COTMA's Achievement awards have been made since 2000 bi-annual conference.  The Awards are not competitive, but are to set standards of achievement that their fellow peers can recognise, flag and inspire others to equal or better.  For the first time in 2006, a formal "EAR Award" (Excellence and Recognition) was made to the organisation that the judges considered had made the most significant Achievement.

Achievement Awards have been made to:

2010 - Wellington

The "EAR" Award:

Both the Ballarat Tramway Museum and Western Springs Tramway.

Achievement Awards to:

• Australian Electric Traction Museum for: Restoration of Bogie Open Combination tram 118.
• Ballarat Tramway Museum for: Community Partnership - Horse Tram Operations.
• Tramway Historical Society for: Christchurch Tramway Board Electric Tram No. 26.
• Western Springs Tramway for: Wellington Double Decker Tram No. 47 "Big Ben".

2008 - Launceston

• Wellington Tramway Museum for: Conservation Plan for Wellington Electric Tramway No. 17.
• Melbourne Tramcar Preservation Association for: The Preservation and Restoration of MMTB L class tram No. 103.

2006 - Melbourne

The " EAR" Award:

Melbourne Tramcar Preservation Association for the Preservation and Restoration of tramcar VR No. 41.

Achievement Awards to:

• Ballarat Tramway Museum - "Meeting Challenges" - Rebuilding the electrical sub-station and publishing "The Golden City and its Tramways"
• Melbourne Tramcar Preservation Association - Preservation and Restoration of VR No. 41
• Wellington Cable Car Museum - Restoration and display of Cable Grip Car No. 3.