ASE Profile Until the early 1970s, consumers had no way to distinguish between incompetent and competent mechanics. In response to this need, the independent, non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was established i
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Until the early 1970s, consumers had no way to distinguish between
incompetent and competent mechanics. In response to this need, the
independent, non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service
Excellence (ASE) was established in 1972.
ASE's mission is to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service
through the testing and certification of repair and service
professionals.
At present, about 400,000 professionals hold current certifications.
They work in every segment of the automotive service industry: car and
truck dealerships, independent garages, fleets, service stations,
franchises, and more.
Here's how ASE certification works: Prospective candidates register
for and take one or more of ASE's 40-plus exams. The tests are grouped
into specialties for automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment,
school bus, and collision repair technicians as well as engine
machinists, alternate fuels technicians, parts specialists, auto
service consultants, and collision damage estimators.
Upon passing at least one exam and after providing proof of two years
of relevant work experience, the test taker becomes ASE certified.
Certification, however, is not for life. To remain certified, those
with ASE credentials must be retested every five years.
Paper/Pencil tests are conducted twice a year at over 750 locations
around the country and are administered by ACT, known for its academic
and occupational testing programs. In addition, selected tests are
offered in a computer-based testing (CBT) format at 200 sites for two
five-week periods each year. The exams stress knowledge of job-related
skills. The tests are no cinch to pass; approximately one out of three
test takers fails.
Motorists benefit from ASE certification. It is a valuable yardstick
by which to measure the knowledge and skills of individual technicians
as well as the commitment to quality of the repair facility employing
ASE-Certified professionals.
ASE-certified professionals usually wear blue and white ASE insignia
and carry credentials listing their exact areas of expertise (brakes,
engine repair, etc.), while employers often display their technicians'
credentials in the customer waiting area.
Motorists should look for facilities that display the ASE Blue Seal of
Excellence® logo.
ASE-certified automotive technicians and other service professionals
can be identified in several ways. The most obvious is to look for the
ASE sign on the facility. Once inside, most establishments proudly
display the ASE certificates earned by their technicians in their
office or waiting room. Finally, the technicians may be wearing an ASE
patch on the shoulder of their uniform. All ASE-certified
professionals are proud of their achievement and are more than willing
to show you their credentials.