Taking ASE Tests
My ASE patches
Car mechanics need your opinion. I finished another round of taking ASE tests. I am currently certified in a grand total of 14 different areas.
I also have 2 more that I let lapse (collision repair and compressed natural gas) because every five years, I have to recertify in each individual area.
It has become a seemingly never-ending circle of recertification and test taking. And this time around, I may not renew all 14. First of all taking the tests costs money.
This last round, taking 4 tests cost me over $100. Recently like many my pay was reduced in order to save jobs. I’m back to making what I did in
1987. The costs of ASE tests remain the same. At my current employer to receive senior technician pay grade, you must have at least six ASE certifications.
ASE certified mechanic
The fact that I have gone way past the minimum number causes some friction between me and other technicians that struggle with taking the tests.
I have met many mechanics that were excellent at what they do,
but just didn’t have test taking skills to pass the exams. The technician a, technician b, both or neither format used throughout the tests can be tricky.
In trying to help some fellow technicians pass the exams that refuse to purchase up to date ase study guides, I have found that often, they know the answer to the question! But they spend too much time on each individual question until they talk themselves out of the correct answer.
When I take these tests, I use the stick and move tactic. If I can’t
answer the car question quickly I come back for it after completing that section.
The older I get the harder it is to pass the recertification exams. Automotive technology and the auto repair business are advancing faster than my training sessions.
In fact in the last four years I have been primarily a heavy-duty truck technician. Working on diesel engines and air brakes for long periods of time can make it harder to pass the ASE car certifications for light vehicles.
Why keep taking ASE tests
ASE Recertification
Now I know you believe that I have the freedom of speech to discuss this topic as I wish, but it’s not true. Expressing my opinion could land me in trouble with the good folks at ASE. Also let me clarify that I have supported ASE and their program for more then 2 decades.
ASE states on their about page that they were originally created in 1972 as a non-profit company. They also state that the company was created so that the automotive consumer would be able to identify qualified mechanics.
This may be a good rule of thumb but as I mentioned above some of the best mechanics I have ever met have trouble taking ASE tests. The auto repair business embraced ASE certifications So that they could hang a sign in their waiting area that would instill a sense of confidence in their customers.
When I took the auto repair tests on November 12, 2009 there was only about 45 mechanics at the test center. There use to be more than 200 mechanics during the spring and fall test sessions.
I don’t know if it’s a sign of the economic times and people don’t have the money to take the tests or if there is something else brewing. Maybe ASE is losing its popularity as people become ad blind to the signs hanging in front of the shops. This is where you come in.
As an automotive technician I would like to know how YOU feel about this subject. If you see a sign that says, we employ ASE certified mechanics are you more likely to trust the auto repair business they work for. Do you even consider the qualifications of the car mechanics that work on your vehicle?
When I ask friends and family this car question their answer is usually, what’s ASE. When I question them further about their experiences with auto repair shops and how they find them, the answers are usually about the same.
If the guy fixes my car good I go back. If he does a bad job or tries to sell me too much I go somewhere else. How do you feel about the subject, should I keep taking ASE tests or just get the minimum to keep my job. Please leave your comments below.
Mark Gittelman is an ASE Certified Automotive Master Technician With more than 24 years experience in the auto repair field.
From Warren: Here most drivers don’t know what ASE is and dose.
For the most part, people today, look for the cheapest way out.
I have found that even some not all ASE certified mechanic’s are no good at anything, except taking money. But I’ve seen just as many good ones out there too!
As far as re-testing and re-testing, I think all that is is to justify a job for someone and to make your life
miserable wile doing it. most mechanic’s certified or not are shade tree’ers as I call them. They can do the job and do it right (IF they have all that is needed to do it right).
For years now the auto industry has bent over back words to keep the I.G.O. and the weekender out of it. So they have to go to dealerships, to get the work done. And that’s the size of it. That is the way I feel about it. – Warren Tracy
Hi Mark,
As always, another great newsletter! To answer your question, I can’t say that it’s ever been in my mind to wonder about whether the mechanic I’m taking my car to has ASE certification. One reason for this is that I’ve been taking my car to just two places (a local shop with a great track record and the Ford dealership) for many years now, and haven’t needed to shop around for a new mechanic.
When going to a dealership, one just assumes that the bureaucracy forces them to have certain levels of certification. Meanwhile, with the local shop I go to, the guys always do such a good job, and I’m so impressed with their integrity, that there’s never been any reason for me to wonder about their certification or lack thereof.
I think the certification is important when you first start out in your career;but after a few years its not necessary unless there is a big change in technology. Honesty is the best certification a person can have and it is tested everyday free of charge.
Hi Mark,
I think all these tests other than the medical field is a true waste and another way for government to control and make extra money. like the A+ certificate for computer technician.
So many of them can take a test and pass. but what does that mean… really They can pass a test are they really knowledgeable, are they honest. Hell no not even the medical profession are but at least the law can and will go after them.
I try to do as many repairs as I can myself to avoid the situation all together. Sometimes, something is over my head and I take it in. I never ask to see the mechanics credentials (that worked on my car) but have seen the list of certifications in the office area.
I even thought about requesting the mechanic with the most certifications to work on the blazer. Although I never did make the request my thought was that mechanic must know his stuff! So I guess it may mean something to me?
I think that a mechanic needs to be certified. Every 5 years seems excessive to me. Follow the money. ASE wants your money, that’s all they care about. I just recerted and there were at least 200 participants there with me. Hmmmm, 200 x approx $100 cha ching 20 grand and that was just at 1 test center. I say 10 year recetification is sufficient.
By the way, I have asked many family members and friends if they know what ASE is and none have known.
Hi Mark, I am a DIY guy and when I can’t fix it I look to find the very best. And ASE says a lot of who you are. I do not want to spend my money on the education of the inexperienced and uneducated tech.
If ASE is doing it’s job it should be a good source of what’s new and important. Thanks for the Great Newsletter. -Steve
Mark
who wants to look like Brad Pitt anyway. I don’t look for certs. I go with the guy who shows me he/she knows what they are talking about and has updated equipment to keep up with all the changes. keep up the good work
hey my boss work as mechanic 15 years now ,own a shop never ever has done any ase test he belive this is just wasting money,his customers list in computer is now over 1000 nobody ever ask for ase credential
i want to take the test what i have to do
I can tell you one thing about ASE I needed them to get the job, (the first time) but since have found that my experience has the most impact on whether or not I get the job, raise or other major changes in my career.
I don’t mind retaking the tests every 5 years but the one thing I do mind is the cost and my current employer doesn’t really seem to care whether or not I remain certified and won’t pay for me to take them either.
In fact I am the only technician who has any ASE certification at work, but that is because I keep hoping that some day it will matter that I take these costly tests.
hey guys i got a quick question. can i take the ase tests even though i dont have 2 years experience yet? i graduated college in the auto tech program and have 6 months at my current place of employment. can i take the test now and just get the certification in 6 months when my 2 years are complete or does it not work that way?
Josh: Keep in mind that formal training does count towards experience. If you graduated from a 2 year program and have done six months hands on that should meet the requirements. Best thing would be to call the ASE registration 800 number and talk to a representative. ASE is motivated to get you in and start your testing as soon as possible!