What's involved to become a tester?

None at all. only 20 years plus experiance in the trade.

Thanks, so assuming I pass the NTTA, then a 3 day course, it that the end of it or is there more to do after the 3 days?

Or you can take the aTa route and then the NTTA will not be required

Welcome kingsbridge.

That is about the boat I was in when I started. Loads of experience and no papers.

NTTA was about 50 multiple choice questions in an hour. If you've done the job you'll know the answers. These are not MOT questions, but designed to see if you know the motor vehicle. I thought it was pretty easy, only one problem was regarding "air over hydraulic" truck brakes. Pass mark is about 80% but questions are grouped, and you can't get two wrong in one section.

Then the three day course and exam. The want you to pass, so listen to what they say and you'll be OK. The manual is available on this forum, in the bar on the left, have a read. Then read it again! The exam allows you to read the manual so you don't need to know everything, just know how to look it up.

The next step is a demo test on your own site. that is what I found most worrying, but the examiner isn't a monster, there is no time limit, just relax and don't miss anything out. You can check the manual when you do this if you find a problem, and if he asks you anything you can look up the answer.

There is no charge for this training as long as your employer intends to use you as a tester.

Good luck

I would just like to point out that I have not taken the ntta exam and have only repeated what I have been told/read by people who have.

Going down the ATA route however does cost. Our apprentice at my last VTS split the cost 50-50 with the boss. I believe it was about £2000, but that's just hearsay.

If going the NTTA route get this book

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1408515180

It was suggested to me when I was in your shoes and it helped me a lot. I was told that all the exam questions were based around the information in that book.