Introductory qualifications in Vehicle Systems, Body and Paint Maintenance and Cycle Mechanics (3902)

Last Updated: 20 Nov 2024
Learn the basics of repairing or refinishing any type of vehicles with these introductory vehicle systems, body and paint maintenance and cycle mechanics qualifications.

You'll learn the basic skills you need to enrol in more advanced qualifications, and then get a job in a garage or body shop. You'll learn skills in your choice of vehicle maintenance, body repair or refinishing.
These introductory automotive qualifications are for anyone interested in a career repairing or refinishing a wide range of vehicles: cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, quads, land-based tractors, cycles, etc.

You don't need any previous experience, and you don't need to be working in the industry already. You might be a young learner (age 14 and up) or an adult.
Available to deliver in the following:
  • England
  • Wales – please check QiW website for available funding
  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland
  • Ireland
  • International

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?
These qualifications cover a variety of automotive related areas including:

• Vehicle engine systems
• Lubrication systems
• Vehicle electrical systems
• Suspension systems
• Basics of vehicle body fitting
• Mix foundation coat materials for spray gun application
• Repair a cycle puncture
• Build a cycle wheel

You will learn in a group with your training provider or college through practical sessions in a workshop or assignments.

You'll be assessed using practical activities and oral/written questioning.
What Careers Can This Lead To?
Our qualifications lead directly into full employment and offer learners the opportunity to develop their skills to a high recognised standard.

Achieving one of these introductory qualifications gives you the background knowledge you need to advance successfully into an apprenticeship. Completing an automotive apprenticeship can lead into employment as a specialised vehicle technician or panel/paint technician or cycle mechanic.

What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?
To deliver these introductory automotive qualifications you'll need to provide your learners with a suitable learning environment to allow them to complete the practical activities of these qualifications.

You'll assess learners via practical tasks supported by oral/written questioning.

Anyone over the age of 14 can take this qualification, but you must make sure all your learners can access the resources they need to complete it. To find all the resource requirements, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

Entry 3

Entry level 3 will suit you if you are thinking of working in the automotive sector and want to learn more about potential careers in this area. You are likely to be between 14 and 19 years old.

There are three diplomas available at this level:

  • Entry Level 3 Diploma in General Vehicle Maintenance.
  • Entry Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Systems and Body and Paint Maintenance.
  • Entry Level 3 Diploma in Body and Paint Maintenance.

You choose a minimum of 45 credits (or 40 credits for the Diploma in Body and Paint Maintenance) from a wide range of units, including:

  • Introduction to vehicle steering suspension systems
  • Basics of vehicle body fitting
  • Introduction to vehicle wheels and tyres
  • Introduction to vehicle workshop bench skills
  • Introduction to vehicle MIG/MAG welding techniques
  • Application of paint materials to vehicles using spray gun techniques.

For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

Achieving an introductory automotive qualification gives you the background knowledge you need to advance on to a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship. Completing an automotive apprenticeship can lead to employment as an automotive technician or vehicle paint technician.

Entry Level 3 Introduction to Vehicle Systems Maintenance (3902-01)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: SmartScreen Learning Assistant

Entry Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Systems Maintenance

  • Accreditation No: 500/8514/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 45 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 352 - 371 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 450 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level 3 Certificate in Vehicle Systems Maintenance

  • Accreditation No: 501/0610/7 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 25 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 184 - 240 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 250 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level 3 Award in Vehicle Systems Maintenance

  • Accreditation No: 501/1354/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 12 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 85 - 96 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 120 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Entry Level 3 Introduction to Vehicle Body & Paint Maintenance (3902-02)
Last Registration Date: 31 Mar 2024 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Entry Level 3 Diploma in Body & Paint Maintenance

  • Accreditation No: 501/0831/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 40 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 353 - 365 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 400 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/03/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Entry Level 3 Certificate in Vehicle Body & Paint Maintenance

  • Accreditation No: 501/1105/X This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 24 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 203 - 224 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 240 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/03/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Entry Level 3 Diploma in General Vehicle Maintenance (3902-03)
Last Registration Date: 31 Mar 2024 Supportive services: SmartScreen Learning Assistant

Entry Level 3 Diploma in General Vehicle Maintenance

  • Accreditation No: 501/1356/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 45 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 353 - 430 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 450 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/03/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Entry level 3 Award in Cycle Mechanics (3902-08)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2024 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Entry level 3 Award in Cycle Mechanics

  • Accreditation No: 600/0659/6 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 5 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 25 - 25 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 50 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1

Level 1 will suit you if you want a solid introduction to the specialist role of automotive technician or refinisher. You may also be looking to get the core skills you need to progress on to a related apprenticeship.

You choose 10 units from a range, totalling 45 credits. Some examples of the units available include:

  • Vehicle fuel and exhaust systems
  • Vehicle spark ignition systems
  • Vehicle electrical systems.

For a full list of units, download the qualifications handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

Achieving an introductory automotive qualification gives you the background knowledge you need to advance onto a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship. Completing an automotive apprenticeship can lead to employment as an automotive technician or vehicle paint technician.

Level 1 Introduction to Vehicle Systems Maintenance (3902-11)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 1 Diploma in Vehicle Systems Maintenance

  • Accreditation No: 500/8862/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 45 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 352 - 371 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 450 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1 Certificate in Vehicle Systems Maintenance

  • Accreditation No: 501/1550/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 25 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 185 - 197 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 250 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 1 Award in Vehicle Systems Maintenance

  • Accreditation No: 501/2222/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Data unavailable This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 12 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 92 - 96 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 120 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2027 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 1 Award in Cycle Mechanics (3902-18)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 1 Award in Cycle Mechanics

  • Accreditation No: 600/0495/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 6 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 31 - 31 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 60 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2

Level 2 will suit you if you have some relevant knowledge and understanding of cycle mechanics.

There is one qualification available in this level:

  • Certificate in cycle mechanics.

For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

Achieving an introductory automotive qualification gives you the background knowledge you need to advance onto a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship. Completing an automotive apprenticeship can lead to employment as an automotive technician or vehicle paint technician.

Level 2 Certificate in Cycle Mechanics (3902-28)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2027 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 2 Certificate in Cycle Mechanics

  • Accreditation No: 600/0660/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 20 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 103 - 103 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 200 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Additional information for centres

Smart Screen

SMARTSCREEN IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION

SmartScreen is our online portal for tutor, assessors and learners that provides unit-specific support materials and tutor forums to complement the delivery and learning experience

Visit Smartscreen.co.uk >

Learning Assistant

LEARNING ASSISTANT IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION

Learning Assistant is an innovative and cost effective e-portfolio solution that allows colleges and training providers to dramatically improve the delivery of their vocational qualifications.

Learn more about Learning Assistant >

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

3902 Entry 3

Assessment materials

Centre documents

3902 Level 1

Assessment materials

3902 Level 2

Assessment materials

3902 Level 3

Additional documents

Centre documents

3902 SCQF 3

Assessment materials

3902 SCQF 4

Assessment materials

Additional documents

Assessment materials

Centre documents

Purpose and Recognition

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Purpose

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