The summer registration period for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) closes in a matter of days, after which the year-round testing period for technicians wishing to be certified begins.
While the ASE has been around since 1972, new technicians recently graduating from technical programs may be unfamiliar with the process by way the public knows the people working on their cars can be trusted to finish the job. Since its inception, the ASE has developed 57 tests covering a range of subjects, which are constantly reevaluated and updated to reflect the changing industry.
“We started out in automobile, and we’ve added medium and heavy truck, collision repair, school bus, and transit bus,” said Trish Serratore, ASE's SVP of communications in an interview with Fleet Maintenance. “We also have parts specialist certification, service consultant, advanced level tests, and the ASE maintenance and light repair certification test. We’re pretty much covering every system in almost every vehicle out there.”
For technicians looking for certification, the process is relatively simple. They visit ASE’s website, select the test they want to take, and then create an account to select the location, date, time, and purchase the exam. However, once a test has been bought, a technician must schedule the exam appointment within 90 days of the purchase date. Once this is done, the technician will receive an admission ticket and be able to report to their schedule testing place for their exam. The registration deadlines are Jan. 10-March 31 for the winter session, April 10-June 30 for the spring session, July 10-Sept. 30 for the summer session, and Oct. 10-Dec. 31 for the fall session.
To prepare new and returning technicians for their upcoming exams, here’s some of the most frequently-asked questions regarding test scheduling and results.
Can I change my appointment? Can I cancel a test?
If you wish to change your test date or time, you must first cancel the existing appointment before you can schedule a new one. No changes are allowed within three days of your scheduled appointment. To make changes, use the Cancel Selected Appointment(s) option in myASE. You can also call Prometric at 877-346-9327 for assistance by phone.
If you wish to cancel a test, you must first cancel any existing appointment for that test then cancel the test itself. Use the Cancel Test option in myASE, or call Prometric at 877-346-9327. If you are within three days of your testing appointment, you cannot cancel the appointment or test. You can only cancel a test and receive a refund for a test that you purchased.
How can I prepare for an ASE test?
You can view the ASE Study Guides to learn about what is covered on the tests, take an Official ASE Practice Test, and see More Training Resources. Watch the ASE Testing Demo to become familiar with the testing system platform before taking a test here. Purchase ASE Practice Test vouchers by logging in to your myASE account.
What is ASE’s work experience requirement? When and how do I submit it for review?
To become ASE Certified, you must pass an ASE test and have full-time, hands-on work experience (or a combination of formal training and experience). The amount of work experience required can vary by test.
It is best to submit your work experience form for review after you have created a myASE account. It does not have to be submitted before you take your test, but your certificate for a passed test will be delayed until your work experience information is reviewed and approved. Click here for details about the work experience requirements and to complete the work experience form.
When will I receive my test results?
Your detailed score report is emailed to you immediately after you finish your appointment. You may also request a printed copy while at the test center. Test results can also be viewed and printed in your myASE account within three days of taking the test in most cases.
Reminder: If you change your address after you take the test, you must notify ASE to receive your certificate. To update your address, log in to myASE or click here to send us a message that includes your name, ASE ID, and your old and new addresses.
When do I get my certificate?
When you pass one or more tests and fulfill the work experience requirement, you will receive the Blue Seal of Excellence: the nationally recognized ASE emblem on a certificate suitable for framing.
Expect your certificate to arrive approximately three weeks from your test date to allow for processing and mailing. The expiration dates are also shown in myASE, and we will send you reminders before your credentials expire so you can recertify.
If I fail a test, when can I take it again?
You must wait 30 full days before you can purchase and schedule the same test again.
When do I take Recertification Tests? Can I take Recertification Tests even if my certifications have lapsed? Can I take Recertification Tests before the five years are up?
Certification credentials are valid for five years. If it has been five years or more since you took a test, it’s time to take the corresponding Recertification Test. The five-year requirement ensures certified professionals are current in this rapidly changing industry. You can find your expiration dates on your certificates or in myASE.
You may take the Recertification Tests even if your credentials have expired. You simply must have been previously certified in that specialty area. If you have some certifications that expire soon and others that are still good for some time, you may take Recertification Tests for any or all of them. If you recertify early, you will not be credited with the time remaining on your original certification. The new expiration date occurs five years from the date of your recertification.
I have a Master Technician certificate but some of the test areas are expired. Do I still hold Master Technician status?
Master Technician status is earned when you achieve certification in all required testing areas for that series. For example, technicians certified in tests A1 through A8 are Master Automobile Technicians. Those certified in tests T2 through T8 are Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technicians, and so forth. However, Master Technician status is not for life. You must keep each one of those certifications current to maintain Master Technician status. If you lose Master Technician status due to the lapse of one or more required certifications, it can be reinstated by taking and passing the Recertification Tests.
Does ASE have bilingual tests?
The Automobile/Light Truck Tests (A1 through A8) and the Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Test (G1) are available in Spanish. Visit ASE.com/Spanish for details.
How do I apply for ADA testing accommodations?
ASE provides testing accommodations, under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to individuals who need accommodations to take the ASE certification tests.
- Click here to download the ADA Request Form or call ASE Customer Service at 1-800-390-6789 to receive the form by e-mail or fax.
- The form must be completed by a qualified, appropriate professional (e.g., physician for physical disability, or psychologist for learning disability). The completed form must state the nature of your disability, how it affects your ability to take a computer-based, timed, multiple choice test, as well as the type of accommodations needed. For more information about the supporting documentation that is required, read our detailed ADA policy here.
- Return the completed form and all supporting documentation to the address listed on the form. Please do not register or schedule an appointment until after your request has been evaluated and approved by ASE.
