How to Be an ASE Mechanic

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE as it is commonly known, was founded in 1972 in order to create a set standard of professionalism in the automotive repair field. ASE provides certification across the entire gamut of available job roles within the field. Eligible technicians can become ASE certified by passing ASE tests, which are administered twice a year in major metropolitan areas across the United States.

Things You'll Need

• Two years working experience
• No. 2 pencil

Instructions

1. Get a job repairing vehicles. Everyone has to start somewhere. Whether you have been turning wrenches your whole life or have no idea how to change oil, you need to work for two years before you can acquire an ASE certification. With the ratio of skilled technicians to available jobs dwindling each year, it should not be hard to find a shop willing to hire you.

2. Pay your dues. When you first get hired on to a shop, do not expect to be the lead mechanic right off the bat. You will need to prove you can learn and become an asset to the shop. Many ASE Senior Master Technicians began sweeping floors and cleaning bathrooms.

3. Register for the ASE test that fits your job role and level of expertise. You can register online at ase.com or through the mail by picking up an ASE certification brochure from your employer. There are 14 different testing areas, each pertaining to different job roles.

4. Study thoroughly for the test. If you don't prepare for the test, you will undoubtedly fail. The test questions are designed to not only test your knowledge of automotive repair, but to test your ability to think in the face of abnormal circumstances. You can purchase study guides directly from ASE for each test.

5. Get a good night's rest before the exam and eat well. If you fail the test, you will have to wait six months before being able to take it again. So, give yourself the best chance to ace it by making sure your mind and body are ready to perform.

6. Arrive at the test center early and armed with several No. 2 pencils.

Tips & Warnings

• Ford Motor Company and several non-American make manufacturers, such as Volvo and Jaguar, do not recognize ASE for certification purposes. If you intend on working for Ford, or any of the European or Japanese manufacturers, educate yourself on what certifications they expect their mechanics to hold. Spending years becoming ASE Master Certified will benefit you at Chevrolet, Chrysler and most others, but if you wind up in a Ford Dealership, you will have to become Ford Master Certified.

References

• ASE
• ASE: test registration