The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a professional certification group that certifies professionals and shops in the automotive repair and service industry in the United States and parts of Canada. It is an independent, non-profit organization created in 1972 in response to consumers needing to distinguish between potentially incompetent and competent automotive technicians. The organization aims to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals.
ASE Certification
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ASE offers certification tests for automotive professionals through Prometric Test Centers. These involve several exams, the passing of which, added with two years of relevant hands-on work experience, will merit certification. The required experienced can be substituted by one year of on-the-job training and a two-year training degree. A recertification track is also offered for those who have had previous certification. Upon certification, the certified applicant will also receive an ASE shoulder insignia, wallet I.D. card and a wall certificate suitable for framing. As of June, 2016, ASE has stopped providing the Wallet Card, and has no plans for it to return.
ASE certification is usually required (not by law but by employers) for those interested in pursuing a career in automotive mechanic/auto mechanic or automotive technician service. Some municipalities require ASE certification in order to be licensed for motor vehicle repairs, such as Broward and Miami-Dade counties of Florida.
There are nine different Automobile & Light Truck Certifications:
- A1 - Engine Repair Certification
- A2 - Automatic Transmission Certification
- A3 - Manual Drive Train & Axles Certification
- A4 - Suspension & Steering Certification
- A5 - Brakes Certification
- A6 - Electrical Systems Certification
- A7 - Heating & Air Conditioning Certification
- A8 - Engine Performance Certification
- A9 - Light Vehicle Diesel Engine
Master Automotive Technician ASE Certification: The Master Technician Certification is earned after all eight of the specific testing / certifications listed above are passed. To maintain the Master Level, each test must be recertified every five years. Upon certification, the certified applicant will also receive a special ASE Master Technician shoulder insignia, wallet I.D. card and a wall certificate. Master Technicians are considered experts in automotive repair and service.
Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification: This difficult test is focused on the diagnosis of general power-train, computerized power-train controls (including OBD II), ignition systems, fuel and air induction systems, emission control systems, and I/M test failures. Technicians must retest every five years to retain their Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification. Upon certification, the certified applicant will also receive a special ASE Advanced Level Specialist shoulder insignia, wallet I.D. card and a wall certificate. These Technicians possess knowledge and the skills required to diagnose sophisticated drivability and emissions-related problems on automobiles, SUVs, and light-duty trucks.
ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Program: ASE's highest honor is the ‘Blue Seal of Excellence’ This specialty seal is only awarded to by ASE to Auto Repair Facilities and Collision Repair Facilities that employ at least 75% of technicians that are ASE certified. Each area of service offered by the facility must be covered by at least one ASE certified technician. If the Repair Facility employs a full-time Service Consultant they must have a current ASE Service Consultant Certification. There is a special ASE Blue Seal Facility locator on the ASE Driver Website: http://www.ase.com/drivers/
Testing was previously done twice a year for the written version. All ASE tests are now computer based and are administered at monitored testing centers. The tests are now offered more frequently and at more locations. Additionally ASE certification is not just for technicians anymore and apply to all manner of jobs relating to the automotive industry.
See also
- Automobile repair shop
References
External links
- Official website
- Consumer Inform
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