Preparing for ASE Testing

The Parts Specialist Series of tests is generally regarded as among the toughest offered by the Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

This is due to the broad range of knowledge required. While technicians can opt for tests on specific vehicle systems, the counterperson must be well versed in all, plus have a good working knowledge of store operations to succeed.

There are in fact six tests offered in the Parts Specialist Series: Automobile Parts Specialist, Medium/Heavy Truck Dealership Parts Specialist, Medium/Heavy Truck Aftermarket Brake Parts Specialist, Medium/Heavy Truck Aftermarket Suspension and Steering Parts Specialist, and General Motors Parts Consultant.

Each test covers questions on communication and sales skills, vehicle systems knowledge, vehicle identification, cataloguing skills, and inventory management.

The tests consist of multiple choice questions. In order to earn ASE certification, a counterperson must pass the exam and show proof of two years of on-the-job work experience as a parts specialist.

The Automobile Parts Specialist Certification Test that applies to most in the aftermarket, is (designated P2.) The task list included here is a listing of those skills that a counterperson should be competent in if they are going to write the test.

In reviewing this task list, rate your comfort level with the various categories of questions and the number of questions that will be posed. If you are quite comfortable with the knowledge of one area, but less so with another section, you should concentrate your efforts on the latter. Keep in mind when you’re preparing, however, just how much of the testing will be concentrated on those areas. You don’t want to spend all your time preparing for a section such as Merchandising which only accounts for a few questions. Also be aware that there will be additional questions on the test which are themselves being evaluated for possible future inclusion in test results. You won’t know which ones they are, though, so you’ll have to answer all questions.

Content QuestionsPercentage of Test

A. General Operations1013%

B. Customer Relations

and Sales Skills1115%

C. Vehicle Systems

Knowledge4053%

1. Engine Mechanical Parts (3)

2. Cooling Systems (2)

3. Fuel Systems (3)

4.Ignition Systems (3)

5. Exhaust Systems (2)

6. Emissions Control Systems (3)

7. Manual Transmission/Transaxle (2)

8. Automatic Trans./Transaxle (2)

9. Drive Train Components (2)

10. Brakes (3)

11. Suspension and Steering (3)

12. Heating and Air Conditioning (3)

13. Electrical/Electronic Systems (3)

14. Battery, Charging and Starting Systems (3)

15. Miscellaneous (3)

D. Vehicle Identification 34%

E. Cataloguing Skills 79%

F. Inventory Management23%

G. Merchandising23%

Total 75100%

A. General Operations (10 questions)

1. Calculate discounts, selling prices, percentages, and pro-rated warranties.

2. Calculate special handling charges.

3. Identify and convert units of measure.

4. Determine alphanumeric sequences.

5. Determine sizes with precision measuring tools and equipment.

6. Perform money transactions (cash, cheques, credit and debit cards).

7. Perform sales and credit invoicing.

8. Interact with management and fellow employees.

9. Know the value of housekeeping skills (facility, workstations, and backroom).

10. Assist with employee and customer training.

11. Identify potential safety risks; demonstrate proper safety practices.

12. Identify proper handling of regulated and/or hazardous materials.

13. Identify potential security risks.

14. Identify parts industry terminology.

15. Know the value of company policies and procedures.

16. Know the basic functions of tools and equipment used in automotive service.

B. Customer Relations and Sales Skills (11 questions)

1. Identify customer needs and skill level.

2. Handle customer complaints.

3. Provide information related to the sale, and warranty return policy.

4. Handle the return of products; determine the difference between new, warranty, and customer satisfaction returns.

5. Acknowledge/greet customer.

6. Demonstrate proper telephone skills.

7. Obtain pertinent application information.

8. Present a knowledgeable and professional business image.

9. Recognize the value of selling related items.

10. Identify product features and/or benefits.

11. Handle sales objections.

12. Balance telephone and in-store customers.

13. Promote store services and features.

14. Promote premium products.

15. Solve customer problems.

16. Close the sale.

C. Vehicle Systems Knowledge (40 questions)

Any of four key areas may be asked regarding vehicle systems knowledge:

1. Identify major components.

2. Identify component function.

3. Identify related items.

4. Provide basic use, installation, and warranty information.

The following systems are included in the Vehicle Systems Knowledge portion of the test.

1. Engine Mechanical Parts (3 questions)

2. Cooling Systems (2 questions)

3. Fuel Systems (3 questions)

4. Ignition Systems (3 questions)

5. Exhaust Systems (2 questions)

6. Emissions Control System (3 questions)

7. Manual Transmission/Transaxle (2 questions)

8. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (2 questions)

9. Drive Train Components (includes driveshafts, half shafts, U-joints, CV joints, and four-wheel drive systems) (2 questions)

10. Brakes (3 questions)

11. Suspension and Steering (3 questions)

12. Heating and Air Conditioning (3 questions)

13. Electrical/Electronic Systems (3 questions)

14. Battery, Charging and Starting Systems (3 questions)

15. Miscellaneous (3 questions)

1. Identify fastener thread types (SAE, USS, and metric).

2. Identify fastener thread diameter, pitch, and length.

3. Identify fastener type.

4. Identify fastener grade.

5. Identify fitting type.

6. Identify fitting sizes.

7. Identify body repair and refinishing materials and supplies.

8. Identify hose and tubing types and applications.

9. Determine hose and tubing size.

10. Recommend proper application and usage of chemicals/ appearance products.

11. Recommend proper application and usage of vision and safety products.

12. Identify special application belts.

13. Recommend proper application and usage of aftermarket accessories.

D. Vehicle Identification (3 questions)

1. Locate and utilize vehicle ID number (VIN).

2. Locate production date.

3. Locate and utilize component identification data.

4. Identify body styles and chassis configurations.

5. Utilize additional reference material for interpreting component information.

6. Locate paint code(s).

E. Cataloguing Skills (7 questions)

1. Locate proper catalogue and identify needed part(s).

2. Obtain and interpret additional information (footnote, illustration, etc.).

3. Utilize additional reference material (technical bulletins, interchange list, supplements, specification guides, etc.)

4. Identify catalogue terminology and abbreviations.

5. Locate index and table of contents.

6. Perform catalogue maintenance.

F. Inventory Management (2 questions)

1. Report lost sales.

2. Verify incoming and outgoing merchandise.

3. Know the reasons for performing a physical inventory.

4. Identify the cause of, and report inventory discrepancies.

5. Know the reasons for, and perform stock rotation.

6. Handle special orders and outside purchases.

7. Perform proper core handling (i.e. accepting or declining cores, storage, and return).

8. Handle and document warranty and new returns.

9. Determine proper order/ selling unit (each, pair, case, etc.) increment.

10. Handle return of broken kits, special order parts, and exchange parts.

11. Account for store use items.

G. Merchandising

(2 questions)

1. Understand display strategy.

2. Display pricing.

3. Inspect and maintain shelf quantities and condition.

4. Identify impulse, seasonal, and related items.

5. Utilize sales aids.