and with that guiding principle, the nonprofit, independent National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972.

The mission was clear: develop a mechanism by which working auto technicians could prove their competency to themselves, their employers, and to consumers.

The result: an elite group of automotive service professionals at work in repair establishments throughout the nation.

Why Use ASE-certified Auto Technicians?

Consumers benefit from ASE's certification program since it takes much of the guesswork out of finding a competent technician.

Perhaps years ago, any shade-tree mechanic would do; after all, cars were simpler, less complex. But with today's high-tech vehicles, the margin for error is less. Mistakes can be costlier. It makes good financial sense to protect your automotive investment through regular periodic maintenance and service performed by certified professionals.
 
 

Because ASE's program is voluntary, technicians who have taken the time and expense to earn ASE certification can be counted on to have a strong sense of pride in accomplishment, which should be good news for consumers.

Moreover, prior to taking ASE exams, many technicians attend training classes or study after work. The time they spend sharpening their skills should be advantageous to consumers as well.

How Does ASE Certification Work? 

Twice a year at some 700 national locations, thousands of mechanics sit for ASE certification exams. The exams are administered in the field by American College Testing (ACT).

Designed by representatives from the automotive service and repair industry, vocational educators, and ASE's own in-house technical specialists, the exams stress real-world diagnostic and repair problems, not theory. The exams are no cinch to pass; one out of three test takers fails.

Mechanics who pass at least one exam and fulfill the work experience requirement earn the title of ASE-certified Automobile Technician, while those who pass all eight auto exams earn Master Auto Technician status. All ASE technicians are issued personalized credentials listing their exact areas of certification and an appropriate shoulder insignia.

Technicians must recertify every five years in order to keep current with changing technology and to remain ASE certified.

How to Find an ASE Technician

ASE technicians can be found at every type of repair facility: new car dealerships, independent garages, service stations, tire dealers, specialty shops, and major franchises. There are about 400,000 ASE technicians at work nationally.

Repair facilities employing ASE-certified technicians usually display the distinctive blue and white ASE sign on the premises and post their technician’s credentials in the customer service area. Employers sometimes include the ASE logo in their print advertising as well.

The technicians are also issued pocket-sized credentials cards listing their exact areas of certification.

Because ASE offers certification in all major technical areas of auto repair and service, it is wise to ask the shop owner or service manager specifically for a technician who is certified in the appropriate area, say, brakes or engine repair. (See back panel for a list of the test specialties.)
 
 

ASE certifies individual technicians-not repair establishments. But it stands to reason that shop owners their technicians to become should be equally concerned other aspects of their bus some tips on finding a g establishment:

 
1. Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
2. Ask friends and associates for recomendations; consult local consumer organizations
3. Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
4. Look for a neat, well organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
5. Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions.
6. Look for policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
7. Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.