The vital role of NATA’s technical assessors

NATA relies heavily on the specialised knowledge and experience of its volunteer technical assessors. Without the assistance of some 3000 volunteers, NATA (and therefore its members) would have to pay millions of dollars to fee-based assessors.

Technical assessors work closely with the NATA lead assessor during the assessment of facilities, providing a vital technical review.

They also play a critical role through active participation in NATA's Accreditation Advisory Committees. These committees oversee each of the various accreditation programs and fields and provide administrative, technical and strategic advice to NATA on matters relating to accreditation.

Many assessors find their work for NATA benefits both themselves and their employer. By volunteering, assessors are putting something back into their profession, improving the accreditation system and keeping NATA’s membership fees down.

Employers support engagement in NATA assessments, which are conducted during business hours, and work for NATA is well recognised within the scientific and technical fraternity, providing additional professional development opportunities.

It also leads to better networking and improved efficiencies. Technical assessors learn how other facilities have set up their management systems, conduct their technical activities and how they have solved problems they have encountered.

NATA usually invites someone to become a technical assessor following a recommendation by another technical assessor or by a lead assessor following an assessment visit. Suitability is determined by the individual’s level of technical expertise and aptitude for the role. The relevant Accreditation Advisory Committee must also approve their appointment.

New technical assessors are then required to attend a one-day training course, which NATA runs regularly in most capital cities.

Though assessors are not paid, all their travel and other expenses are met by NATA.

If you would like to recommend someone to become a technical assessor, contact John Styzinski, NATA’s Technical Manager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tony Vandenberg, NATA’s Quality Manager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , citing the individual’s field of expertise.