Until the early 1970's, 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.
At present there are more than 440,000 professionals with current certifications on ASE's rosters. They work in every segment of the automotive service industry: car and truck dealerships, independent garages, fleets, service stations, franchises, and more.
ASE's mission is to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service in the United States through the testing and certification of automotive repair technicians.
Here's how ASE certification works: Prospective candidates register for and take one or more of ASE's 36 exams. The tests are grouped into specialties for automobile, medium/heavy truck, school bus, and collision repair technicians as well as engine machinists, alternate fuels technicians, and parts specialists.
Upon passing at least one exam and after providing proof of two years of relevant work experience, you achieve ASE certification. Technicians that pass all of the exams in a specialty area earn ASE Master Technician status; automobile technicians, for example, must pass eight exams.
The tests, which are conducted twice a year at over 750 locations around the country, are administered by American College Testing (ACT). The exams stress real-world diagnostic and repair problems, not theory. They are no cinch to pass; approximately one out of three test-takers fails.
Certification is not for life. To remain certified, technicians must be retested every five years.
Consumers benefit from ASE certification. It is a valuable yard stick 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 technicians.
ASE-certified technicians usually wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of expertise (brakes, engine repair, etc.), while employers often display their technicians' credentials in the customer waiting area.
Consumers should look for facilities that display the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence logo on outdoor signs, in the customer waiting area, in the Yellow Pages, and in other advertisements.