Matching Numbers Course: Identification and Expert Assessment
The Lightweight Materials Innovation for Motorsport Course explores the advanced use of composite materials and structural design techniques optimised for motor racing. It focuses on developing innovative solutions that improve vehicle performance and safety, covering everything from material selection to manufacturing and strength analysis. The course includes the study of carbon fibre, aluminium and other lightweight materials, together with technologies such as 3D printing and generative design, essential for the motorsport industry.
Participants will gain practical knowledge of finite element simulation (FEA), prototype testing and failure analysis, preparing them to meet the challenges of high-performance competition. The course is designed for professionals and students interested in competition engineering, aerodynamics and automotive technology, with a focus on applying the latest trends in lightweight materials. It encourages the development of innovative and efficient solutions that drive success on the track.
Matching Numbers Course: Identification and Expert Assessment — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,280 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the meaning and economic relevance of matching numbers.
Locate the chassis, engine, gearbox and other component numbers.
Verify the authenticity of stamps, plates and fixings.
Apply supporting techniques such as microscopy and raking-light photography.
Cross-check numbers against factory documentation, records and marque clubs.
Recognise signs of tampering and their legal consequences.
Write an identification expert report.
Who it's for
- Vehicle identification expert who wants to specialise in Matching numbers: identification and expert assessment.
- Classic vehicle appraiser who wants to specialise in Matching numbers: identification and expert assessment.
- Auction house specialist who wants to specialise in Matching numbers: identification and expert assessment.
- Insurance fraud inspector who wants to specialise in Matching numbers: identification and expert assessment.
- Historic vehicle restorer who wants to specialise in Matching numbers: identification and expert assessment.
- Collectibles purchase advisor who wants to specialise in Matching numbers: identification and expert assessment.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences looking to enter expert assessment.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) No 19/2011 (regulatory plate and vehicle identification number)
- ISO 3779 (VIN content and structure)
- ISO 3780 (world manufacturer identifier code)
- ISO 4030 (VIN location and attachment)
- Royal Decree 2822/1998 (General Vehicle Regulation)
- FIVA Technical Code
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Origin of the concept and its market1.2Chassis, engine and transmission numbers1.3Which components are considered and which are not1.4Economic value of matching1.5Standard vehicles versus performance cars1.6Documentation that proves it1.7Terminology and misuse of the term1.8Realistic buyer expectations1.9Expert assessment commission1.10Workshop: scope of a numbers assessment
2.1Chassis: locations by manufacturer2.2Engine, block and cylinder head2.3Gearbox and axle2.4Bodywork and panels2.5Identification plates and rivets2.6Factory stamps and their typography2.7Casting numbers and dates2.8Assembly line marks2.9Reference documentation by model2.10Practice: locating and recording numbers
3.1Typography and depth of stamping3.2Alignment and character spacing3.3Surface around the number3.4Re-stamping and its detection3.5Replaced plates and new rivets3.6Suspicious welds and grinding3.7Inspection with magnifier and raking light3.8Comparison with other units3.9Limits of visual inspection3.10Practice: examining doubtful numbers
4.1Standardised macro photography4.2Raking light and filters4.3Chemical etching: when and its legality4.4Magnetic particles on numbers4.5Ultrasonics and thickness4.6Paint analysis and its layers4.7Specialised laboratories4.8Chain of custody of evidence4.9Documentation of each technique4.10Practice: instrumental inspection campaign
5.1Manufacturer certificates5.2Production records5.3Technical data sheet and official registration5.4Invoices and vehicle history5.5Cross-check between document and part5.6Discrepancies and their legitimate explanations5.7Documented replacement engine5.8Cautious conclusions5.9Expert assessment report5.10Practice: documentary cross-check report
6.1Common market frauds6.2Rebuilt vehicles and recreations6.3Transferred numbers and their seriousness6.4Duty to report and legal limits6.5Vehicles reported stolen6.6Liability for the assessment issued6.7Communicating a negative result6.8Common assessment errors6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: complete numbers assessment of a vehicle
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: the student progresses at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is DinoCapture (digital microscopy), Adobe Lightroom Classic, Advanced Excel, ImageJ, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Trials are studied using real procedures for locating and reading chassis and engine numbers, examining stamps with a digital microscope, and cross-checking documents against factory records. Assessment is continuous across modules, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the meaning and economic relevance of matching numbers.
Locate the chassis, engine, gearbox and other component numbers.
Verify the authenticity of stamps, plates and fixings.
Apply supporting techniques such as microscopy and raking-light photography.
Cross-check numbers against factory documentation, records and marque clubs.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You work with DinoCapture (digital microscopy), Adobe Lightroom Classic, Advanced Excel and ImageJ. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma on passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the higher programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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