Automotive Management Accreditation

FAQs

Individuals

Where will I find training if AMA indicates gaps or I wish to progress?

Contact an AMA centre.

How do I know the assessors are competent?

• Assessors have a proven track record, undertake training and assessment and undergo rigorous checks before they are approved to be an AMA assessor.
• AMA assessors are monitored on an ongoing basis by an awarding body to ensure quality and consistency.

How can you help with any fear that I may have as I have never been assessed in this way before?

1. There is a self assessment tool to enable managers to experience much of the process and self assess themselves. This can be done away from the business at any time and is not recorded
2. The AMA centre and assessor makes contact prior to the assessment and ensures the process is clear. This is also opportunity for the candidate to ask questions they may have.
3. Its carried out in an environment that is familiar to the manager which removes the fear of the examination environment often generated in exams
4. But key to this process is the quality and level of the assessor. These are more than just an assessor, to be selected as an AMA assessor they have already proven that they are a high level coach and able to put the candidate at ease on the day. They are also highly skilled in providing feedback to ensure the experience is positive for the individual

How do I register on AMA?

Via an AMA centre that can be found on the AMA Website. The centre will guide you on the process and register you with the IMI.

How do I know which of the three levels I should register on?

1. There is a self assessment tool on the AMA Website that will enable you to judge for yourself which is the appropriate level to be assessed at. When you use the self assessment tool be honest with your responses and you will gain a good overview of your level.
2. The AMA centre will give appropriate guidance if you are unsure.

Can I get funding for AMA?

Local Government, Government and European funding opportunities come and go on a regular basis.
Some of these funding pots are fairly open, women and work for example could be accessed, but in the main the government requires a traditional qualification that is government recognised as an output for programmes to attract funding.

So you would think the answer is no, but one awarding body has aligned units and qualifications to enable dual registration, which where possible could provide an outcome that is fundable when those opportunities arise.

What can I do if I want to be a good AMA accredited manager in the future but do not have a management position yet?

Carry out training that aligns to AMA to gain the appropriate knowledge until you acquire a management post. IMI Awards has qualifications and centres offering management and leadership programmes that have been designed for this very purpose. Other management and leadership Awarding bodies for example ILM and CMI also have appropriate training and qualification offers to enable you to gain valuable knowledge and skills prior to finding the management position. When you have the position and have had time in role to ensure you can operate at a given management level then engage in AMA.

What happens if I am referred on a few elements of AMA?

The registration is valid for a 12 month window from the first assessment taking place. So if you are referred on some competencies you have the opportunity to close these gaps and be reassessed on those elements. The registration fee will not need to be paid again unless you do not achieve within the 12 month window. You will however need to pay for any assessor time that is required to reassess you on those elements.

What happens if I am referred on many of the competences?

Because the competences in management and leadership are so interlinked, if you are referred on more than three you will need to be reassessed after you have had time to train and become competent.

How many levels are there in AMA?

There are three levels designed to fit any manager in the sector. These are
1st line manager (Level 3)
Middle manager (Level 5)
Senior manager (Level 7)

If I am successful how long will AMA last?

You will be accredited on the AMA register for five years

If I am a very small business and self employed can I still engage with AMA?

Yes, the AMA approach allows any individual, small or large business to engage.

What’s the cost of AMA?

Registration fee is £175
In addition to the registration fee, the cost of the assessment and assessors time is agreed with the AMA Centre.  To find AMA centres, click here.

Employers

How does the AMA scheme fit with an existing management and leadership programme?

There is a flexible ‘three way’ assessment approach to AMA:

1. An assessor can visit businesses to help employers with limited management and leadership provision. The AMA website is an up-to-date resource for current AMA centres with AMA assessors.
2. If an employer or training provider has an existing programme that meets the same areas of assessment as the AMA scheme, the assessment can be mapped to achieve the external recognition.
3. AMA can be positioned as the assessment day at the end of any programme to provide the external recognition.

If you have any questions about how the AMA scheme will fit with an existing management and leadership programme, simply email ama@motor.org.uk