The automotive technical control sector is looking for 1,000 professionals
About 25 million vehicles pass a technical inspection every year. However, certainly, the sector is understaffed. Recently, the National Association for Automotive Training (ANFA) estimated that it is necessary to hire more than 1000 technical inspectors of light vehicles in the national territory. Although this profession is difficult to recruit, it is really important for road safety.
Missions and working conditions
Passionate about cars and mechanics, the technical controller must be strict and methodical, with a sense of analysis, responsibility and finally customer relations (self-control, patience and diplomacy).
Working in approved technical control centers, independent or affiliated with a national network, this professional checks vehicles over 4 years old, whose weight is less than or equal to 3.5 tons, by testing more in 100 control points ( registration, lighting, brakes, tires , axle, chassis, pollution, etc.). His responsibilities are important because he writes the inspection report, making him the guarantor of the safety of the vehicle and therefore of its users.
On a daily basis, this technician performs periodic and additional checks and counter-visits by applying the quality procedures implemented. He participates in the maintenance of the stations and the various equipment and control tools (suspension and braking test benches, compressors, pressure gauges, gas and smoke analyzers, etc.).
In addition, he uses the control software and the input tool, edits, verifies and validates the report of the inspected vehicles, while receiving and informing the customers of the malfunctions observed. Invoicing, collection and establishment of regulatory, administrative and commercial documents are also part of its missions.
A supervised course
In order to perform a legal vehicle appraisal, you must have a clean criminal record. It is also necessary to obtain prefectural approval, which is given to graduates, who have at least 4 years of experience in vehicle maintenance (whether in mechanics, bodywork or electricity) and who have followed specific training within approximately 9 weeks in the field.
From CAP to BTS, through professional baccalaureate and to BUT (formerly DUT), several training courses in automotive repair, upkeep and maintenance (sheet metal work, bodywork, electricity, etc.) teach the essential bases to able to undertake this mandatory internship and practice this profession.
Among them, let’s mention for example the bodywork repair professional baccalaureate, the vehicle maintenance professional baccalaureate option A passenger cars or the BTS Vehicle maintenance option A passenger cars (baccalaureate level +2).
Focus: the CQP, a professional practice
In the auto service trades, there are more than 130 professional certifications. Still little known, the light vehicle technical inspector professional qualification certificate (CQP) is accessible to people of all ages (young graduates, people in retraining, job seekers) with at least one CAP in automotive maintenance field or equivalent. This work-study training lasts several months, depending on the different training organization, and allows efficient and quick integration into the world of work.
Salaries and development
The technical controller can be a business manager or an employee. The latter may progress over the years to the position of team leader or center leader. He may also specialize in technical assessment for heavy-duty vehicles.
In terms of compensation, a novice technical controller typically receives a gross monthly salary of around €1,500. But this amount can change quickly according to his qualifications, the center where he exercises or the region.
Good to know: find out about this profession at Anfa-auto.fr, the portal of the National Association for Automotive Training, and at the National Agency for Vocational Training, Afpa.fr.
