irtec Accreditation

UPDATE: Irtec Inspection Technician

Irtec Inspection Technician routes have been recently reviewed and redeveloped with expert working groups.  Centres must use the new assessments and documentation from 31-01-2026.

Summary of changes:

Naming convention changes for:

• Large Commercial Vehicle to: Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) (exceeding 12,000kg)
• Light Goods Vehicle to: Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV) (3,500 kg - 7,500 kg)
• Bus and Coach to: Public Service Vehicle (PSV)

Assessor and Technician instructions: 

• Updated documentation

Online Test:

• 1 x online test containing 40 MCQs and Pass score 70%,  relating to legislation and roadworthiness
• Now open book, Technician will have access to DVSA ‘HGV/PSV Inspection Manual’ and ‘Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness’ documentation.

irtec

irtec is an independent and renewable accreditation scheme designed to assess the competence of Technicians working in the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), Heavy Vehicle Trailer (HVT) and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) industries. Technicians are assessed on their knowledge and practical skills and, if successful, are awarded an irtec licence.

Developed by IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers) and quality-assured by the leading awarding organisation in the sector the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), irtec is the premier Technician accreditation scheme for the road transport industry.

An irtec licence certifies the individual, rather than the employer, and irtec is based on current competence, licences expire after 5 years.

How to become irtec accredited?

To achieve accreditation, a Technician must pass a series of practical assessments and a knowledge test at an irtec-approved assessment centre.

Before  a Technician can take an assessment, they must first prove their experience of working in the automotive industry. The length of experience required will depend upon the irtec route being applied for and the current qualifications an individual holds. A Technician may also find they require additional training to close any gaps in knowledge and/or skills prior to assessment.

Once registered, a Technician must successfully complete all assessments within a 12-month period from the first assessment date.

On the assessment day, a Technician must agree to:

• abide by the irtec Code of Conduct
• have their photograph taken in preparation for their ID card if successful.  

Once an individual has achieved their accreditation, their details will be entered on to the irtec website register of accredited Technicians.
To ensure a Technician keeps up-to-date with new and emerging technologies, they will be required to be re-assessed every 5 years to maintain their accreditation and licence. 

Most practical assessments are carried out at an irtec approved centre. However, assessments may be carried out under controlled conditions in the workplace by an approved irtec assessor, additional costs may apply.

irtec Licences

Licences are available in the following vehicle disciplines:

• Commercial Tyre Technician
• Service Maintenance Technician
• Inspection Technician
• Advanced Technician
• Master Technician

Vehicle classes

• Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)/Large Commercial Vehicle
• Public Service Vehicle (PSV)/Bus and Coach
• Heavy Vehicle Trailer (HVT)
• Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV), 3,500 and 7,500 kg
• Large Electric Vehicle (LEV)