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
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
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
