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.
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.
