How Consumers Benefit from ASE Technician Certification
Finding a competent auto repair technician should not be difficult and with
that guiding principle, the non-profit, independent national Institute for
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972.
The mission was clear: develop a mechanism by which working auto technicians
could prove their competency to themselves, their employers, and to consumers.
The solution: a series of national certification exams covering all the major
automotive repair and service specialties.
The result: an elite group of auto-motive service professionals at work in
repair establishments throughout the nation.
Why Use ASE-Certified Auto Technicians?
Consumers benefit from ASE's cer-tification program since it takes much of the
guesswork out of finding a competent technician.
Perhaps years ago, any shade-tree mechanic would do; after all, cars were
simpler, less complex. But with today's high-tech vehicles, the margin for
error is less. Mistakes can be costlier. It makes good financial sense to
protect your automotive investment through regular, periodic maintenance and
service performed by certified professionals.
Because ASE's program is voluntary, technicians who have taken the time and
expense to earn ASE certification can be counted on to have a strong sense of
pride in accomplishment, which should be good news for consumers.
Moreover, prior to taking ASE exams, many technicians attend training classes
or study after work. The time they spend sharpening their skills should be
advantageous to consumers as well.
How Does ASE Certification Work?
Twice a year at some 700 national locations, thousands of mechanics sit for ASE
certification exams. The exams are administered in the field by American
College Testing. (ACT.)
Designed by representatives from the automotive service and repair industry,
vocational educators, and ASE's own in-house technical specialists, the exams
stress real-world diagnostic and repair problems, not theory. The exams are no
cinch to pass; one out of three test takers fails.
Mechanics who pass at least one exam and fulfill the work experience
requirement earn the title of ASE-
certified Automobile Technician, while those who pass all eight auto exams earn
Master Auto Technician status. All ASE technicians are issued personalized
credentials listing their exact areas of certification and an appropriate
shoulder insignia.
Technicians must recertify every five years in order to keep current with
changing technology and to remain ASE certified.
