In this fast-growing automobile technology, ASE certification is important to gain customers’ trust. Nobody wants their expensive car repaired at a non-experienced mechanic shop.
That’s why everyone prefers an ASE-certified mechanic to get the problem fixed.
ASE is the short form for National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. It has become a symbol of trust nowadays.
If you’re an automobile engineer and planning to open a mechanic garage business or if you’re looking for a job at any reputable automobile garage, you must need ASE certification.
According to Beuro of Labour Statistics, an ASE-certified mechanic’s average income is approximately $45,000, while the average income of all auto mechanics is about $6,000.
Now you know the ASE-certified mechanic salary, but the real question is: How to become ASE certified mechanic?
So, in this article, you’ll learn the step-by-step guide to getting ASE certified easily. If you’re a mechanic and looking for ASE certification, do not skip.
It’s always best to get advice straight from an expert, so why not reach out to your nearest ASE-certified mechanic?
How To Become ASE Certified Mechanic?
To get ASE certified, you must hold at least two years of hands-on experience in the automobile industry. They ask for many other requirements to appear in the ASE test.
1. Get Technical Training
You can not pass the ASE certification exam without having technical knowledge. It’s not that easy; otherwise, everyone would have been ASE certified.
If you want to pass the ASE certification test, the first step is to go to an automobile training school and gain knowledge. You can be admitted to any trade school or complete the apprentice from any specific auto shop.
You should focus on your area of interest and gain in-depth knowledge of that field.
2. Gain Hands-on Work Experience
Just theoretical knowledge is not enough to pass the ASE exam. You need hands-on work experience of a minimum of two years (except in a few areas) to be eligible for the ASE certification test.
You should work at any recognized automobile repair shop and become an expert in a particular field. The work experience criteria are different for different ASE certifications.
You can find detailed information about the work experience required for ASE certification on the ASE work experience page.
ASE Certification Name | Test Code | Experience (Years) |
Light Repair Technician | G1 | 1 year |
Engine Repair | A1 | 2 years |
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle | A2 | 2 years |
Manual Drive Train & Axles | A3 | 2 years |
Suspension & Steering | A4 | 2 years |
Brakes (read more on ASE certification in brakes) | A5 | 2 years |
Electrical/Electronic Systems | A6 | 2 years |
Heating & Air Conditioning | A7 | 2 years |
Engine Performance | A8 | 2 years |
Light Vehicle Diesel Engines | A9 | 2 years |
Painting & Refinishing | B2 | 2 years |
Non-Structural Analysis & Damage Repair | B3 | 2 years |
Structural Analysis & Damage Repair | B4 | 2 years |
Mechanical & Electrical Components | B5 | 2 years |
Truck Equipment Installation & Repair | E1 | 2 years |
Electrical/Electronic Systems Installation & Repair | E2 | 2 years |
Auxiliary Power Systems Installation & Repair | E3 | 2 years |
Alternate Fuels Certification Test | F1 | 2 years |
(Transport Bus Certifications: H1 to H8) | H1-H8 | |
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Engines | H1 | 2 years |
Diesel Engines | H2 | 2 years |
Drive Train | H3 | 2 years |
Brakes | H4 | 2 years |
Suspension & Steering | H5 | 2 years |
Electrical/Electronic Systems | H6 | 2 years |
Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) | H7 | 2 years |
Preventive Maintenance & Inspection (PMI) | H8 | 2 years |
(School Bus Certifications: S1 to S7) | S1-S7 | |
Body Systems & Special Equipment | S1 | 2 years |
Diesel Engines | S2 | 2 years |
Drive Train | S3 | 2 years |
Brakes | S4 | 2 years |
Suspension & Steering | S5 | 2 years |
Electrical/Electronic Systems | S6 | 2 years |
Air Conditioning Systems & Controls | S7 | 2 years |
(Medium-Heavy Truck Certification: T1 to T8) | T1-T8 | |
Gasoline Engines | T1 | 2 years |
Diesel Engines | T2 | 2 years |
Drive Train | T3 | 2 years |
Brakes | T4 | 2 years |
Suspension & Steering | T5 | 2 years |
Electrical/ Electronic Systems | T6 | 2 years |
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) | T7 | 2 years |
Preventive Maintenance Inspection | T8 | 2 years |
Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems | X1 | 2 years |
Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification | L1 | 3 years |
Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification | L2 | 3 years |
Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Certification | L3 | 3 years |
(Parts Specialist Certification: P1 to P4) | P1-P4 | |
Medium-Heavy Truck Parts Specialist | P1 | 2 years |
Automobile Parts Specialist | P2 | 2 years |
General Motors Parts Consultant | P3 | 2 years |
Collision Damage Estimator | B6 | 2 years |
Service Consultant | C1 | 2 years |
3. Study ASE Syllabus
Once you complete the training and you’ve practical experience in various automobile fields, start studying the ASE syllabus.
Now you know how to become ASE certified mechanic in your field, now it’s time to study.
You can find the study guides for various ASE test codes on the official website.
Also, you can find ASE certification courses online or ask your trade school to provide resources for written tests.
4. Take Practice Test
Practice is the key to success! Once you studied the syllabus of your examination, participate in practice tests.
You can find the ASE certification practice test online. Analyze the test result and see where you’re lacking.
Once you start performing well in the practice test, fill out the ASE certification exam form.
5. Appear in ASE Test
It’s the final stage, and you’ve to perform well in the examination to get ASE certified. Appear in the examination and give your best.
Once you clear the examination, you’ll get a certificate ASE-certified. Now, you can apply for a relevant job in your field of expertise.
When To Apply For ASE Registration?
Once you register for the examination, you’ll have three months (90 days) to complete the examination.
Winter Registration | January 10 – March 31 |
Summer Registration | July 10 – September 30 |
Spring Registration | April 10 – June 30 |
Fall Registration | October 10 – December 31 |
ASE Certification Cost
Now you may ask- how much does ASE certification cost? So, the answer is here.
When you register for ASE certification, you’ll have to pay a $35 one-time registration fee.
On top of that, you’ve to pay for each test individually which cost $43 per test.
The individual test has different charges like L1, L2, and L3 will cost $86 per test.
You can visit the official website of ASE to gain a detailed idea of registration fees.
Conclusion
If you want to become ASE certified mechanic, you need 1 to 3 years of hands-on work experience.
You should study hard and participate in a practice test to increase your chance of success.
Once you’ll get your ASE certification, you can work in any reputed automobile garage at a good salary.
Good Luck!