Institute of the Motor Industry
Introduction
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is a professional body for individuals working in the automotive retail industry. The IMI also governs the Automotive Technician Accreditation scheme (ATA) and maintains a publically searchable database of qualified automotive professionals known as the IMI Professional Register.
The IMI also undertakes a number of other functions for the automotive retail sector including developing National Occupational Standards (NOS) as part of its role as a Sector Skills Council and providing careers information advice and guidance around automotive training and apprenticeships.
The IMI was first established as a membership organisation in 1921 and is based in the county of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.[1]
ATA
Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) is a UK Based voluntary scheme which tests the current competence of people working in the retail motor industry. Typically ATA accreditations are valid for 3 years before they must be renewed.
ATA was established in 2005 by the IMI and incorporates 16 automotive disciplines. Each route content and structure are frequently reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and current to support the skills need in the sector.[2]