity period for technicians who were accredited before April 2012 will remain at five years. All accreditations and reaccreditations from April 2012 will be valid for three years.
For example, if a technician achieves IMI Accreditation in January 2012, their accreditation will be valid until January 2017. If they reaccredit consecutively their subsequent accreditation will be from 2017 to 2020 (three years).
9. Will someone with a card expiring before 2 April 2012 have to go through full assessment to reaccredit?
Yes. An individual will need to do a full assessment and will be valid for five years. Nothing will change before 2 April 2012.
10. Do I have to use AOMs to reaccredit?
No. A technician can either reaccredit through AOM or through taking a full assessment. The IMI has developed the new accreditation strategy to meet both the needs of industry and individuals. A technician can still be reassessed via a full assessment of the current skills needed to achieve accreditation. The use of AOM to maintain accreditation has been developed to provide an alternative pathway to reaccreditation.
11. How do I register to reaccredit using AOMs?
Registering on a module automatically signs a candidate to reaccredit via AOMs.
12. Will any training meet the requirements for AOM or IMI Accreditation?
Although some training may meet the requirements of the Assessed Outcome Modules (AOM), the AOM must have agreement by the awarding body that the training meets the agreed skills assessments etc. You will be able to identify that training meets requirements through the 'IMI Accreditation Compliant' the logo appearing on course branding.