ASE Certification Requirements

You have probably heard about the importance of taking your car to a repair shop that hires mechanics with certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This independent, non-profit organization certifies capable mechanics so car owners have a surefire way to select a qualified auto repair shop.

Hiring ASE-certified mechanics is our top priority here at Scott’s Fort Collins Auto. Once you understand the requirements to earn ASE certification, you’ll fully grasp how important it is.

Experience

Before a mechanic can become ASE certified, he must gain work experience in the automotive repair industry. Most ASE certifications—including Parts Specialist, Collision Damage Estimator, and Service Consultant—require at least two years of hands-on experience. Repair Technicians can seek different degrees of certification after one, two, and three years of working in the industry.

ASE is very particular about the type of experience a mechanic has. For instance, if an entry-level job involves making vehicle repairs, this doesn’t qualify the technician to earn the Collision Damage Estimator certification. In this way, ASE ensures certified mechanics are truly knowledgeable in their specific field of expertise.

Training

While a formal training course isn’t required to sign up for an ASE certification exam, it increases the likelihood of passing the test, so many mechanics opt for this route. Both online and in-person training courses are available, which are of equal merit in the eyes of ASE. However, in-person lab experience can grant additional hands-on training that a mechanic might not experience at his job.

Examinations

Once a mechanic has met the prerequisites, he can register for an ASE test. This requires him to pay testing and registration fees, making ASE certification a career investment.

Testing is extensive and comprehensive. Over 40 certification exams cover every imaginable aspect of the automotive service and repair industry. Mechanics can become certified in any of the following areas, most of which involve taking multiple tests:

• Auto Maintenance and Light Repair (most common)
• Automobile and Light Truck
• Collision Repair and Refinishing
• Damage Analysis and Estimating
• Automobile Service Consultant
• Truck Equipment
• Alternate Fuels
• Transit Bus
• Advanced Engine Performance Specialist
• Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist
• Light Duty Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Specialist
• Engine Machinist
• Parts Specialist
• School Bus
• Medium-to-Heavy Trucks
• Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems

ASE exams are administered at over 400 local testing centers across the United States. Each test taker has about one to two hours to complete the 50 to 80 questions found on various ASE tests.

Since the test is taken on a computer, the mechanic receives his results immediately. If he doesn’t pass, he must reschedule another test and pay the testing and registration fees again. If he takes the test before completing the required two years of work experience, he won’t receive his certification until he has fulfilled this requirement.

Once a mechanic passes any ASE exam, he receives his official ASE certification. Passing a specific group of tests in any category earns him the Master Technician status. All certifications last five years at which time the mechanic must retake the updated certification exams to keep his status current.

Choose a Mechanic with ASE Certification

By finding an auto repair shop that hires ASE-certified mechanics, you know you’re working with industry experts who have at least two years of hands-on experience and have proven themselves capable in one or more written exams. This means you can expect auto repairs to be completed quickly and correctly the first time around. ASE certification also indicates a legitimate repair shop that offers quality services at affordable prices.

The next time you need automotive services in Fort Collins, contact Scott’s Fort Collins Auto. Our mechanics are trustworthy and ASE-certified with several years of experience and training under their belts. To schedule services, please call us at (970) 682-4202 or set an appointment online.