ASE

Overview

ASE (the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) certifies automotive and related technicians in the United States. A technician earns certification by passing an ASE test and having relevant work experience.

Who can apply

To be certified you need an ASE test pass and full-time, hands-on work experience, or a combination of formal training and experience. The amount required varies by test. The experience record does not have to be submitted before the test, but the certificate for a passed test is held back until ASE reviews and approves it.

Levels or stages

ASE lists more than 50 tests across several areas, including automobile (tests A1 to A9), medium/heavy truck, school bus, collision repair, parts specialist and auto maintenance and light repair (G1). Advanced-level tests (L1 to L4) have their own prerequisites. The site also lists xEV safety testing and a refrigerant recovery and recycling programme (609).

Master Technician status is earned by certifying in all the required areas of a test series. It is not permanent: each of those certifications must be kept current.

Exam pattern

Tests are taken at ASE test centers or through online remote testing, and ASE also offers a Flex Test. Spanish versions exist for A1 to A9 and G1. Tests are scored pass or fail.

After the exam

Certification is valid for five years. Before it lapses, take the matching recertification test. If you recertify early, the new five-year period starts on the date you recertify, with no credit for time left on the old one. A lapsed Master Technician status can be reinstated by passing the recertification tests.

Fees

A registration fee is charged per order in addition to the fee for each test. Amounts are on the ASE site.

How to apply

Create a myASE account, register for tests and choose a test center or an online option on the ASE site.

FAQs