How to Obtain an ASE Certificate

Having ASE certification shows you are a competent mechanic.

In 1972, the independent and nonprofit organization Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) began to help consumers decide which mechanics were competent. ASE strives to provide better vehicle repair service by testing and certifying repair technicians. Once the technician has passed the necessary tests, ASE rewards him with a certificate and a shoulder insignia. ASE certification is a proud achievement for repair shops and their technicians. However, the technician must satisfy certain criteria to achieve it.

Instructions

1. Have a minimum of two years hands-on experience working full-time in the motor vehicle service field. If you do not provide previous work experience, ASE will send you a Work Experience Report before you take the required tests. You can also download the form from ASE's website (see Resources).

   Although you can register and take the test before you have gained two years experience, you will not receive the actual certification until you have obtained that experience. Until then, you will only receive a report of your score.

2. Receive credit for up to a year of the two-year work experience requirement. Substitute up to a year of the required work experience with either (or a combination of) high school training, which includes two years of training in an automobile service repair shop; two years post-high school training in a related field; and short courses, which include reduced periods of post-high school training. Complete the Work Experience Report form if you would like your training to be substituted for the required work experience.

3. Use ASE's website (ase.com) to become familiar with ASE's Test Series. For instance, if you would like ASE certification in Collision Repair and Refinish, your tests will include one for paint refinishers and three for repair technicians. Fees are based on the area of specialty.

4. Register to test at ASE's website. You can register for the written test online or via ASE's toll-free number [phone]. Computer-based testing (CBT) is available at more than 200 U.S. test centers during specific times of the year for specialty areas, such as Automobile Technician, Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician, and Automobile Parts Specialist.

5. Locate a test center (see Resources). Test at the location stated on the Admission Ticket you receive upon registering for the written test, or the confirmation email or fax you receive for CBT registration.

References

• ASE: ASE Profile

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Register to Test
• Test Centers