IMI Awards, Qualifications, Accreditation & Certificates: A Straightforward Guide

IMI Qualifications, Accreditation & Certificates A Straightforward Guide

Whether you’re a technician looking to upgrade your skills, or you run a garage and need your team IMI qualified—you’re in the right place.

This guide will help you:

  • Understand the differences between IMI Certificates, Qualifications, and Accreditation
  • Choose the right level of training
  • Find a trusted IMI Approved Centre
  • Explore cutting-edge training like VR and CGI

What Is the IMI?

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is the official body for professional standards in the motor trade.

If you want your qualifications to be:

  • Recognised by employers
  • Trusted by insurers
  • Compliant with legal and safety standards

…then they need to be IMI accredited.

Our Virtual Academy is a fully IMI Approved Centre. We’ve helped thousands of technicians and garages meet industry standards across EV, hybrid, and ADAS systems.

For Garage Owners & Managers: Why IMI Training Matters

You’re under pressure to keep your workshop competitive.

You need:

  • Technicians with verified skills
  • Proof of competence for safety, compliance, and insurance
  • Training that doesn’t disrupt the day-to-day running of your business

IMI-accredited courses at Our Virtual Academy are designed with flexibility in mind—online modules plus hands-on assessments where needed.

Your team learns at their own pace, from anywhere.

You stay operational. They stay upskilled.

See all our online IMI certified courses

What IMI Levels Actually Mean

Let’s keep it simple:

Level 1 – Safety awareness, non-technical staff
View the Level 1 Hybrid & EV Awareness course

Level 2 – Hazard management: safe handling of high-voltage systems
Explore the Level 2 Hazard Management course

Level 3 – Repair and replacement of complex systems
Check out the Level 3 EV/Hybrid course

Level 4 – Advanced diagnostics and live working on EV
Learn more about Level 4 & in-person assessment

VR & CGI Training

Our Virtual Academy goes beyond standard online courses.

We can deliver elements for IMI Awards using advanced VR and CGI, giving your team a realistic, interactive training environment—without stepping into a live workshop. It’s the perfect solution for mastering high-risk systems like ADAS, electric drivetrains, and high-voltage components.

  • Fully supported by assessments
  • Proven to boost engagement and retention
  • Ideal for digital-native learners
  • Safe, scalable, and repeatable across your entire team

Discover our VR & CGI-based training

Watch Ben Stockton Interview About the IMI Awards

In some cases, no. Our IMI-certified courses are delivered online, and assessments can often be arranged on-site or nearby, depending on the course level.

Yes. Many IMI qualifications combine digital learning with in-person assessments. It’s flexible, efficient, and designed to fit around real workshop schedules.

Absolutely. The IMI is nationally recognised, and qualifications earned through Our Virtual Academy meet the requirements for insurance, compliance, and manufacturer standards.

Yes. Our bespoke training solutions are built for garages, dealer networks, and training providers. This includes custom content, VR/CGI modules, and team-wide access options.