Top 10 Reasons To Become ASE-Certified

Top 10 Reasons to Become ASE-Certified

Everybody knows that MD following an individual's name means Medical Doctor. And most people know that CPA signifies Certified Public Accountant. Associations and professions use certification to recognize qualified and competent individuals. The certification process is one of the single most important steps in career development. Here are the top ten reasons an automotive professional should consider becoming ASE- certified.

1. Certification grants you professional credentials. Since it recognizes your individual accomplishments, ASE's certification serves as an impartial, third-party endorsement of your knowledge and experience on a national, even international basis.

2. Certification demonstrates your commitment to the automotive service and repair profession. Receiving ASE certification shows your peers, supervisors and, in turn, the general public, your commitment to your chosen career and your ability to perform to set standards.

3. Certification enhances the profession's image. ASE's certification program seeks to grow, promote and develop certified professionals, who can stand "out in front" as examples of excellence in the automotive service and repair industry.

4. Certification reflects achievement. ASE certification is a reflection of personal achievement because the individual has displayed excellence in his or her field by meeting standards and requirements established by the entire automotive industry.

5. Certification builds self-esteem. ASE certification is a step toward defining yourself beyond a job description or academic degree while gaining a sense of personal satisfaction.

6. Certification can improve career opportunities and advancement. ASE certification can give you the "edge" when being considered for a promotion or other career opportunities. ASE certification clearly identifies you as an employee who has demonstrated competency in specific technical specialty areas based on accepted industry standards.

7. Certification may provide for greater earnings potential. Many automotive professionals who have become ASE certified experience salary and wage increases based on their certification status. ASE-certified professionals are in high demand throughout North America.

8. Certification improves skills and knowledge. Typically, achieving ASE certification requires training, study and "keeping up" with changing technology. ASE certification showcases your individual competence by confirming proficiency and knowledge. 9. Certification prepares you for greater on-the-job responsibilities. Since ASE certification is a clear indicator of your willingness to invest in your own professional development. Certified professionals are aware of the constantly changing technology and environment around their profession and possess the desire to anticipate and respond to change.

10. Certification offers greater recognition from peers. As an ASE-certified professional, you can expect increased recognition from your peers for taking that extra step in your professional development. Test Information

All ASE certification tests are written to measure professionals' knowledge of the skills necessary for competent job performance. Because questions are job-related, experienced and competent professionals who work daily in that line of work generally receive passing scores.

The tests consist of multiple-choice questions developed by knowledgeable people working in the industry, including ASE-certified professionals. The questions are down- to-earth; they cover on-the-job diagnostic and repair procedures. They are not theoretical; they do not cover "book-knowledge." All questions are first pre-tested and quality checked on a national sample of test candidates. To learn more, click here to review the story on "Who Writes the ASE Test Questions?"

If you fail a test, you may retake it during any future test period, but you must register again and pay the appropriate fees. Earning certification in all or the majority of specialty areas in a given series earns you Master Technician status. Click here for certification and Master status information.

We will NOT release test scores over the telephone or Internet, nor will we report your individual test scores to anyone else unless we receive a written request from you. ASE reserves the right to confirm whether you hold or do not hold ASE certification in specific areas.

All tests are administered and scored by ACT, a non-profit corporation engaged in test development and administration, and in educational and vocational research.

Fees for CBT Testing Regular test fees are $37 per test. Advanced level (L1 and L2) test fees are $74 per test. The Recertification Test Fee is the same as the regular tests, up to a maximum of $95 total. This cap does not affect the number of recertification tests you may take; only the test fees you pay.

In addition to the test fees, there is a Registration Fee of $70.00 per person. The Registration Fee is the same no matter how many tests you take, even if you take a combination of regular, advanced, and recertification tests.

Click here to learn more about computer-based testing.

Fees for Pencil/Paper Testing Regular test fees are $26 per test. Advanced level (L1 and L2) test fees are $52 per test. The Recertification Test Fee is the same as the regular tests, up to a maximum of $68 total. This cap does not affect the number of recertification tests you may take; only the test fees you pay.

In addition to the test fees, there is a Registration Fee of $32 per person. The Registration Fee is the same no matter how many tests you take, even if you take a combination of regular, advanced, and recertification tests. Take up to four regular tests on any one test day or as many recertification tests as you like. We recommend, however, that you attempt no more than 225 questions per test session.

Click here to learn more about paper/pencil testing. Training & Preparation

This section of the ASE website is dedicated to preparation for the ASE certification tests and locating sources of industry training. Preparation plays a key role in how you will do on the tests you take, so it's important to set aside the necessary time it will take to be ready on test day. Regardless of which exam series you will be taking, here you will find the right information to get your preparation efforts started off on the right foot. With a little planning and dedication, your preparation efforts can go a long way towards greater ability and confidence when you need it most—when you walk into the test center. How to Register - Winter and Spring 2006 ASE Tests

ASE now offers two types of certification testing: the traditional paper/pencil testing, and new computer-based testing. You must register separately for each type of testing. Online registration is only available for paper/pencil testing.

To Register for January/February 2006 Computer-Based Tests Only

If you want to register for January/February 2006 Computer-Based Testing, you must register via toll-free telephone by calling 1-800-

525-6929 between January 9th and February 14th. For more information, click here. To Register Online (May 2006 Paper/Pencil Tests Only)

 Payment must be made with a credit card: Visa, MasterCard. American Express, or Discover.  For your protection, ASE online registration is a secure site.

 After submitting your registration, you will immediately receive an e-mail confirming that ASE received your information. To help ensure your confirmation, please enter e-mail address information carefully during registration. If you do not receive an e-mail, call the ASE Help Desk at 319-337-1433. If you are taking advantage of early registration in December, January or March, your credit card will be processed in late March. If you still have not received your Admission Ticket by April 14, 2006, contact us at 319/337- 1433.

Click here to proceed to online registration for May 2006 Paper/Pencil testing.

Other Ways to Register for May 2006 Paper/Pencil Tests

Registration information and fees must be received at ACT in Iowa City, Iowa by March 31, 2006. To prevent delays, do not mail your registration to ASE in Leesburg, Va.

To Register By Telephone:

 Please have a current registration booklet on hand ( click here to download one and print it on your printer), or your Recertification notice, and your credit card ready before calling.  Hours of Operation: (All times shown are Central Time)  Service will be available starting March 1, 2006 o 7 am - 7 pm Monday - Friday o 7 am - 5 pm Saturday o Payment must be made with credit card: Visa, MasterCard. American Express, or Discover. o Call 1-866-427-3273.

Mail-in Registration:

1. Simply complete and sign the Registration Form. If you don't already have a form, click here to get one from the ASE Downloads section. Include your check or money order for the Registration and Test Fees payable to: ASE/ACT. For your convenience, you may charge the fees to your VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit card. If you do so, don't forget to include the cardholder's signature even if it is the same as the signature of the registrant.

Remember:

 All of the Regular Tests are $26 per test-except Tests L1 and L2.  The Advanced Level Tests (L1 and L2) cost $52 each.  Recertification Tests are $26 each (except $52 for L1 or L2) up to a maximum of $68.  You pay just one Registration Fee of $32 for any combination of tests.

3. Mail your Registration Form and payment IN THE SAME ENVELOPE to:

For Regular Mail For Overnight Mail (Fedex. etc. ) ONLY ASE/ACT-86 ASE/ACT Tyler Building, 301 ACT Drive P.O. Box 4007 Iowa City, IA 52245 Iowa City, IA 52243 (Phone: 319-337-1433)

Registration Forms & Fees must be RECEIVED at ACT in Iowa City, Iowa, by March 31, 2006.

Important Tip!

After registering, do NOT submit another registration of any type. This includes online, mail, or phone. Once you submit your registration, ASE cannot cancel it or substitute another person in your place.

If you do not receive your admission ticket within two weeks of submitting your registration, call the ASE Help Desk at 319-337- 1433. You must call by April 14, 2006, at the latest. After this date, ASE/ACT cannot correct a problem with your registration.

Any processing after the close of registration may incur an additional $35 late fee per person.

ASE/ACT cannot be responsible for any lost or misdirected mail.

How do I place an order for ASE merchandise? You can place an order online using Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express by clicking here, by going to the ASE home page and clicking on the ASE Store link (orders by telephone are no longer accepted). You can also have an ASE Store catalog mailed to you by calling the toll-free information line at 1-877-273-8324. How do I obtain duplicate credentials? The cost for duplicate credentials is $5.00 per test series (i.e. Automobile, Medium/Heavy Truck, Parts Specialist, Refrigerant Recovery.) Submit your request in writing, including your name, address, SSN or ASE ID number, and telephone number. Mail your request, along with a check, money order or credit card information to: ASE/ACT, PO Box 4007, Iowa City, IA 52243. You can download a form right here on the ASE website from the Customer Service Forms area or the Downloads section of the ASE Resource Center.

When will I receive my test results? Detailed score reports are mailed to test takers about 4 weeks after completion of the test session. If you pass and have satisfied the work experience requirement, you will be mailed your ASE credentials a few weeks later. Test results cannot be released over the phone. Failure to make full payment of test and/or registration fees will result in ASE withholding test results.

My ASE’s have expired. Do I need to take the regular tests, or can I take recertification tests? You may take the Recertification tests even if your credentials expired in a specialty area. You simply must have been previously certified in that specialty area. Exception: To take the L1 Recertification test, you must be currently certified in A8. For L2 Recertification, you must be currently certified in T2 and T6 (or S2 and S6).

Is there a recertification requirement for the Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Review and Quiz? No, the EPA does not require periodic renewal of this credential.

How do I obtain a refund? All fees for computer-based testing are non-refundable. The following information applies to paper/pencil tests.

Once you submit your registration, it cannot be cancelled. Test fees for missed tests cannot be applied to future tests. You must request a refund and submit a new registration and accompanying fees to register for the next test dates. Please note that the registration fee is non-refundable. Refunds for test fees can be requested in writing if you have registered for a test and are unable to take the test. Once you open a test book, you are considered present and not eligible for a refund. Test fee refunds are made to the party who paid—you or your employer.

To request a refund, send your entire Admission Ticket back with the “Request for Refund” section completed. If you do not have your Admission Ticket, please send a letter to: ASE/ACT, P.O. BOX 4007, Iowa City, IA 52243. For the May testing, refund requests must be received by June 30, and refunds are issued in late August. For the November testing, refund requests must be received by December 31, and refunds are issued in late February.

I legally changed my name. How do I get my ASE certifications to reflect my new name? To change the name on your credentials and ASE records, please submit a written request along with a copy of the legal paperwork granting the name change (i.e. Official Court Documents, Marriage Certificate, etc.). The cost for the revised credentials is $5.00 per test series (i.e. Automobile, Medium/Heavy Truck, Parts Specialist, Refrigerant Recovery). Please mail the request to: ASE/ACT, P.O. Box 4007, Iowa City, IA 52243.

How do I notify ASE if I change my address? It’s important that ASE has your current address on file. This will help keep you advised of your certification status and important news about the ASE program. You can change your address several different ways:

 Change it online by clicking here.  By mail, submit a change of address to: ASE/ACT, P.O. Box 4007, Iowa City IA 52243.  Fax your request to 703-669-6122. Please include your name, SSN, or ASE ID number and the new address.  Call in your address change by phone by contacting ASE customer service at 703- 669-6600 between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm EST.

Who may take ASE Certification Tests? You may take the regular tests (except X1, L1, and L2) as long as you are registered by the deadline and have paid the proper fees. You will become ASE-Certified if you pass one or more tests and have at least two years of hands-on work experience.

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How do I register to take an ASE Certification Test? The easiest way is to register online. You can also register via telephone or by mail. Click on the registration information to the left to learn more. Your Registration Form and fees must be received no later than the deadline. You may charge fees to your VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card. Although you may register by mail, telephone, or online, choose only one method of registration.

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May I register for more than one test? You may register for as many as four regular tests on one day. We recommend that you attempt no more than 225 questions per test session. You save money this way because the $32 Registration Fee is the same regardless of the number of tests you take. The time allotted on each test date is four hours, enough time to take more than one test. Return to FAQ list

What happens at the test center and what are some test-taking tips? Try to be well rested and arrive early enough to park and find the appropriate building and room location. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Bring three or four soft-lead pencils (No. 2) and an eraser with you. Books, calculators, and other reference material will not be permitted in the test room. (Exception: English-Foreign dictionaries, which will be inspected before and after testing.)

You will receive test book(s) for those test(s) printed on your admission ticket and an answer booklet. Once you are seated, the supervisor will explain how to fill out the answer booklet.

The test sessions are timed. You will have four hours. If you finish early, you may leave during specified dismissal periods. Use a watch to pace yourself. If a question is difficult, mark the answer that you think is correct and put a checkmark or note in the test book margin beside that question. Then go on to the next question. When you have finished the test, you may have time to go back to those questions you have marked. Do your best to answer every question. Your score will be based on the number of correct answers that you give.

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When do I take Recertification Tests? Certification credentials are valid for five years. This assures that certified professionals are recognized as being up to date in a rapidly changing industry. If it has been five years since you took a particular test, it's time to register for the corresponding Recertification Test.

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May I take Recertification Tests even if I have let my ASE certifications lapse? Yes, you may take Recertification Tests even if your credentials expired in a specialty area. The criterion is that you have previously passed the corresponding regular test. Exception: To take the L1 Recertification test, you must be currently certified in A8 Engine Performance. To take the L2 Recertification test, you must be currently certified in T2 and T6, or S2 and S6.

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May I take Recertification Tests before the five years are up? Yes. If you have some certifications that are due to 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 is 5 years from the date of your recertification. Return to FAQ list

May I take the regular tests to recertify? Yes, you may opt to take the regular tests instead of the recertification tests to recertify. You will, however, have to pay the regular test and registration fees: $26 for each test ($52 for L1 or L2) and $32 registration fee).

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What happens after I register? Within two weeks, you will receive an Admission Ticket showing the time and place that your tests will be given. You will be required to show the Admission Ticket along with your driver's license or other photo I.D. when you arrive to take your tests. If you do not receive an Admission Ticket within two weeks or there was an error, phone ACT at (319) 337-1433 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

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What happens if I register but I am unable to show for the tests? Test fee refunds will be made upon written request if you are absent. Refunds will be made to whoever paid. Of course, if you attend the test session and open a test book, you are considered present and ineligible for a refund.

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When will I receive my test results? About four weeks after you take ASE exams, you will be mailed a detailed score report. If you pass and have satisfied the work experience requirement, you will be mailed your ASE credentials a few weeks later. Test results CANNOT be released over the phone. (Failure to make full payment will result in ASE/ACT withholding your credentials.) If you participate in an employer's or auto manufacturer's program that includes ASE certification, your updated certification status will be available to them within eight weeks.

Reminder: If you change your address after you take the tests, you must notify ASE in order to receive your test results, to be notified of expiring certifications, and to receive The ASE Blue Seal Tech News newsletter.

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Can I get my test results via e-mail or the ASE website? ASE does not release test results via e-mail. Broadcasting your test results via e-mail carries inherent security risks due to inaccurate e-mail addresses and unsecure e-mail transmissions. However, you can now securely view your certification status online through our new service called myASE. Click on the button labeled 'myASE' at the top of this page to get started! Return to FAQ list

What do I receive to prove that I am ASE Certified? 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. Also included will be an insignia for your sleeve or pocket and a wallet card. Each card lists your areas of certification and expiration dates. In addition, you will also receive the award-winning newsletter, The ASE Blue Seal Tech News. Work Experience Requirements

To become ASE certified, you must pass an ASE test and have at least two years of relevant hands-on working experience. Once you have provided the necessary evidence of your work experience, you will not need to submit this information again when you register for future tests.

To document your work experience, please complete both pages of the Experience Report form. Ask your supervisor or employer to verify the length of your employment, job details, and sign the report. Then sign the form yourself, and mail it to: ASE/ACT, PO Box 4007, Iowa City, Iowa 52243.

You may claim experience in one or more of the following areas: Repair Technician, Parts Counterperson, Collision Damage Estimator or Service Consultant. If you are attempting to become an ASE certified parts specialist, collision damage estimator, or service consultant, please note that work experience as a repair technician does not satisfy the separate experience requirement for these three categories.

You may receive credit for up to one year of the two-year work experience requirement by substituting relevant formal training. Details for this option are given on the experience reporting form. If you do not have the required experience at this time, you can still take ASE tests and will receive a score report. Please save the Experience Report until you have the required experience, then complete and return it.

If you have any questions, contact the ASE Help Desk at (319) 337-1433, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday, or send an email with your full name, city, state, and daytime telephone number to [email protected]. ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Test Series

Objective: To identify and recognize those medium and heavy truck technicians who can demonstrate knowledge of the skills required to diagnose, service, and repair different systems of Class 4 through Class 8 trucks and tractors. Scope Of Program: The ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Test Series includes eight certification exams: Gasoline Engines, Diesel Engines, Drive Train, Brakes, Suspension and Steering, Electrical/ Electronic Systems, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI).

Format: The scored portion of the tests consists of 40 to 65 multiple-choice questions that address various content areas. Each test may include up to ten additional questions that will be used for statistical research purposes only. Answers to these questions do not affect test scores, but since they are not separately identified in the test, all questions should be answered. The official ASE Catalog of Tests for the Medium/Heavy Truck Test Series contains detailed specifications and sample questions for each test and is available free upon request.

Test Development: The questions that appear on the truck tests were written and approved by a cross-section of industry experts which included working truck technicians, vocational educators, fleet maintenance directors, and representatives from medium/heavy truck manufacturers and parts and equipment manufacturers. This procedure ensures that the tests are fair for all technicians without bias towards any specific truck manufacturer.

Test Schedule and Fees: The ASE Medium/Heavy Truck tests are offered every May and November at over 700 test centers nationwide. There is a $32 non-refundable registration fee per person and a $26 fee for each test. Registration booklets are available free upon request.

Certification Requirements: To become ASE certified, a technician must pass one or more of the Medium/Heavy Truck exams and present proof of at least two years of relevant work experience. Those who pass the Diesel Engines, Drive Train, Brakes, Suspension and Steering, Electrical/ Electronic Systems, HVAC, and PMI tests, become ASE-certified Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technicians. Technicians may substitute two years of relevant formal training for up to one year of the work experience requirement.

Recertification: To remain certified, truck technicians must be retested every five years. This requirement ensures ASE-certified technicians are keeping up with changing technology.

Recognition: Those who earn certification will be issued wallet and wall credentials, plus an appropriate sleeve insignia. They will also receive ASE’s Blue Seal Tech News.

About ASE: The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent entity dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. Approximately 400,000 service and repair professionals hold current ASE certifications. To Learn More, ASE Also Suggests... Medium/Heavy Truck Test Catalog (pdf - file size: 272KB)

Paper/Pencil Registration Booklet (pdf - file size: 625KB)

College Credit for ASE Certification

The American Council on Education's (ACE) Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials has recommended that credit be granted to those technicians who have passed ASE certification tests and have the required work experience.

What is the American Council on Education? ACE is the major organization that reviews and recommends credit for experience to colleges and universities in America. Its Center for Adult Learning and Educational Credentials is the pioneer in evaluating learning gained from non-campus sources.

How Do I Get College Credit? Neither ASE nor ACE awards college credit. This is the sole decision of the individual institution. Technicians seeking college credit should first contact their school, or the institution in which they plan to enroll, to determine if the ACE credit recommendations will be considered.

For a current list of educational institutions that accept ACE recommendations, click here.

(The above link opens a new browser window to a site maintained by the American Council on Education (ACE). ASE assumes no responsibility for that site's content. If you have any questions about that content, refer to the contact information on the ACE site.)

How Much Does It Cost? Once your chosen institution has decided to grant college credit for ASE certifications, you may request that ASE forward a transcript of your ASE record directly to the institution. The fee is $5.00 per transcript request to ASE.

To Request For A Transcript (For Technicians ONLY)

Please mail a request including:

School Data: Name of Institution, Name/Department, and Address. Personal Data: Technician's Name, ASE I.D. Number, Address, Telephone Number, Signature.

Mail your request with a check or money order for $5.00 to:

ASE Transcript Service National Institute for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE 101 Blue Seal Drive., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA 20175

For More Information On Granting Credit for ASE Tests (For Institutions ONLY)

Please mail a request including: Contact Person, Name of Institution, Address and appropriate certification area(s): Automobile, Medium/Heavy Truck, Collision Repair/Refinishing, School Bus, and Engine Machinist.

Mail the request to :

Credit-by-Examination National Institute for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE 101 Blue Seal Drive., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA 20175

A Note To Schools

The non-profit, independent National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) administers the only national, industry-wide certification program for automotive technicians. Nationally there are about 400,000 ASE-certified professionals. The American Council on Education's decision to recommend college credit is based on detailed reviews of the ASE tests and programs, conducted by content and technical evaluation teams appointed by ACE.