Changing ASE Testing Format
ASE Test Results
After taking the last round of ASE tests included with my results was a short letter that things would be changing for test takers. I guess everything in life changes but I was a little surprised by ASE’s decision to go with the computer-based testing format and doing away with the written tests that have been offered for the last 25 years or so.
The official snippet in the letter that relates to this is to follow. “And if you haven’t heard, ASE is changing from paper and pencil testing to a computer-based format.
The written test will be offered for the final two times in May and November of 2011. Beginning in January 2012, only computer-based testing will be offered, but it will be available eight months of the year at a secure proctored test Center”.
First I would like to go on record as saying that I have taken the ASE computer-based tests. The system works well and has many advantages over the old style of paper and pencil testing. Read more
The ASE Tests Have Changed
ASE testing format changes
ASE 25 Year Medal
Let me tell you about how the ASE tests have changed. On November 18, 2010 I took another round of ASE recertification tests. After taking these exams for the last 25 years, for the first time I can truly say that not only has the format changed but also the testing experience.
When I first started taking these exams in the mid-1980s almost every question was in the format of technician A, or technician B, both mechanics are correct or neither technician is correct.
On the exams I took just a few days ago there were only a couple of questions in this type of format. Also each test had 30 questions and if I remember correctly the recertification exams use to have 25. Many of the questions had pictures associated with them.
The question would describe a customer complaint and the picture would sometimes provide readings, measurements or statistics. With those two pieces of information you are provided with four answers and you then have to pick the best one.
For me and for most mechanics we resist change (it’s just human nature). Add to that the fact that my older ASE study guides where geared to the old format and I felt somewhat unprepared for this round of recertification exams. Read more
ASE 25 Year Medallion
I received my ASE 25 year medallion today. This was a pleasant surprise because I didn’t even know that one existed. When I took it into work with me and showed the other mechanics in the shop they were also not aware that the shiny little medal existed.
It’s nice to know that ASE is keeping track of how long the technicians that participate in their program have been certified. It’s even nicer that they recognize these technicians with a medal that has a magnetic backing so you can stick it on your toolbox.
When it comes to being an automotive mechanic there is no substitute for experience. The longer you turn a wrench the better at it you become. This is mainly because every day you learn something new. These learning experiences build up in your brain and you are able to call upon them when needed.
Taking ASE tests Read more
Reasons for Professional Auto Repair
My Toolbox
Most people bring their vehicles into a professional auto repair shop because they believe this will be the fastest and most cost efficient way to get their vehicle back on the road. In a perfect world this is absolutely the case.
As an automotive consumer you should be vigilant and ask questions to make sure your auto repair shop is holding up their end of the bargain (even if you trust the shop).
This is more important when you are paying for things such as check engine light diagnosis or even when you are trying to get drivability problems repaired that require pinpoint troubleshooting.
If you go in for an intermittent stalling condition or rough running car problems the way that the shop handles the troubleshooting and diagnosis can affect the total cost of the repairs. Your repair shop should be using a standardized diagnostic method that brings them to the failure in an orderly and efficient manner.
If the mechanic starts guessing at what is wrong and begins to replace Read more
Being A Car Mechanic
Learn about car repair
This article about being a car mechanic is just my opinion after 25 years of working in the auto repair business. There are so many options and opportunities when you get into the field and each decision you make can have long-term effects.
Most mechanics will go through some form of education whether it is from local college programs or special manufacturer training or even learning car repair at a high school auto shop.
After the training is completed and you get your first job it can set you down a path that can last a lifetime. It is this first career decision after training that may be the most important. An example would be if your first position is at a franchise car repair shop.
You may find yourself working your way through the different brand stores and working in this type of facility until you retire. This may not be a bad thing and there is plenty of good money to be earned by working at a franchised facility.
Another example would be if you entered a Toyota sponsored training program. Chances are you would work at a Toyota dealership after graduation and may find yourself retiring from one after 30 years or so of working. Again this may not be a bad thing. Read more
Preparing for ASE tests
Since I have dedicated several posts to taking the ASE tests and shared the results with you, I thought that I would include a post that discusses some of my preparation tactics.
It is very important for me to pass these tests on the first attempt. It does not always turn out the way I want but I do give it my best shot.
The inconvenience of re-certifying every five years coupled with the financial expenses motivates me to make sure I am properly prepared for each test.
I do believe in purchasing ASE study guides along with other supporting information for each topic. I will even read through the service manuals provided by vehicle manufacturers for vehicle specific information.
Preparing for ASE tests
There are some excellent tips included in the ASE study guide that cover not only the amount and type of questions you’ll be asked but also best practices for being ready, both physically and emotionally for taking these difficult exams.
Here is one mistake that I made that will never happen to me again I forgot to bring my admission ticket to the test center.
Guess what, they will not let you take the test without the admission ticket.
Since I was 45 minutes away from the test center I had to apply for a refund and missed out on that testing session.
Not only do you need to bring your admission ticket and drivers license but I recommend you bring a couple of number two pencils because they may not be supplied at the test center. Read more
Need for Good Mechanics
Today’s automobiles will continue towards the unstoppable trend of becoming more complex. This will only increase the need for good mechanics.
This coupled with the reluctance of today’s generation to strap themselves with a dirty job that requires massive amounts of hard work and education will continue to shrink the availability of people to repair cars.
The good news for those that are willing to accept the challenge is that they should have their pick of jobs almost anywhere in the country. This will also add a level of flexibility if relocation is required or desired.
A good example is I find myself in the state of Florida turning wrenches for local government. After spending most of my automotive career working in the state of New Jersey I never saw me moving to Florida.
I found the Florida job opening in a local New Jersey newspaper. The ad stated come to the sunny state of Florida and live, play, and work on the Gulf Coast. Relocation assistance is available for good mechanics.
I answered the ad and submitted my application. The local county paid for me to fly down for an interview and a drug test.
I went back to New Jersey and didn’t hear from them for three months. When they finally contacted me they stated that the job was mine if I wanted it. They would also pay to have my automotive tools shipped and assist with relocation expenses.
In my 25 year automotive career this was the single most important decision that I have ever made. I have absolutely no regrets about leaving my friends and family behind for this new position. Read more
ASE Test Results
ASE test results
Today I received my ASE test results. In a previous post I talked about taking ASE tests and we had a good discussion about the topic.
I thought that it would only be fair if I provided an update on how the actual tests turned out. I took a total of four recertification exams. I did pass all four that I took.
For me this means 4 down and 12 to go. As mentioned in the previous post my problem is not with ASE or taking the tests. My problem is the required recertification every five years.
This puts me firmly on a rotation that seems to never end. Some good comments were left on the taking ASE tests post.
Some of the more interesting ones pointed out that it is almost unheard of to have to recertify in any field every five years. In fact some medical certifications never require taking additional tests. Also noted are some technical certifications that require certification but on a seven or even 10 year requirement. So to me five years does seem excessive. The costs for the exams use to be reimbursed by my employer with a passing grade.
This is no longer the case. So now the frequency of the recertifications has become an issue to my wallet. This coupled with the recent reduction in pay can make it financially difficult to be a professional auto mechanic. And if you noticed I did not even mention the $40,000 I spent on tools over the last 25 years. Read more
Modern Automotive Electronics
Fuel Injectors
As automotive electronics continue to advance the car becomes increasingly complicated. As new technologies are uploaded they are unfortunately tested on the automotive consumer.
Problems with the systems are noted and upgraded on future models.
This is why a basic understanding of what types of electronic systems are installed on your vehicle is valuable knowledge.
An example of this situation would be when fuel injection hit the mainstream in the early 1980s.
Rough running engines and drivability concerns were often turned into small profit centers known as fuel injection cleaning services.
Later these early fuel injectors were often replaced and updated by more efficient units. This is why an understanding of electronics is a must for all automotive mechanics but is also helpful for automotive consumers.
Types of automotive electronics
Engine control module
Computers and electronic devices are used to control the engine and its support systems. Because of these controls today’s automobiles use less fuel and have higher performance.
These electronically controlled engines also have lower tailpipe emissions and are better for the environment then cars of the past.
Automotive electronics are also used in modern transmissions to activate shifting to again provide the right amount of power coupled with the maximum amount of fuel economy.
A little known fact is that about 75% of all function on modern-day vehicles is controlled by electronics. An example would be antilock braking systems.
These were once optional on vehicles of the early 90s. But now have become standard equipment. They have branched this system out to also control active suspension systems as well as traction control systems.
Some very cool technology is not very far down the road. Read more
