FAQs

Can anyone apply for an irtec licence?

Anyone who has worked in the industry as a mechanic or technician for a minimum of two years is eligible to take an irtec Service Maintenance Technician licence, and you do not need to be a member of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). If you have more qualifications and/or experience, you may be eligible for an irtec Advanced or Master Technician licence.

How long do the Service Maintenance Technician tests take?

You are advised to set aside a whole day for the testing to be carried out. The test includes four and a half hours of practical assessments and an hour-long online theory (otherwise known as an Underpinning Knowledge) test. Most assessment centres offer an optional preparatory course that takes place before the actual irtec test (at an additional cost). This day is designed to help the candidate prepare for the test and alleviate any worries they may have about being tested.

How can I apply?

You apply to take the irtec test directly with the irtec assessment centre of your choice. irtec assessment centres are located all over the UK and Ireland so you should be able to find one local to you/your business.

IMI Awards Ltd, the leading awarding body for the motor industry, manages the assessment centres that offer irtec licence testing, including the quality assurance process for irtec, approval of new centres, monitoring of the assessments and assessors.

Find an irtec assessment centre here: irtec assessment centres

How much does it cost?

The cost of taking an irtec licence test varies depending at which irtec assessment centre the tests are taken. Some assessment centres also offer pre-test training which comes at an additional cost. irtec assessment centres are located all over the UK and Ireland so you should be able to find one local to you/your business.

It is advisable to contact the assessment centre for a cost based on your specific requirements.

Please note that a registration fee is payable for each irtec level.

How long does my licence last for?

Your licence and certificate are valid for 5 years from the date of testing. Shortly before your licence and certificate are due to expire, a member of the irtec team will contact you to see if you wish to renew your licence. Should you wish to re-new your irtec licence, you simply take the test again.

What type of licence can I apply for?

There are four levels of licence available, depending on what experience and qualifications you have.

Licences are available in several vehicle classes, for specific areas of the industry that you may be involved in: large commercial vehicle, bus and coach and trailer.

Where can I take the test?

There are many authorised irtec assessment centres covering the UK and Ireland that carry out irtec licence testing so you should be able to find one local to you/your business.

What happens when I have passed my irtec test?

Once you have been successful in passing your irtec test (and within three weeks) you will be entered onto the irtec technicians directory and bound by the irtec code of conduct.

You will also receive your irtec licence card, irtec certificate and you can apply for your Halfords Trade Card.

What training is available?

Most irtec assessment centres offer a preparatory course that takes place before the actual irtec test (at an additional cost). This day is designed to help the candidate prepare for the test and alleviate any worries they may have about being tested. There are many authorised irtec assessment centres covering the UK and Ireland that carry out irtec licence testing so you should be able to find one local to you/your business.