About IRTE Workshop Accreditation
What is IRTE Workshop Accreditation?
IRTE Workshop Accreditation is an independent commercial audit of workshop facilities, procedures and practice. IRTE Workshop Accreditation is suitable for small or large passenger carrying and commercial vehicle workshops as well as light vehicle maintenance providers. The accreditation involves an audit by one of SOE’s approved auditors, examining best practice compliance in areas such as premises, equipment, technical staff, management, clerical staff, documentation, quality and appearance. IRTE Workshop Accreditation is valid for three years then needs to be renewed.
Why get accredited?
The IRTE Workshop Accreditation scheme offers a range of benefits to both workshops and operators. The IRTE Workshop Accreditation scheme makes sure workshops operate with high standards, health and safety awareness, and regulatory compliance to operators and manufacturers. Choosing an IRTE-accredited maintenance supplier enables operators to subcontract with confidence and safeguard their Operator’s Licence by maintaining a strong Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS). For organisations with in-house maintenance, accreditation also helps raise workshop standards, reduce vehicle downtime and improve pass rates.
Benefits for Workshops:
Quality assurance
Pass on confidence in standards of work to customers
Independent review
Get a non-biased review of how your workshop compares to the industry standard
Training Insights
Identify training needs for increased workshop efficiency
Industry Edge
Gain a competitive advantage through inclusion in the IRTE Workshop Accreditation Register
Benefits of Operators:
Operational Insights
The IRTE Workshop Accreditation Register allows operators to see key workshop performance data, including test pass rates, RIDDOR stats and HSE notice information
Capability Assurance
Confirm that suppliers have correct facilities, technical expertise and welfare
Streamlined Selection
Save time on researching and reviewing workshops by using the IRTE Workshop Accreditation Register
Trusted Reputation
Improves credibility, demonstrating to customers a dedication to maintaining high standards
Explore the IRTE Workshop Accreditation Register, our database of accredited maintenance providers.
Contact your local audit centre to start the accreditation process.
Explore the benefits of the IRTE Workshop Accreditation scheme.
Contact the IRTE Workshop Accreditation team for support or enquiries.
How it works
Applying for IRTE Workshop Accreditation is a straightforward process designed to assess your workshop’s facilities, processes and technical capability. Follow the steps below to begin your accreditation journey and demonstrate your commitment to high industry standards.
Contact us here, or find your local audit centre to start the process
Receive your IRTE Workshop Accreditation audit document and arrange an audit
Once accredited, your workshop will be added to the IRTE Workshop Accreditation Register and you’ll receive an IRTE Accredited Workshop logo and certificate.
Getting accredited
Start the IRTE Workshop Accreditation process today and demonstrate your team’s competence, boost your business credibility, and gain a competitive edge in the industry.
IRTE Workshop Accreditation FAQs
Have questions about SOE? Find answers here about our mission, membership, and how we support engineers across the UK and beyond.
- How long does IRTE Workshop Accreditation last?
IRTE Workshop Accreditation is valid for three years, and can be renewed once this period is up.
- How long does the audit take and will work be impacted?
Auditors will conduct their inspection of a workshop over one day and will have minimum impact on operations.
- Who will be conducting the audit?
An SOE approved auditor who has completed IRTE training.
- Do workshop staff members take part in the audit?
A site manager or supervisor should be available at all times during the audit. Other staff members present during the audit may be questioned about workshop operating procedures.
- What info must the workshop provide on the day?
- All calibration certificates for tools and equipment
- Staff training records, including evidence that technicians are irtec licenced
- The workshop’s ISO 9001:2008 certificate where necessary
- Health and safety procedure
- Customer complaints procedure
- A completed vehicle inspection document
- What happens if my workshop doesn’t pass the audit?
If a workshop is unsuccessful in gaining accreditation, areas that need improvement will be highlighted and the workshop will be offered the chance to make the necessary changes. At the auditor’s discretion, the workshop may have to provide subsequent proof that any required changes have been made. A re-visit to the workshop may be necessary, and a fee will be charged for this.