What the ASE Provides Consumers
The ASE fills the need for consumers to have a verifiable professional service technician authentication. As a non-profit organization, the ASE is held accoutable to non-profit law, which requires it operates with integrity. The ASE bases it’s certification process on industry standard best-practices, as well as keeping certified technicians up to date on technology changes and improvements.
ASE Testing Process
The ASE has a stringent testing process that requires the certification testing be conducted at an approved Prometric Test Center. There are nine testing categories available to prove proficiency, with three additional certification levels available. These that include Blue, Advanced, and of course, Master. There are 52 ASE Certification exams, covering nearly every part of automobile repair and service.
The Nine Individual Skill Areas
A1 – Engine Repair Certification
A2 – Automatic Transmission Certification
A3 – Manual Drive Train & Axles Certification
A4 – Suspension & Steering Certification
A5 – Brakes Certification
A6 – Electrical Systems Certification
A7 – Heating & Air Conditioning Certification
A8 – Engine Performance Certification
A9 – Light Vehicle Diesel Engine
The exams are each designed to be thorough, and is challenging. In order to take any of the exams, a mechanic must have two years of on-the-job training. Even if a mechanic has a degree in automotive repair, they still are required to have an additional year of on-the-job training before qualifying to sit for this exam. Even with these pre-requisites, a full 33% of mechanics who sit for these exams fail to pass the first time around.
Why ASE Certification Matters to my Customers
Of the 230,000 auto repair shops that operate in the United States, only 30% of them offer Master Certified technicians. Wrench Blisters Garage is proud to be a part of this 30%, bringing you a higher level of excellence that you and your car deserve.
Where to Look for ASE Certification Credentials:
When you go to any auto repair shop, you’ll likely see framed certificates with acronyms displayed on the walls. Many of these credentials are nice to have, but there is one that stands out – as it carries the heaviest influence as to the authenticity of the service you will receive. That one is from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE.)
The History of the ASE
Prior to 1972, consumers were having to navigate which automotive repair shop was trustworthy by trial and error. Anyone offerring repair services could easily take advantage of consumers, by over charging and a host of other unprofessional behaviors. In response to this need, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was founded in Washington, DC.
The ASE Master level Certification
The ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician Certification is only issued after all nine categories are passed.
Recipients of this certification are considered experts in auto repair and service. Recertification exams are required every five years to maintain the Master Certification.
The challenge doesn’t stop there. Once a technician does pass one of the tests, and achieves ASE-certification for that specialty, he or she must retest every five years to ensure they stay abreast of changing technology. The new technology is included in the exam, and the certification is revoked if the current exam is not passed.
As Owner & Technician of Wrench Blisters Garage, I am committed to keeping my skillset current, and my ASE Certification valid!