Access to the profession for motor vehicle activities (used vehicle retail trade and/or bodywork)

Do you want to sell used vehicles? Are you thinking of starting up a bodywork business, or adding these skills to your existing business? In this case, you'll need to prove that you have cross-sector vehicle skills. If you don't have a diploma or experience, you can obtain a certificate by sitting the central jury exam.

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  • Which activities are covered by cross-sector skills for vehicles?

    These skills cover three types of activity: 

    • The sale of used motor vehicles to end-users;
    • Repairing or modifying the bodywork of motor vehicles, with the exception of work using special techniques intended solely for embellishment; 
    • Repair and maintenance of mechanical, electrical and electronic components of motor vehicles, mopeds and motor bicycles. 
    For this last category, in addition to cross-sector skills, you must have a specific qualification depending on the type of vehicle:
    •    Vehicles with a maximum mass of up to 3.5 tonnes (e.g. motorcycles, cars, etc.)
    •    Vehicles with a maximum mass of over 3.5 tonnes (e.g. lorries, vans, tractors, etc.)
    In addition, if your project involves a new business, you'll need basic management knowledge.

  • Which activities are exempt? 

    Proof is not required for the following activities: 

    • Activities relating to cycles (bicycles and others) considered as toys;
    • Activities relating to "ancestors". These are motor vehicles that have been on the road for at least 25 years and are exempt from certain technical inspection requirements;
    • The sale of automotive parts and accessories without assembly that directly affect the operation of the vehicle;
    • Work required during recovery or towing by emergency road services or at the customer's home;
    • The following maintenance activities:
      • Fitting tyres, changing wheels and replacing rims;
      • Replacing windows or windscreen wipers;
      • Cleaning; 
      • Installing or replacing fire extinguishers. 

    If in doubt, contact a Business Counter. They will be able to tell you whether or not you qualify for an exemption.

  • How can I prove my skills?

    Skills can be proven in two ways:

    • With a diploma or certificate; 
    • With 3 years' full-time or 5 years' part-time professional experience within the last 15 years.

    If you don't have either, you can obtain a certificate by sitting the professional cross-sector skills exam for vehicles (20100) before the Central Jury.

  • Frequently asked questions about access to the profession

    How do I know if my diploma grants me access to a profession?

    A database of diplomas, degrees and certificates from all over the world helps you determine whether your qualifications meet entrepreneurial requirements. You can look up your diploma to find out which activities it gives you access to. If in doubt, contact a business counter. The Central Jury Service is not able to validate your qualifications.

    See the DIPLO database

    Other than the company manager, who else can bring entrepreneurial skills to the business?

    For a self-employed person (natural person), this person can be:

    • A spouse;
    • A legal cohabitant;
    • A partner who has been cohabiting with the individual for at least 6 months;
    • A self-employed assistant, parent or relative up to the third degree;
    • An employee with a permanent employment contract.

    For a business (legal entity), this person can be:

    • The management body (e.g.: a manager of a limited liability company or a managing director of a public limited company);
    • A company director (e.g.: an active partner in a limited liability company or a director of a public limited company);
    • An employee with a permanent employment contract.

    If in doubt, contact a Business Counter. They'll be able to tell you if you have the required skills for your activity.

  • What skills are tested on the exam? What subjects does the exam cover?

    Administrative knowledge specific to the motor vehicle sector:

    • Tax regulations;
    • Environmental regulations;
    • Social regulations;
    • Regulations relating to:
      • Odometer fraud;
      • Warranties;
      • Instalment sales, credit and insurance;
      • Vertical agreements in the European Union;
      • The use of commercial number plates;

    Technical knowledge specific to the sector:

    • Basic knowledge of mechanics, electricity, physics, electronics, metallography, heat treatment, hydraulics, pneumatics and information technology;
    • Understanding of technical documentation and information from manufacturers and suppliers;
    • Types of materials, synthetic materials, lacquers and polymerisation techniques;
    • Techniques for detecting and repairing vehicle faults;
    • Techniques for removing, repairing and adjusting parts, connection techniques, tyres, rims, offsets, suspension and steering systems and braking systems;
    • Technical regulations for vehicles and inspection standards;
    • Proper use and maintenance of equipment and tools, as well as painting equipment and facilities.

  • How does the exam work? 

    The exam is a written multiple-choice questionnaire.

  • How do I register? Follow the steps

    All procedures