How long does a windscreen repair take?

A typical windscreen repair takes about 30-45 minutes, including assessment, resin injection, curing, and polishing. However, this can vary depending on the size and type of damage, as well as the curing time required for the resin.

Can I repair a windscreen chip myself?

While DIY repair kits are available, professional training is recommended to ensure the repair meets safety standards. Improper repairs can lead to further cracking or optical distortion, which may fail an MOT test. The IMI Level 2 NVQ provides the skills to do it correctly.

What is the difference between a bullseye and a star break?

A bullseye is a circular chip with a central impact point, often with a small ring around it. A star break has multiple legs radiating from the impact point. Both are repairable if they meet size and location criteria, but star breaks may require more careful resin injection to fill all legs.

Will a windscreen repair fail an MOT?

A properly repaired windscreen should not fail an MOT, as long as the repair is within the driver's line of sight and meets BS AU 242:1998 standards. However, any damage that obscures vision or is larger than 10mm in the zone A area may cause failure. Always check the MOT guidelines.

How much does a windscreen repair cost compared to replacement?

Windscreen repair typically costs £30-£60, while replacement can range from £150 to over £500 depending on the vehicle. Many insurance policies cover repair with no excess, making it a cost-effective option.

What tools do I need for windscreen repair?

Essential tools include a resin injector, UV curing lamp, drill (for pit preparation), bridge tool, razor blades, polishing compound, and PPE. The IMI Level 2 course covers the use of all these tools.

Establish Customer Requirements for Automotive Glazing Work and Prepare for the Work to be Undertaken

IMI AWARDS LTD

vocational

This element focuses on the professional communication and preparation skills essential for windscreen repair technicians. It covers how to accurately capture customer details, assess repair feasibility, gain authorisation, and prepare the vehicle and workspace to prevent damage. Mastery ensures efficient, safe, and high-quality service delivery in line with IMI standards.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

IMI Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Windscreen Repair

Topic Overview

The IMI Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Windscreen Repair is a vocational qualification designed for individuals working in the automotive glazing industry. It covers the skills and knowledge required to safely and effectively repair stone chips and cracks in vehicle windscreens, following industry standards and manufacturer guidelines. This qualification is part of the wider Motor Vehicle & Transport sector, specifically within the IMI Awards Ltd QCF framework, and is essential for technicians seeking to provide cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives to full windscreen replacement.

Students will learn to assess damage, determine repairability, and perform repairs using specialised resins and curing techniques. The course emphasises health and safety, customer service, and quality control, ensuring repairs meet legal and safety requirements. Mastery of windscreen repair not only reduces waste and costs for customers but also extends the life of vehicle glass, making it a critical skill in the automotive aftermarket.

This NVQ is typically undertaken by apprentices or experienced technicians in garages, body shops, or mobile repair services. It aligns with industry standards such as those from the National Windscreens Repair Standard (NWRS) and BS AU 242:1998, ensuring repairs restore structural integrity and optical clarity. By completing this certificate, students demonstrate competence in a specialised trade that is in high demand due to the increasing complexity of modern vehicle glass.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Damage assessment: Identifying repairable chips (e.g., bullseye, star break, combination break) versus non-repairable cracks (e.g., longer than 6mm, edge damage, or in the driver's line of sight).
→Resin injection and curing: Using UV-curable resin to fill the damaged area, followed by curing with a UV lamp to restore strength and clarity.
→Pit filling and polishing: Applying a small amount of resin to the surface pit and curing it, then polishing to achieve a smooth, optically clear finish.
→Health and safety: Using PPE (gloves, safety glasses), handling chemicals safely, and ensuring the vehicle is secure during repair.
→Quality standards: Ensuring the repair meets BS AU 242:1998 for optical distortion and structural integrity, and documenting the repair for warranty purposes.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Know what information needs to be obtained from and given to the customer and why this information is important., Be able to obtain all necessary information from the customer., Be able to provide all necessary information to the customer., Be able to correctly record what information has been obtained from and given to the customer., Be able to obtain clear authorisation for the work., Be able to identify and record the condition of the vehicle prior to commencing work and ensure the findings are communicated to the appropriate people, Be able to prepare the vehicle and site to ensure damages to people, vehicle and materials are minimised., Be able to correctly record information on the preparation of the work site and vehicle., Be able to ensure that the correct equipment and materials are prepared ready for use.

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for clear verbal and written communication that confirms customer identity, vehicle details, and repair requirements.
Award credit for obtaining explicit customer authorisation, evidenced by a signed work order or digital consent, before starting work.
Award credit for performing a systematic vehicle inspection, documenting pre-existing damage on a condition report, and informing the customer or relevant parties.
Award credit for correctly installing vehicle protection (seat covers, steering wheel cover, wing protectors) and setting up a clean, safe work area.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Always follow the IMI assessment criteria for recording information: ensure forms are complete, legible, and signed.
💡When demonstrating vehicle preparation, show explicit use of seat covers, floor mats, and steering wheel protectors to meet health and safety standards.
💡Practice the customer greeting and information-gathering routine until it becomes second nature; this will help you remain calm under observation.
💡Double-check that your equipment and materials are within date and stored correctly before the assessor’s arrival; expired consumables will be noted.
💡Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for resin and curing times. Examiners look for precise technique, including correct drill depth and resin application to avoid air bubbles.
💡Document the repair thoroughly with photos and notes. This shows you understand quality assurance and can justify your work if questioned.
💡Practice on scrap windscreens to perfect your pit filling and polishing technique. A smooth, clear finish is a key marking criterion.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Failing to verify the customer’s insurance details or warranty coverage, leading to incorrect billing or denied claims.
Neglecting to record or photograph existing scratches and dents before work begins, resulting in disputes over responsibility.
Using an incompatible windscreen adhesive or primer without checking the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
Starting work without confirming the customer’s consent, which can lead to legal and professional issues.
Misconception: All windscreen chips can be repaired. Correction: Only chips smaller than 6mm (or 10mm for some insurers) and not in the driver's line of sight are typically repairable. Cracks that reach the edge or are too long require replacement.
Misconception: A repaired windscreen is as strong as new. Correction: While a proper repair restores most of the strength, the original integrity is slightly reduced. However, it meets safety standards and prevents further cracking.
Misconception: You can repair a windscreen in any weather. Correction: Repairs should be done in dry conditions and at temperatures between 10-30°C. Moisture or extreme cold can prevent proper resin curing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic understanding of vehicle glass types and safety glass properties.
•Familiarity with hand tools and adhesives used in automotive repair.
•Health and safety awareness in a workshop environment.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Know what information needs to be obtained from and given to the customer and why this information is important., Be able to obtain all necessary information from the customer., Be able to provide all necessary information to the customer., Be able to correctly record what information has been obtained from and given to the customer., Be able to obtain clear authorisation for the work., Be able to identify and record the condition of the vehicle prior to commencing work and ensure the findings are communicated to the appropriate people, Be able to prepare the vehicle and site to ensure damages to people, vehicle and materials are minimised., Be able to correctly record information on the preparation of the work site and vehicle., Be able to ensure that the correct equipment and materials are prepared ready for use.

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Establish Customer Requirements for Automotive Glazing Work and Prepare for the Work to be Undertaken

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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