Not only was the ASE founded to protect customers and their vehicles being serviced, but also to preserve the standards of automotive service and technology nationwide.
About the ASE
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, more commonly referred to as the ASE, was established as an independent, non-profit organization in 1972. The ASE is dedicated to improving vehicle service and repair quality by testing and certifying automotive service technicians.
Technicians who earn an ASE certification are more marketable to shop owners, who can more closely gauge their level of expertise during the hiring process. In addition, an ASE certification can showcase a technician’s credentials with their customer base as well.
The certification exams are written by panels of seasoned automotive industry professionals, including executives, working technicians, automobile and aftermarket manufacturers, and educators.
ASE tests are segmented based on sub-specialty. These sub-specialties include, but are not limited to:
- Automobile
- Collision repair
- Medium/Heavy Truck
- Truck equipment
- Engines
- School buses
- Automotive maintenance and light repairs
There are 52 ASE tests, each designed to assess an individual’s working knowledge of industry-related skills.
What do I Need to Become ASE Certified
Before you can take an ASE exam, there are qualifications you must meet. To take the ASE test you must have either:
- Two years of on-the-job training or
- One year of on-the-job training in addition to a two-year degree in automotive repair
Along with the above requirements, to maintain your certification, you must retest every 5 years. Retesting is necessary due to the continuous advances in automotive technology.
Are ASE Certification Tests Hard?
While ASE certification tests are difficult, don’t let that discourage you from trying. According to an official ASE statistic, only two out of every three testers pass the exam on their first try. However, with the correct preparation, you should be able to pass an ASE exam.
There are different tools available to those who would like to take an ASE exam. You can visit the ASE website here to order official ASE practice tests. There are benefits to taking these practice exams; they are written in the same format and hold the same level of difficulty that official ASE exams do.
Not only will practice tests help increase your knowledge, but they allow you to assess your abilities and readiness to take the ASE. These practice tests also allow you to flag specific questions for review, easily navigate through questions, and receive explanations for each answer.
Find free ASE practice tests here.
How Much is ASE Certification? (2023 Information)
According to the ASE Official website, the ASE Certification test’s registration fee is $34.00. Other fees will be applicable in addition to your registration fee based on which ASE test you end up taking.
- Standard test fee: $50.00
- Advanced level test fees (L1, L2, L3, and L4): $100.00
- Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicles (TWV): $80.00
Fees for retaking your ASE certification test are as follows:
- Registration fee: $34.00
- Standard test fee: $50.00
- Advanced level test fee (L1R, L2R, and L3R): $100.00
- ASE Renewal App: For technicians certified in A1-A9, the ASE will require subscriptions to an ASE Renewal App. One question per area each month will be sent to a technician’s phone to maintain certification: $48.00/year
Note: In certain states, the ASE is required to collect sales tax on applicable purchases.
Can You Take the ASE Test Online?
Although practice tests are available, you are not able to take the ASE certification test online. Instead, you must register for a test and take it at the nearest test center.
Since the ASE exam is such an important step in a technician’s career path, it is a proctored exam. You can reserve your spot and find a test center near you here, through the ProScheduler website. The good news is that ASE certification testing is available year-round. You are able to take the exam up to 90 days after you register, and can select from several hundred testing centers across the nation.
Get ASE Certified Today!
The ASE itself is an exceptional resource for all mechanics and technicians across the nation. As technology advances and the job market continues to become more competitive, ASE certification can help you stand out from other technicians in the industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanics in 2023 earned an average of $51,940, with the top 10 percent earning $77,630 or more. Earning your ASE certification may increase your earning potential in the long run.
If you are interested in beginning your mechanic training, explore partner mechanic schools near you today! For an in-depth look at specific ASE certifications, check out this article!
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