MORE than 1,000 technicians have already signed up to the most concerted drive to raise the standards of technical expertise in the retail motor industry.

Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA), the UK's first national voluntary assessment system for car technicians, has been developed over three years and is a benchmark of current competence. It was launched in June.

To achieve ATA status, technicians must pass a series of practical tasks and an on-line knowledge test at an ATA approved assessment centre, including major vehicle manufacturers and national service and repair organisations, as well as colleges of further education.

The three levels of accreditation are: service maintenance technician, diagnostic technician and master technician.

ATA-registered technicians sign a Code of Conduct prior to being issued with a unique photo identity card and details of where they are located are listed on the ATA website. All technicians must be re-assessed after five years to maintain their credentials.

Sarah Sillars, chief executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry, which governs the ATA, said: "ATA clearly identifies proven current competence, which is as important to consumers as it is to businesses seeking qualified technicians.

"The level of support within the motor industry would suggest that at least 50 per cent of businesses involved in vehicle servicing and repair nationwide will be actively supporting ATA within the next five years."