ASE reflects on 2025’s recruiting efforts, new tests, technology for 2026

The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has had a busy year, and on Dec. 16, 2025, Dave Johnson, ASE president and CEO, sat down to provide an update on the organization's past work and goals for 2026. In particular, Johnson discussed how ASE aimed to ensure the relevancy of its testing in content and process, noted the launch of the second version of their renewal app, and expanded certification portfolio before looking ahead to 2026.

ASE testing topic changes

Throughout 2025, Johnson said that the organization had worked to update their testing topics and give technicians more ways to get certified, overall making it easier for busy techs.

“We want to improve that testing experience so that we're not putting up undue roadblocks to people succeeding,” Johnson emphasized.

This included conducting various industry surveys and focus groups to fine-tune the certifications ASE offered. Through these surveys, ASE reached out to technicians, aftermarket entities, and schools, checking in on what tasks they were doing frequently, and how their certification could better reflect the industry’s reality.

“We learned that as subject matter experts, there may be some things we say, ‘Well, you ought to know how to do this,’” the ASE CEO commented. “Does it mean that they're doing it every day? That's a difference.”

As a result, Johnson said they’ve made some changes to their A1 and A2 certifications. As an example, he noted that the industry isn’t doing as many head overhauls, so they tried to reduce the number of questions that focused on that topic. The changes from these surveys will start to come into play in January 2026.

Similarly, ASE is also withdrawing a couple certifications entirely, including the following:

• Test E1 – Truck Equipment Installation and Repair
• Test E2 – Electrical/Electronic Systems Installation and Repair
• Test E3 – Auxiliary Power Systems Installation and Repair
• Test P4 – General Motors Parts Consultant
• Test X1 – Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems

But the organization isn’t just removing topics. Johnson emphasized that they’re adding or tweaking test subjects as well, especially those that reflect ongoing vehicle technology. For instance, Johnson emphasized that they’re working on developing a test for vehicle security specialists.

“With the locksmith industry and with NASTF [National Automotive Service Task Force], we are in the process of beginning the development of that test, we'll see what that needs to look like,” the president and CEO said. “We started that work, and in ‘26 we're getting right into the workshops with the subject matter experts to develop it.”

Additionally, they’re working on developing more ADAS certifications, beyond the more comprehensive L-series tests. In particular, the organization is working on an ADAS certification focused on glass installers, because their focus groups and surveys noted that many glass installers didn’t realize how their work could impact a truck with a front-facing camera. Due to how these cameras often need to be recalibrated after windshield replacement, this process “begs for a certification,” he said.

Plus, ASE is also working on a Vehicle Alignment Specialists certification, and considering revamping their electric vehicle certification as well.

“What you're seeing with the OEMs now is a significant pivot back to hybrid in all its forms, including extended range, which is almost a battery-electric vehicle with a generator on it,” Johnson explained. “As we look at what we have today, we have some good safety certifications, and then we also have the advanced level. We're going to need to break that down a little bit, so stay tuned.”

A more versatile testing, renewal experience

Finally, Johnson discussed how ASE is working to improve the testing experience at in-person centers (including adding more for greater availability), and adding a new on-demand remote testing platform. To test this on-demand format, Johnson said they’ll be using the G1 test (Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test).

“Our target is April of 2026, we'll have the G1 launched on this platform,” Johnson explained. “You can click on it, and within 10 minutes, you'll be taking a test. You don't have to schedule it 30 days in advance.”

Of course, this remote test will still have to take place in a sterilized environment, he added, and it will still be proctored, but it could still be a convenient step forward for technicians. If the G1 test goes well, ASE may allow the on-demand format for their A1 tests, too.

Another new development is that ASE launched the 2.0 version of the renewal app, this time on the organization’s own platform. This means that new registrants using the app in 2026 will be using the new platform, while current users will be transitioned to the next experience throughout the year.

“Along with that, we'll be adding the L1 to the renewal app, and we're targeting mid-year for that,” Johnson added. “That's going to be a game changer in more ways.”

Additionally, the president and CEO said that they’re planning to move more tests to the renewal app platform, including the T-series tests or advanced L-series-level tests. While it might not be a quick process, Johnson said they hope to start migrating more recertifications to the app after they finish the L1.

On technician recruitment and retention

Johnson also provided an update on ASE’s technician recruitment and retention work. Most recently, ASE and WrenchWay launched ASE Connects, a new initiative to encourage membership in School Assist, which helps schools connect with industry members to coordinate resources and recruitment programs. ASE Connects also involves a data collection effort to help shops and fleets better understand workforce trends such as pay, benefits, and labor rates, so they can make stronger recruitment and hiring decisions.

Meanwhile, beyond the on-road segments, Johnson said ASE also started working with NC3 and Snap-on to create micro-certifications for specific tools, as well as the Associated Equipment Dealers to expand recruitment for off-road equipment. Finally, the ASE CEO and president said that they partnered with Toyota to grow technical interest in middle schoolers.

Looking ahead

To wrap up ASE’s final webinar of 2025, Johnson gave a brief look into the trends the organization is paying attention to, particularly in terms of growing vehicle technology. Making an analogy to the speed with which automobiles replaced horse-drawn buggies, he emphasized the growth of autonomous vehicles, and the repair segment’s need to keep up with this technology.

“It may not be 2030 or 2035, but [eventually], it may be a rarity to see somebody actually driving their own vehicle,” Johnson emphasized. “This is real. It's happening.”

And according to Johnson, ASE and service professionals in general will always be in the middle of this transition, because we “have got to be able to take care of [AVs] just as well as we can take care of those [vehicles] that we do today.”

As long as they do, Johnson forecasted that the ASE, and technicians, will have strong job security for years to come.

“That's where ASE is a part of this, our certification, our testing, the recertification,” Johnson concluded. “[We’re] keeping up with all this transition that is happening at a very fast pace.”