Beyond Certificates: How Collision Shops Can Clearly Demonstrate Technician Competency

When it comes to OEM audits, technician competency is about far more than certificates on a wall. Auditors want clear, practical evidence that the right technicians are trained, authorised, and consistently performing repairs to OEM standards.

Auditors want to evidence the practical application of technician skills, knowledge and behaviour in the workplace in a consistent and controlled way. Training courses are the foundation. 

For collision repair shops, being audit-ready means showing how training translates into real-world capability. Below are proven ways to demonstrate technician competency clearly and confidently during an OEM audit.

1. Keep OEM training records current and complete

Ensure training documentation is accurate and up to date for every technician, including:

• OEM certificates, course IDs, completion dates, and course descriptions.

• Evidence of OEM-recognised refresher or re-certification training where required.

Auditors expect training records to be easy to access, verify and trace.

2. Maintain a clear competency matrix or skills roster

A competency matrix helps auditors quickly understand:

• Which technicians are qualified to perform specific tasks (structural repair, welding, ADAS, paint and refinish, electrical).

• Each technician’s training status and experience level.

This removes ambiguity and speeds up the audit process.

3. Document hands-on competency assessments

Training completion alone does not prove capability. Strengthen your evidence with:

• Signed skills checklists or practical assessment results.

• Dates of assessment, evaluation criteria, and assessor details.

• Time-stamped photos or videos showing technicians performing key procedures.

In-house assessments offer technicians excellent opportunities to separate theory from practice.

4. Link technicians to real repair work

Repair documentation should clearly demonstrate who did the work and how:

• Repair orders showing assigned technicians and tasks completed.

• Notes confirming OEM procedures were followed.

• Pre- and post-repair images linked to the technician responsible.

5. Show mentoring and supervision in action

For technicians still developing their skills, auditors look for structure and oversight:

• On-the-job training records.

• Mentorship or buddy logs.

• Supervisor sign-offs confirming readiness for independent work.

• Constructive technician feedback.

It’s important to demonstrate that a structured process is in place for the ongoing professional development of technicians in the business. Every day is a school day.

6. Control tool and equipment authorisation

Competency also includes the safe and correct use of equipment. Be prepared with:

• Records showing which technicians are authorised to use specific tools and systems (welders, torque tools, ADAS calibration equipment).

• Calibration logs and approval records.

7. Demonstrate ongoing competency and learning

OEMs expect skills to be maintained over time. Evidence may include:

• Re-certification schedules and completion records.

• OEM update training.

• Cross-training and upskilling sessions.

Ongoing professional development is a combination of industry- and OEM-formalised training and on-the-job practical support.

8. Connect quality checks to corrective actions

Quality assurance should reinforce technician competency:

• QA inspection sign-offs by qualified inspectors.

• Records of rework and corrective actions.

• Evidence that issues resulted in targeted retraining or process improvement.

9. Use performance metrics to support competency

Well-presented data helps validate your approach:

• Rework and warranty return rates.

• Cycle time by technician or team.

• Customer satisfaction results, supported by corrective actions where needed.

10. Be fully prepared on audit day

Strong preparation leaves a positive impression:

• Ensure technicians are available or reachable to answer technical questions.

• Organise competency evidence in a structured digital or physical format.

• Provide a concise summary mapping technicians to OEM-required competencies.

In summary
Passing an OEM audit isn’t just about having certificates - it’s about clearly demonstrating that technician training, assessment, and performance are aligned with OEM standards. Shops that can consistently demonstrate this connection are better positioned for successful audits and long-term network participation.