January 15, 2023

Requirements for ASE Certification

Most automotive technicians understand the importance of testing in the ASE certification process. However, certification requires more than just the ability to answer test questions; it also requires proof of working experience in the industry or relevant training. To earn your certification to become an ASE-certified mechanic, you’ll need to know the requirements and how to fulfill them. At Decatur Trailer Sales and Service, we have the guidance you need to recognize your goals.

Experience Varies with Each Type of ASE Certification

To become an ASE-certified mechanic, you must have hands-on work experience relevant to your field and pass an ASE test. The required work experience will vary depending on which test you need to take. ASE recommends that you first register for an ASE certification test and then submit the necessary forms online or through the mail. You may claim experience in one or more of the following areas.

Repair Technician – 1, 2, or 3 years
Parts Specialist – 2 years
Collision Damage Estimator – 2 years
Service Consultant – 2 years

You can register and take tests before you have the necessary experience (except for the X1 test). You will still receive a score report but will not earn certification or certificates until you meet the experience requirement.

Different Types of Tests for ASE Certification

There are quite a few different tests you can take to earn your ASE Certification. It depends on which specific area you want to focus on, so decide what you’re most interested in and select from the following test options:

Repair Technician Tests:

G1—Auto Maintenance and Light Repair
A1-A9—Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train & Axles, Suspension & Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating & Air Conditioning, Engine Performance, Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
B2-B5—Painting & Refinishing, Non-Structural Analysis & Damage Repair, Structural Analysis & Damage Repair, Mechanical & Electrical Components
E1-E3—Truck Equipment Installation & Repair, Electrical/Electronic Systems Installation & Repair, Auxiliary Power Systems Installation & Repair
F1—Alternate Fuels/Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle
H1-H8—Compressed Natural Gas Engines, Diesel Engines, Drive Train, Brakes, Suspension & Steering, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning, Preventative Maintenance & Inspection
MIL2-MIL8—Diesel Engines, Drive Train, Chassis, Suspension/Steering/Hydraulics, Electrical/Electric System, Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning, Preventative Maintenance Checks & Services
S1-S7—Body Systems & Special Equipment, Diesel Engines, Drive Train, Brakes, Suspension & Steering, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Air Conditioning Systems & Controls
T1-T8—Gasoline Engines, Diesel Engines, Drive Train, Brakes, Suspension & Steering, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning, Preventative Maintenance Inspection
X1—Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems
L1, L2, L3, L4—Advanced Engine Performance, Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis, Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Service Consultant Test:

C1—Automobile Service Consultant Certification

Parts Specialist Tests:

P1, P2, P4—Medium/Heavy Truck Parts Specialist, Automobile Parts Specialist, General Motors Parts Consultant

Collision Damage Estimator Test:

B6—Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification

Different Types of Experience

The Work Experience Form has separate sections for different types of experience you may have in the automotive industry. Your work experience must match the certification you are trying to achieve. For example, if you have experience as a Repair Technician (automobile, truck, school bus, etc.), that will not satisfy the experience requirements for a Collision Damage Estimator (test B6), Automobile Service Consultant (test C1), or Parts Specialist (tests P1, P2, and P4). Consult with the test providers or our experts at Decatur Trailer Sales & Service, Inc. if you’re unsure about which requirements your work experience fulfills or which tests you need to take to earn the certification you’re looking for. Contact our team today for expert guidance.

Substitutions

You may be able to substitute relevant formal training for some of the required work experience. There are several alternative ways to fulfill the work experience requirement: Full-time teaching in a high school or post-secondary Auto, M/H Truck, or Collision-Refinish program for four academic years (or part-time equivalent), plus at least 20 hours of technical update training in the last 12 months, will fulfill the 2-year requirement for Repair Technician or Collision Damage Estimator, depending on the type of program you teach.

The 3-year requirement for becoming a Repair Technician through the L1, L2, L3, and L4 tests can be satisfied by six years of qualified teaching plus a minimum of 20 hours of technical update training in the last 12 months. This ASE work experience option cannot be combined with, or partially satisfied by, traditional hands-on work experience or any of the Formal Education substitutions described above. Attached to your work experience form must be a letter signed by your principal or dean on school letterhead that details your teaching experience and includes a list of your technical update training records.

ASE reserves the right to evaluate all your substitution requests and to grant appropriate credit. Work experience other than that described above may be credited toward meeting the experience requirement if ASE determines the nature of the experience warrants it.

If you’re interested in a career with our company, learn more about our team by going online to our website or blogs, calling us, or visiting in person. We’ll answer all your questions.