How to Become ASE Certified

The acronym ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. This is THE certification for you to have as a mechanic. Most people put more trust in someone who has been certified as opposed to someone who just "tinkers" with cars. The ASE certification shows that you (as a mechanic) consider your skills an important part of the needs of today's population. Certification boosts your self esteem and shows that you respect knowledge. It will help you to gain further responsibility in your job and culminate in your achieving a Master Certification from ASE in the areas you choose.

Instructions

1. Research which technical schools offer the ASE training program. A quick query online will give you this information. Contact local colleges to see what they offer.

2. Decide which of ASE's programs you want to be certified in and sign up for them. Choose from Automotive Technician, Diesel Technician and Marine and Watercraft Technician classes, just to name just a few. Pay your fees and take the course.

3. Apply to ASE for certification in that area once your classes are completed. Mail the application forms along with copies of your certificates. Next, you will take the required ASE exams.

4. Take the exams in any order you wish, but they have levels that you must apply for in sequence. If you do not pass a particular exam, you must begin the entire process again (including fees).

5. Pass the exam and allow your career to advance rapidly. This certification is a crucial step in becoming a top-notch, well-sought-after master technician in your chosen field. It is wise to specialize in the areas that you do best. You may not have enough time to do everything once people have seen your work.

Tips & Warnings

• ASE certification helps a trained professional to become well know for his craft as his career moves forward (gaining salary increases along the way).

• Technicians who pass specific testing and have the two year work experience necessary will be qualified as a Master Technician through ASE certification.

• A repair shop that has at least one certified mechanic can display the ASE logo. This does not mean that all of the mechanics are certified. Some customers may misunderstand this.

Resources

• The ASE website gives great advice on becoming certified.
• Universal Technical Institute shows how to get your ASE certification.
• ASE Help offers helpful study guide and practice quizzes.