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Automobiles are not getting easier to fix. Nor is competition diminishing. In fact, technology and the competitive marketplace have made success in the auto service industry more challenging than ever.

Which is where the ASE can help to keep you on top of technology and hone your competitive edge.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) can help you meet today’s challenges and those down the road.

ASE’s certification program was designed with the needs of working automobile technicians in mind.

How does the program work? Twice a year, ASE offers a series of eight tests for automobile/light truck repair professionals.

You may sign up to take one or several exams. If you pass at least one test and have two-years of hands-on work experience, you earn ASE certification.

Pass all eight exams and you’ll become an ASE Master Automobile Technician!

Test results are mailed directly to you. You will receive a detailed diagnostic score report.

Once you are in the program, ASE offers a re-certification track — your assurance that the Blue Seal of Excellence remains a meaningful symbol of your professionalism for years to come.

“If you never thought ASE certification was for you… think again.”

What are the benefits?

The benefits are both personal and professional:

By taking and passing tough, national competency exams you’ll have the pride of knowing that you are among the elite in your profession.

You’ll have the credentials to prove your competence to others: your coworkers, your employer, and your customers.

You can expect increased respect from your peers and your employer.

Additionally, many ASE-certified technicians report:

added responsibilities

selection for advanced training

improved job opportunities

salary increases

ASE testing can be used to gauge the effectiveness of the training classes and courses you are sent to by your employer.

Once certified, you will receive an ASE shoulder insignia, wallet I.D. card, and a wall certificate, suitable for framing. ASE also offers mugs, caps, and other recognition items at modest prices.

Fast Facts about ASE Tests

ASE conducts its tests twice a year, each May and November at over 750 testing sites. Technicians register approximately six weeks before the exams.

The Registration Fee is $26 per technician; the tests cost $21 each. Payment must accompany the Registration Form.

Many employers pay the fees outright; some may reimburse their technicians once they become certified.

Test Registration Booklets, available from the ASE office as well as other industry sources, explain testing procedures and policies in detail and contain sample questions.

ASE also offers an Auto Preparation Guide upon request. This Guide contains detailed test specifications and task lists, more sample questions, and a listing of study materials and clinics available through the industry.

What are the tests like?

ASE tests and certifies automobile/ light truck technicians in eight areas:

Engine Repair

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Manual Drive Train and Axles

Suspension and Steering

Brakes

Electrical/Electronic Systems

Heating and Air Conditioning

Engine Performance

The tests consist of 40-70 multiple-choice questions developed by knowledgeable people working in the repair industry, including ASE-certified technicians.

The questions are down-to-earth; they cover on-the-job diagnostic and repair procedures. They are not theoretical; they do not cover “book-knowledge.”

Each test will have up to 10 pre-test questions. These questions will not affect your score, but since you will not know which ones they are, you should answer all questions in the test.

Testing sessions run four hours and 15 minutes, allowing ample time to complete several exams.