Why Pursuing ASE Certification is a Game-Changer for Your Automotive Career
If you’re looking for a career in the automotive technology field, ASE certification is a great way to set yourself apart from the competition. With ASE certification, you’ll demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to work on various vehicles. And with ASE’s well-recognized reputation, employers will know that you’re qualified to do the job.
What is ASE Certification?
ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Its acronym, ASE, is pronounced: “ace.” This non-profit organization has been providing certification to automotive technicians since 1972.
The purpose of this certification is to provide a standard against which professionals in the industry can be measured. There are many certifications available through NAPA, ASE, and other organizations.
The organization provides a test for both the technician and the instructor wishing to teach in this industry. The tests are developed in conjunction with various automotive manufacturers to reflect what is being led by the manufacturer’s training departments. In addition, when testing is done at high-volume facilities, the tests are pre-validated to ensure that they meet the facility’s requirements.
How many ASE certifications are there for automotive technicians?
There are 52 different ASE certification topics covering a wide range of skills in the automotive industry.
What is an ASE-certified mechanic?
An ASE-certified mechanic is someone who has been tested according to ASE standards and has passed. In order to be certified, they must have had at least two years of experience in the automotive industry and completed a program of education that NAPA recommends. There are some exceptions: those who work as technicians for dealerships or manufacturers must complete a minimum of 1 year of full-time employment in auto repair.
How do they differ from other mechanics?
Technicians who are ASE certified have demonstrated their ability to follow standardized procedures for diagnosis, service installation, and general maintenance. Technicians with ASE certification receive training that has been tested and found to be satisfactory by national automotive experts.
ASE-certified professionals are highly skilled. The certification combines rigorous written and hands-on tests, requiring a significant amount of study and practical experience to pass successfully.
ASE Certified Mechanic Salary
According to Indeed, the average hourly salary for an ASE-certified mechanic in the state of Indiana is $21.85/hour with an average of $4,750 in overtime annually. That pay rate increases with time and experience, earning potential upwards of $39/hour.
What type of jobs can I get with an ASE certification?
ASE certified technicians typically work in high-volume service shops, dealerships, major fleet accounts, independent shops, and wholesale parts distribution. Many technicians with ASE certification are employed by dealerships, where the new-vehicle warranty is assigned to the dealership rather than the manufacturer.
ASE-certified technicians typically are paid on an hourly or per-job basis. If you are working for a flat rate shop, you will have a lower hourly rate than someone who is paid with ASE certification. To obtain a job as a technician, most high-volume shops look for ASE certification.
How to get an ASE Certification?
To be eligible for ASE certification, you will need at least two years of experience working in the automotive industry and a high-school diploma or equivalent. You must also complete an ASE-approved training program that includes theory and hands-on courses.
Next Level Jobs helps prepare job seekers to gain access to these programs. We offer grant money to cover the costs of eligible certification programs at Ivy Tech and Vincennes University.
Visit our Workforce Ready Grant programs page to get started with your application!
ASE Certification Classes
Once enrolled in an approved Automotive Technology program; you can expect to gain hands-on experience using the latest equipment and technology. ASE Master Certified instructors teach programs.
Students are prepared for entry-level employment with companies looking for people trained in the following areas:
- electrical systems
- engine performance
- transmissions
- brakes
- steering suspension systems
- air conditioning systems
- engine repair
The coursework will also prepare you for your ASE certification exams.
ASE Certification Tests
There are 52 different ASE certification tests you can take. The pathway for ASE certification starts with ASE entry-level certification followed by ASE professional certification, and then finally ASE master technician certification.
How much does my ASE certification cost?
The initial registration fee for ASE certification tests is $34. You will also pay an additional $50 in testing fees. Advanced level tests are $100 each. Additionally, Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicle test fees are $80.
For more information about testing fees and scheduling, visit the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence website.
How often must ASE tests be retaken to maintain certification?
To maintain your certification, you will need to re-certify every five years.
Bottom Line on ASE Certification
If you’re looking for a way to set yourself apart from the competition, get your ASE certification. It is one of the most challenging and comprehensive certification exams in the automotive technology field. Still, it will also give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful. Earning your ASE certification can help you expand your earning potential and marketable skills.
Next Level Jobs provides job seekers with grant money to enroll in eligible Automotive Technology programs. With Next Level Jobs, you can gain the necessary training to pass this exam and start working in this exciting industry. Are you ready to take your career to the next level?
