TS 12590

TS 12590 is a vocational standard for painter for vehicles, setting out how the occupation is defined and classified, together with the tools and equipment used and the criteria for assessing the basic and occupational attributes expected at each level. In practical terms, it provides a structured way to describe the knowledge, skills and work behaviours associated with automotive painting work.

What vehicle painting covers in technical terms

Vehicle painting is part of body finishing and surface restoration in automotive work. In general technical context, it involves surface preparation, priming, colour matching, paint application in layers, and maintaining the final visual and protective finish. Good results depend on clean surfaces, suitable equipment, controlled application conditions and consistent workmanship. A standard like this helps align the role definition across different competence levels in the occupation.

How the standard organises assessment

This standard addresses not only the job title itself but also the criteria used to measure and evaluate the basic and professional characteristics of the person performing the work. That means the occupation is treated as a set of observable competencies: preparing for the task, selecting and using tools and equipment appropriately, and demonstrating the expected level of occupational capability. As a vocational standard, it supports a common framework for describing performance levels, while actual training and workplace quality practices remain separate operational matters.

• Definition and classification of the occupation
• Tools, materials and equipment to be used
• Basic and occupational qualifications
• Measurement criteria for those qualifications
• Evaluation of the criteria