Anyone who has brought their vehicle into repairs noticed that ASE symbol on a person’s shirt or hanging on the wall. ASE is short for Automotive Service Excellence from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The ASE began its independent non-profit organization in 1972. The ASE aims to improve the quality of service by testing and vehicle repair. The result is certifying automotive professionals and repair shops across the United States, including parts of Canada.

The reason for ASE's existence is to demonstrate to consumers who are competent among automotive technicians. The certification is a direct result of passing the test through Prometric Test Centers. Several different types of exams require passing, including two-years of hands-on experience that validates the certification.

Achieving ASE certification is a goal all mechanics and businesses should strive to accomplish. It is a way to demonstrate to those in need of vehicle repair that a specific technician or company have gone through training and testing to achieve the best results. The ASE also demands that each person or shop re-test every five years to maintain certification. By retesting, it demonstrates dedication and discipline to remain knowledgeable about the tools and techniques involved in repairing an automobile.

A candidate for ASE entry-level auto has to take ten tests. These tests range anywhere from service technology, automatic transmission, HVAC, light repair, brakes, electrical systems, engines, drive trains, and axles to suspension and steering.

For those technicians looking to get tested on collision and repair will test on mechanical and electrical, non-structural analysis and damage repair, structural analysis and damage repair, and painting and refinishing.

Any person looking to become an ASE representative for medium and heavy trucks must pass five different exams. The tests include diesel engines, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical and electronic systems, and inspection maintenance and minor repair.

An alternate way of achieving the ASE certification is completing a one-year of on-the-job training and a two-year training degree. Once the applicant has completed the course and passed the tests, they will receive an ASE shoulder insignia and a wall certificate intended for mounting.

ASE certification can be a requirement for employers, but also some municipalities need ASE certification for licensing in motor vehicle repairs, including Broward and Miami-Dade counties in Florida.

There are eight other ASE specific certifications. For instance, automotive, medium/heavy truck repairs, collision, transit, electronic systems, automatic transmission/transaxle, or engine performance. Testing for the L1-L3 can be challenging.

The L1 exam covers the diagnosis of the general power train, ignition systems, fuel, and air induction systems computerized power-train controls, including OBD II. In addition, emission control systems, and I/M test failures.

Testing for the L2 focuses on the diagnosis of computer-controlled diesel engines and engine performance problems. The L3 will test the knowledge of diagnosing high and low voltage electrical/electronic problems on hybrid/electric vehicles. 

There are several top schools for someone to take a significant first step in learning about being an auto mechanic. UEI College is in two different states and three different cities. These states include Georgia and California. California's two locations are in West Covina and Bakersfield. UEI College focuses on Automotive Technician.

Lincoln Tech is in three separate states; New York, Maryland, and Colorado. Lincoln Tech teaches automotive technology, diesel technology, and collision repair and refinishing. South Texas Vocational Institute is located only in Texas and covers being an Automotive Service Technician. Vista College is in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and offers an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic course.

To find more locations and specialty class programs, visit Automotive Schools by clicking this link.

The blue cogwheel with ASE written inside it demonstrates that either the company, technician, or both have gone through several tests and work experience to achieve their level of success. It is also a reminder that to hold such accreditation and one must continue to be educated and pass exams every five years. It is the seal of quality in the industry.