Have you ever seen an ASE certification on the wall while the mechanic was working on your car? Here’s what that plaque means.
What is ASE Certification?
ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. It is a comprehensive means of testing technicians in the areas of automotive and truck repair, collision repairing and refinishing, engine machinists, and parts specialists.
Since 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has held a set of standards and tests that show what a mechanic will need to know in the automotive service business. The testing is voluntary, and certification has been accepted as the benchmark for competency on the job. Many employers seeking mechanics like to see an ASE certification on a resume.
Sponsored Links
Where do Tests Come From?
Every couple of years, the tests are updated and re-written by a panel of industry experts. New questions are written, discussed, adjusted, corrected, discussed some more, until an accurate set of questions and answers are completed.
These are real world, on the job skill questions that are very representative of a technician’s knowledge of specific tasks. Writing accurate test questions sounds easy, but nothing could be further from the truth!
Do Techs Stay Certified?
Certification is not for life. To remain certified, technicians must be re-tested every five years, and approximately one out of three test-takers fail. Technicians that pass all of the exams in a specialty area earn ASE Master Technician status. Automobile technicians, for example, must pass a total of eight exams.
Next time you see a technician wearing the blue ASE patch, appreciate how much goes into getting that certification and patch on that uniform. There is a deep commitment on behalf of the technician and ASE, to provide you and your vehicle the best service possible.
Sponsored Links
Want to learn more? Visit the ASE website to understand what the tests cover and how you could get certified.
What if My Mechanic Isn’t Certified?
If your favorite mechanic isn’t ASE certified, don’t worry. There are plenty of great mechanics out there who haven’t received an ASE certification, either due to time, money, or other extenuating circumstances. Perhaps your mechanic used to carry an ASE patch, but never renewed their certification.
There are other types of certifications out there, and your mechanic may have some of those instead. Some vehicle manufacturers have their own certifications. If you’re looking for a mechanic for your vehicle, specialist technicians are often very good at understanding the nuances of your particular make and model.