Vehicle Technicians – Repair and Maintenance

Last Update on 08/11/2024

Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

General Information

In order to repair and maintain vehicles in the Republic of Cyprus, a person needs to obtain a licence for Automotive Technicians from the local Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services, of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works.

The professions regulated by the Vehicle Τechnicians Laws are the following:

a. Automotive Electrician;

b. Automotive Mechanic;

c. Motorcycle Mechanic;

d. Panel Beater;

e. Diesel injection pump technician;

f. Automotive Painter;

g. Tyre Technician;

h. Wheel Alignment Technician;

i. Automotive Air Conditioning Technician

j. Instrument cluster technician;

k. Exhaust System Technician;

l. Radiator Technician;

m. Automotive LPG Installer.

According to the National Laws (Vehicle Τechnicians Laws of 2006 up to 2015) a vehicle’s technician licence for the above-mentioned professions is issued only to natural persons.

Any physical person may be licensed as an Automotive Technician if he/she is 18 years of age or older and fulfills any one of the following requirements:

  • For profession a) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 6 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 5 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate as an Automotive Electrician or Certificate of Professional Qualifications of the System of Professional Qualifications issued by the Human Resources Development Authority in Cyprus in “Vehicle Electrics – level 4”, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and has 3 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Electrical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 2 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of experience;
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Electrical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For profession b) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 6 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 5 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate as an Automotive Mechanic or Certificate of Professional Qualifications of the System of Professional Qualifications issued by the Human Resources Development Authority in Cyprus in “Vehicle Mechanics – level 4”, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and has 3 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Mechanical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 2 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of experience;
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Mechanical Engineering or other related major and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For profession c) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 6 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 5 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate in Automotive Mechanics or any other major related to this specialty or Certificate of Professional Qualifications of the System of Professional Qualifications issued by the Human Resources Development Authority in Cyprus in “Motorcycle Mechanics – level 4”, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and has 3 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Mechanical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 2 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of experience;
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For profession d) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 6 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 5 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate as an Automotive Electrician or Certificate of Professional Qualifications of the System of Professional Qualifications issued by the Human Resources Development Authority in Cyprus in “Vehicle Electrics – level 4”, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and has 3 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Electrical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 2 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of experience;
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Electrical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For profession e) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 6 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 5 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate in Automotive Mechanics or Certificate of Professional Qualifications of the System of Professional Qualifications issued by the Human Resources Development Authority in Cyprus in “Vehicle Electrics – level 4”, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    •  is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and has 3 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Mechanical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 2 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For profession f) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 2 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate in Automotive Mechanics or a certificate in a field related to this specialty or Certificate of Professional Qualifications of the System of Professional Qualifications issued by the Human Resources Development Authority in Cyprus in “Vehicle Painting – level 4”, has 1 year of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    •  is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Mechanical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For profession g) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 2 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate in Automotive Mechanics or a certificate in a field related to this specialty or Certificate of Professional Qualifications of the System of Professional Qualifications issued by the Human Resources Development Authority in Cyprus in “Tyre Placement/Repair – level 4”, has 1 year of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    •  is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Mechanical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For profession h) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 2 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate in Automotive Mechanics or a certificate in a field related to this specialty or Certificate of Professional Qualifications of the System of Professional Qualifications issued by the Human Resources Development Authority in Cyprus in “Vehicle Wheel Alignment – level 4”, has 1 year of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    •  is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Mechanical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For profession i) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 6 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 5 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate as an Automotive Electrician or Automotive Mechanic or a certificate in a field related to this specialty or Certificate of Professional Qualifications of the System of Professional Qualifications issued by the Human Resources Development Authority in Cyprus in “Vehicle Air-Conditioning – level 4”, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    •  is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and 3 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Mechanical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 2 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For profession j) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 6 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 5 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate as an Automotive Electrician or a certificate in a field related to this specialty or Certificate of Professional Qualifications of the System of Professional Qualifications issued by the Human Resources Development Authority in Cyprus in “Vehicle Instruments’ Installation and Maintenance  – level 4”, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    •  is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and 3 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Electrical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 2 years of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Electrical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For professions k) and l) the following requirements apply:

    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 3 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 2 years of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate in Automotive Mechanics or in a field related to this specialty, has 1 year of practical training (experience) and success in exams of the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    •  is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair and 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Mechanical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience);
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience).
  • For profession m) the following requirements apply:
    • without a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 6 years of practical training (experience), has basic automotive LPG installer training and branch specific LPG installer training;
    • is the holder of an Apprenticeship scheme, or equivalent program, Certificate or Certificate of Training Courses with material prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, has 5 years of practical training (experience), has basic automotive LPG installer training and branch specific LPG installer training;
    • is the holder of a Secondary Education Certificate (high school leaving certificate), has 4 years of experience, has basic automotive LPG installer training and branch specific LPG installer training;
    • is the holder of a Technical Education Certificate as an Automotive Electrician or an Automotive Mechanic or in a field related to this specialty, has 2 years of experience, has basic automotive LPG installer training and branch specific LPG installer training;
    • is the holder of post-secondary education Diploma of one year’s duration in the field of automotive mechanics/maintenance and repair, has 2 years of practical training (experience), has basic automotive LPG installer training and branch specific LPG installer training;
    • is the holder of Triennial Diploma from an accredited Higher Education Institution in the field of Mechanical Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty, has 1 year of experience, has basic automotive LPG installer training and branch specific LPG installer training;
    • is the holder of an Automotive Mechanic Diploma from College studies of at least two years duration in the field of Automotive Engineering, has 1 years of experience, has basic automotive LPG installer training and branch specific LPG installer training;
    • is the holder of a University Diploma in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering or other related major or in a field related to this specialty and has 1 year of practical training (experience), has basic automotive LPG installer training and branch specific LPG installer training.

The “Vehicle Technicians Application form” can be submitted either through the PSC Cyprus or by contacting directly the competent authority:

Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services
Ayiou Ilarionos Avenue, Kaimakli, 1426 Nicosia
P.O BOX 29669,1722 Nicosia
Tel: .+357 22800301
Fax: +357 22348202
Email: director@ems.mcw.gov.cy
Website: http://www.mcw.gov.cy/ems

  1. The “Vehicle Technicians Application form” must be accompanied by the following documents:

    • 2 recent passport-size photos 45×35 ml;
    • copy of personal identity card (valid);
    • detailed statements of insured person’s earnings by the Social Insurance Services (from each employer)
    • proof of academic qualifications (e.g. copy of the certificate, diploma or degree, copy of Cyprus Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services Examination certificate, if required in the eligibility criteria);
    • completed “Declaration of Licensed Vehicle Technician”;
    • Registration Certificate for Member State citizen by the Migration Department (for EU Member States’ citizens);
    • Temporary Residence and Employment Permit by the Migration Department (for third-country nationals);
    • registration fee payment receipt, €50 per specialization.

The application/registration fee of €50 per specialisation (payable either by cash, cheque).

The renewal fee is €20 per profession.

The applicant is informed regarding the authorisation decision within three months from the date that the application form and supporting documents were duly submitted.

The licence of Vehicle Technician is valid for two years from the date of issue.

The renewal fee is €20 per profession.

Administrative Action against a Competent Authority’s Decision

Any person may file an Administrative Action at the Administrative Court against a decision, act, or omission of any competent authority or body.

Pursuant to Article 146 of the Constitution, an Administrative Action may be lodged within 75 days from the date of the decision or act or omission or from the day when such decision or act or omission was notified to the applicant.

The Administrative Court acts as a cassation Court and not as a substantive Court. In other words, the Administrative Court may:
I. Dismiss the Administrative Action
II. Annul wholly or partially the contested decision or act
III. Compel the relevant authority or body to take a certain action

After a decision is annulled, the authority and/or public body must reverse things back to the state prior to when the concerned decision and/or act was executed and reexamine.

Appeal Information

An Appeal may be filed against the Administrative Court’s first-instance decision within a period of 42 days from the date such a decision was given.

At the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal Section) hearing, the contested issue of the appeal remains the legality of the decision or act already adjudicated. However, such a revision of the legality of the decision or act is solely examined on the matters and the extent that the two parties have limited the reasons in the relevant notice of appeal.

The decision adopted by the Supreme Court is considered final in relation to the matter that has been judged.

Licensed Automotive Technicians are obliged to comply with the provisions of the Vehicle Τechnicians Law of 2006, as periodically amended, and specifically, among others, to:

  • repair vehicles in the best possible way as to reduce the danger from the use of the vehicle as well as minimize pollution to the lowest level permitted by the design;
  • constantly upgrade their knowledge on technology regarding active and passive safety as well as environmental pollution;
  • possess or have access to the necessary equipment for any repair or maintenance operation they are about to undertake. Otherwise they must refuse to undertake the repair of the vehicle in question;
  • after the completion of each repair, they have to provide the owner/s of the vehicle with a signed and stamped repair/maintenance certification form, as per Type II of Annex I of the National Vehicle Technicians Laws (in the “Applications & Documents”);
  • place their licence in a clearly visible position;
  • archive data for every vehicle repaired according to Annex III of the National Vehicle Technicians Laws (please see legislation in Related Links);
  • every natural person is allowed to repair his/her vehicle and he/she is subject to same obligations as the licensed technicians.

Assistant Technicians and Apprentices

An automotive technician may have up to 2 assistant technicians under his/her supervision. However, there is no restriction in the number of apprentices he/she may have under his/her supervision, given that they attend local technical schools.

The above also applies in case the vehicle technician holds a license in more than one specialty. However, the licensed technician has the responsibility for the work performed.

GROUPS FOR WHICH THE PRACTICAL EXERCISE COINCIDES

Group A:

a. Automotive Electrician;

l. Automotive Air Conditioning Technician;

f. Instrument cluster technician.

Group B:

b. Automotive Mechanic;

c. Motorcycle Mechanic;

e. Diesel injection pump technician;

l. Automotive Air Conditioning Technician;

j. Exhaust System Technician;

k. Radiator Technician;

Group C:

d. Panel Beater;

g. Automotive Painter;

Group D:

h. Tyre Technician;

i. Wheel Alignment Technician;

 

The Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services supervises the practice of the licensed Vehicle Technicians in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of the relevant Laws and Regulations and the terms of the licence.