Auto Repair Basics - ASE Certification

ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence issues ASE certifications to automotive technicians that have been trained in specific areas.

Automotive Service Shops cannot be ASE Certified. Only individual technicians can be certified, and ASE Certified technicians carry their certification(s) no matter where they may be employed. So if a shop owner tells you that his/her shop is ASE Certified, be wary, ask questions. Let them know that you are an informed consumer and that you want only technicians working on your vehicle who have ASE Certification in the area for which you need service.

Please note, however, that an auto repair service shop can attain the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence. This program identifies those establishments that have a large percentage of ASE Certified professionals and an ASE Certified professional in each area of service offered. It's a commitment that earns only the best establishments the recognition to stand out from the crowd.

In order to qualify as an ASE Blue Seal establishment, a shop must prove that:

At least 75% of their technicians are ASE Certified
At least one technician is ASE Certified in each area of service offered by the business

To ensure that professional certification credentials remain current, ASE reviews the status of each establishment annually.

The ASE Blue Seal of Excellence looks like this:

Applicants wishing to become ASE Certified must pass at least one exam in a chosen area and provide proof of 2 years work experience in that area.

ASE Master Certification requires certification in multiple areas, as well as 2 years work experience in those areas.

ASE Certified technicians usually wear blue and white ASE insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of expertise (brakes, engine repair, etc.). Their employers often display their technicians' credentials in the customer waiting area.

Please note that ASE Certification must be renewed every 5 years - so it doesn't hurt to look at the dates on those plaques in your mechanic's shop!

Some of the most common ASE Certifications offered:

ASE Certified Advanced Engine Performance Specialist
ASE Certified Automobile Technician
ASE Certified Engine Machinist
ASE Certified Estimator
ASE Certified Med/Hvy Vehicle Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis
ASE Certified Medium/Heavy Truck Technicians
ASE Certified Service Consultants
ASE Certified Truck Equipment Installation & Repair Technician
ASE Certified Undercar Specialist
ASE Certified School Bus Technician
ASE Certified Compressed Natural Gas Technician

Some of the most common ASE Master Certifications offered:

ASE Master Certified Automobile Technician
ASE Master Certified Collision Repair/Refinish Technician
ASE Master Certified Engine Machinists (MM)
ASE Master Certified Master Truck Equipment Technician
ASE Master Certified School Bus Technician
ASE Master Certified Truck Technician
Specialist ASE Certified Collision Repair/Refinish Technician

If you issue certifications or offer certification training programs and would like to exchange links, please send the name of your organization, list of the certifications you offer and your link information to
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ASE Certified Advanced Engine Performance Specialist