The irtec LEV accreditation is the recognised standard for commercial vehicle technicians working with high-voltage isolation and reinstatement on large electric vehicles. As electric HGVs, buses and coaches move from pilot schemes into mainstream fleet operations, operators face a growing compliance question: how do you demonstrate that your technicians are competent to work safely on these systems?
Without formal accreditation, workshops carry real liability exposure. Insurers are beginning to ask for evidence of technician competence on high-voltage systems, and Traffic Commissioners expect operators to show that maintenance is being carried out to a documented standard. The irtec LEV accreditation answers both demands. It certifies the individual technician, not the employer, and places them on the publicly accessible irtec register where operators, auditors and regulatory bodies can verify their status.
For fleet operators adding electric vehicles, accrediting your technicians now means you can bring LEV maintenance in-house rather than relying on dealer networks or specialist contractors. For workshops, it is formal evidence that your team can be trusted with high-voltage systems.
This accreditation is aimed at technicians and workshops involved in the maintenance of large electric commercial vehicles, including those in HGV, bus and coach operations.
- Commercial vehicle technicians working on large electric vehicles in fleet or workshop environments
- HGV, bus and coach technicians moving into high-voltage EV maintenance roles
- Fleet engineers and maintenance managers responsible for demonstrating LEV safety competence
- Workshops and transport operators adding electric vehicles to their fleet who need to evidence technician competence to DVSA, Traffic Commissioners or insurers
- Technicians returning to accreditation after their three-year irtec LEV licence has lapsed
Entry requirement: A minimum of 2 years' relevant industrial experience, or a Level 2 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least one year's post-qualification experience in a relevant automotive environment.
The irtec LEV accreditation assesses both knowledge and practical competence. Assessment takes place at an IMI-approved assessment centre and follows a two-stage process.
Stage one is the Underpinning Knowledge (UPK) test: 30 questions covering high-voltage theory, hazard awareness, safe working procedures and relevant legislation. The pass mark is 70%, which is higher than the standard irtec routes, reflecting the safety-critical nature of the work.
Stage two is the practical assessment, which must be completed within 12 months of passing the UPK test. The practical task requires the technician to demonstrate correct and safe isolation and reinstatement of a large electric vehicle high-voltage driveline system, using appropriate equipment, information and procedures.
The assessment covers:
• Safe isolation procedures for large electric vehicle high-voltage driveline systems
• Correct reinstatement following maintenance or repair activity
• Selection and use of specialist equipment and personal protective equipment
• Identification and management of high-voltage system hazards
• Underpinning knowledge of LEV high-voltage system technology and safe working practice
• Application of relevant health and safety legislation to high-voltage work
The IRTEC Advanced Technician licence requires successful completion of both theory and practical assessments:
Stage 1: Under Pinning Knowledge (UPK) Theory Test
A comprehensive online examination testing your theoretical knowledge of advanced vehicle systems, diagnostics, and maintenance procedures.
Stage 2: Five Practical Assessments
Once you've passed the UPK test, you have 12 months to complete all five practical assessments at an IRTEC-approved assessment centre:
- Engine Electrical Systems - Diagnostics, fault-finding, and repair of engine management, sensors, and electrical components
- Mechanical Systems - Advanced engine repairs, transmission systems, and mechanical diagnostics
- Braking Systems - Air brake systems, ABS, EBS, and advanced braking diagnostics
- Chassis Systems - Suspension, steering, axles, and chassis component maintenance
- Electrical Systems - Vehicle electrical circuits, lighting systems, and electrical fault diagnosis
Assessment Delivery:
- Theory test: Online, taken at approved centres
- Practical assessments: Conducted at IRTEC-approved assessment centres
- Validity: 5 years from date of accreditation, with renewal options available
- Timeframe: 12 months to complete all practical assessments after passing UPK theory test
Accrediting your technicians to the irtec LEV standard delivers practical benefits across operations, compliance and commercial performance.
- Provides formal, independently verified evidence of technician competence on high-voltage LEV systems
- Strengthens your position with Traffic Commissioners by demonstrating proactive, documented compliance for electric vehicle maintenance
- Supports DVSA audit readiness - accredited technicians on the irtec register provide a clear evidence trail
- Reduces liability and insurance risk associated with high-voltage commercial vehicle maintenance
- Allows you to bring LEV maintenance in-house rather than relying on dealer networks or external contractors
- Technician details appear on the publicly accessible irtec register, visible to operators, auditors and regulatory bodies
- The three-year renewal cycle creates a structured competence management requirement that keeps your team current as EV technology evolves