Diesel Truck Mechanic Certification

The ASE offers certifications for diesel truck mechanics.

If you are looking to progress your career as a diesel engine technician or mechanic, you may want to consider attaining certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, certification is not compulsory nationally, but it can increase the potential for advancement.

Certification Benefits

Beyond the potential for career advancement (which is No. 6 on the list), the ASE has a top 10 list of reasons to become certified through it. It states that it can reflect your personal achievement (No. 4); build your self-esteem (No. 5); and increase your mechanical knowledge (No. 8). The ASE also states that its certifications can enhance the mechanic's professional image (No. 3); increase potential salary (No. 7); and gives you greater recognition among peers (No. 10.)

Eligibility

To be eligible for ASE certifications, you must have minimally two years of experience in mechanics. If you don't meet that requirement, you can substitute it for one or some of the following: high school training, post-high school training, short courses, the completion of an apprenticeship and/or the completion of an Original Equipment Manufacturer-sponsored co-op program, according to the ASE. You can actually take the required examinations before completing your work experience condition, but you won't receive the credentialing until after that requirement is met.

Examination

The examination for advanced certification in diesel mechanics is computer based. As of April 2010, the registration fee for all test periods is $74 and regular and recertification tests cost $38 each. If you are attacking an advanced level test or recertifying that credential, the cost is $76 for each, according to the ASE. You must register to take the test; however as of April 2010, you can't do so online. Registration is only available over the telephone.

Recertification

Once you've achieved your certification, you must maintain it through a recertification process that ensures that you remain current on new practices and developments for diesel trucks. You must apply for recertification every five years, but you don't have to wait for your certification to expire before you reapply, according to the ASE. Also, you have the option to either take the recertification test or the initial certification test as of April 2010.

Salary Potential

Salaries for diesel truck mechanics vary based on experience level. Those with the most experience have some of the highest salaries. According to PayScale.com, those with 20-plus years of experience have a salary range of $39,800 to $61,700. Those with 10 to 19 years of experience have a salary range of $32,900 to $46,200 while oddly enough, those with five to nine years report a salary range of $33,800 to $48,700. Diesel truck mechanics with one to four years of experience have a salary range of $26,900 to $44,800 as of April 2010.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics
• PayScale.com: Median Salary by Years Experience
• National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence: Top 10 Reasons to Become ASE-Certified
• National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence: Work Experience Requirement
• National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence: FAQs- Recertification

Resources

• National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence: FAQs- Computer-Based Testing Program