Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (VCQs) (4270)

Last Updated: 14 Apr 2023
4270-12 and 13 will close to new registrations on 31st May 2022.  The new replacement qualifications 7270-12 and 13 will open for registrations on 1st June 2022.

Register for updates here.

For people working on maintaining and repairing vehicles (such as cars, vans, trucks or motorycles) who would like to demonstrate their competence on their own workplace.  Learners can progress from their first workshop repair job to a supervisory role in a small family-run operation, a main dealer or even one of the largest manufacturers.
The VCQs are for anyone developing a career in the motor industry. You will need a current job or work placement where you can carry out repair work or tyre fitting. If you don't have a suitable job or work placement, you could do one of our VRQs in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (4290).
Available to deliver in the following:
  • England
  • Wales – please check QiW website for available funding
  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?

You'll cover:

  • routine vehicle maintenance
  • removal and replacement of vehicle units
  • diagnosis and rectification of vehicle faults.

You will learn on the job or in a simulated environment.

These qualifications are taken in the workplace and you will achieve it by proving that you can do your job at a high standard. Assessment is via observation and portfolio of evidence. For some units you may also have to complete an online knowledge test.

Which level is right for me?

Level 1
You are new to the industry and have no prior experience or knowledge.

Level 2
You have some knowledge and experience in vehicles and the automotive industry. You are looking to further your career.

Level 3
You have a lot of knowledge and experience in the automotive industry and are looking to gain more responsibility.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

On completion and achievement of these qualifications (depending on the level) you can go on to gain various roles such as:

  • Light Vehicle/Heavy Vehicle/Motorcycle Service Technician or FastFit/Tyre Technician (level 2)
  • Light Vehicle/Heavy Vehicle/Motorcycle Diagnostic Technician or FastFit Supervisor (level 3)
  • Light Vehicle/Heavy Vehicle/Motorcycle Master Technician or FastFit Manager or Workshop Controller
What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?

To deliver a VCQ, you will require qualified assessors. You can train internal members of staff or recruit specially.

Assessment will be via observation and a portfolio of evidence. For some units learners may also have to complete an online knowledge test.

Delivery of the qualification will be in the work place. You will need suitable facilities to carry out the required training to enable learner to achieve industry standards.

To find all the resource requirements, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

For centres already approved to offer the NVQs in Automotive Maintenance and Repair (4101), no further steps are needed.

Anyone can take this qualification but you must make sure all your learners can access the resources they need to complete it.

Level 2

Level 2 will suit you if you are working in the automotive industry and have some relevant knowledge and skills, usually from a role where you've been supervised. There are six qualifications available at Level 2:

  • Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence
  • Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence
  • Diploma in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Competence
  • Diploma in Specialist Tyre Fitting Competence
  • Diploma in Vehicle Fitting Competence
  • Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence

These comprise mandatory and optional units. For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?
  • Light Vehicle Service Technician
  • Heavy Vehicle Service Technician
  • Motorcycle Service Technician
  • FastFit/Tyre Technician

Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence (4270-12)
Last Registration Date: 31 May 2022 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence

  • Accreditation No: 500/9975/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 98 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 815 - 895 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 980 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/05/2024 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £132.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 2 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence (4270-22)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026

Level 2 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence

  • Accreditation No: 501/0745/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 101 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 855 - 855 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1010 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £155.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 2 Diploma in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Competence (4270-32)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2023

Level 2 Diploma in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Competence

  • Accreditation No: 500/9990/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 95 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 810 - 810 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 950 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £155.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 2 Vehicle Fitting Competence qualifications (4270-52)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2023 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 2 Diploma in Specialist Tyre Fitting Competence

  • Accreditation No: 501/0127/4 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 60 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 512 - 593 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 600 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £161.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Fitting Competence

  • Accreditation No: 501/0322/2 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 61 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 425 - 556 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 610 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £161.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3

Level 3 is ideal if you are an experienced worker in the automotive industry and have a great deal of technical skills and knowledge. You work with minimum supervision and have a good record of safety and ensuring work meets the required standard.

There are five qualifications available at Level 3:

  • Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence
  • Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence
  • Diploma in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Competence.
  • Diploma in Auto Electrical and Mobile Electrical Competence
  • Diploma in Vehicle Fitting Supervisory Competence

These comprise both mandatory and optional units. For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?
  • Light Vehicle Diagnostic Technician
  • Heavy Vehicle Diagnostic Technician
  • Motorcycle Diagnostic Technician
  • FastFit Supervisor
Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence (4270-13)
Last Registration Date: 31 May 2022 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Diagnostic Technician

  • Accreditation No: 501/0017/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 88 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 640 - 720 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 880 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/05/2025 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £158.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence (4270-23)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026

Level 3 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence

  • Accreditation No: 500/9984/X This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 102 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 865 - 870 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1020 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £188.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 Diploma in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Competence (4270-33)
Last Registration Date: 31 Dec 2023

Level 3 Diploma in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Competence

  • Accreditation No: 501/0023/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 102 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 861 - 861 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1020 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £188.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Additional information for centres

Learning Assistant

LEARNING ASSISTANT IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION

Learning Assistant is an innovative and cost effective e-portfolio solution that allows colleges and training providers to dramatically improve the delivery of their vocational qualifications.

Learn more about Learning Assistant >

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

4270 Level 1

Assessment materials

Sample questions

4270 Level 2

Assessment materials

Heavy vehicle

Light vehicle

Motorcycle

sample questions

Vehicle fitting

Sample questions

4270 Level 3

Assessment materials

Auto electrical

Heavy vehicle

Light vehicle

Motorcycle

Vehicle fitting

Additional documents

Assessment materials

Heavy Vehicle sample questions

Light vehicle sample questions

Motor cycle sample questions

Vehicle fitting sample questions

Centre documents

Purpose and Recognition

19 Plus

Purpose

Explore our wider maths & English offer

Our maths & English qualifications underpin our apprenticeships and technical qualifications. They build learners’ confidence with the core skills required for employment, including the capacity to problem solve and use technology effectively. They are also key to triggering conditions of funding.

Find out more

For Learners

Related Qualifications

Browse some of our related qualifications:

> (4121) Advanced Auto Diagnostic Techniques

> (4122) Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics and Management

> (4101) Automotive Maintenance and Repair

> (3902) Introductory Qualifications in Vehicle Systems, Body and Paint Maintenance and Cycle Mechanics

> (3302) Level 2 Professional Bus Driving for London

> (3428) MOT Qualifications and CPD

> (3905) Motor Vehicle Engineering

See more related qualifications >

Related apprenticeships

This qualification can be found as a part of these related apprenticeships:

> (9420) Automotive Apprenticeship...

> (9420) Automotive Apprenticeship...