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 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 420,000
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. A computer-based
testing (CBT) pilot is underway at 200 sites. 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®
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