If you are looking to advance your career as an auto mechanic, then getting ASE certification is a must to ensure that you take the next step. Over 330,000 people have passed ASE certification tests in all different areas of automotive mechanics which has led to them gaining new opportunities, increasing their salaries and growing in their respective fields.

What is the Automotive Service Excellence Organization (ASE)?

Formed in 1972, the ASE was designed to address the disparity in the auto mechanic field by providing testing services for technicians. Back in the day, there were no set standards for auto mechanics and customers had no basis to tell the difference between the good ones and the ones who were not good at all.

Therefore, the ASE set up high level tests for all types of auto mechanic work so that a technician could be certified as being proficient in the field. Currently, there are over 40 tests for general auto mechanics alone that will demonstrate proficiency in all types of vehicles from light trucks and cars to school buses and even larger vehicles.

ASE testing is done in pre-assigned locations on computer to test the knowledge of the auto mechanic. It is also required that the technician have at least two years of hands-on experience or one year of hands-on experience and a two-year or Associate’s Degree in Automotive Repair.

How can ASE Certification Improve My Career?

There are a number of ways that having an ASE certification will help advance your career and open up new opportunities for you.

Recognition: First and foremost, an ASE certification means that you can apply for a job in any auto repair shop in the US and many parts of Canada and demonstrate that you have a proven, accepted qualification for the job. The ASE is recognized as the standard for auto repair and provides a powerful edge over those who do not have such qualifications.

Salary: Those who have certification with the ASE will have another edge when it comes to increases in salary and position within the company. This is especially true if you add to your certification by passing tests and requirement in different areas. The dedication required to become certified demonstrates the seriousness in which you take your career. This will be rewarded by the facility who will want to keep you as a valuable asset.

Advancement: Over time, you can expand your knowledge, skills and training to include different areas in which you want to excel. There are many who get ASE certification for specialized services such as refrigerant recovery and recycling, collision repair and other type of services that can broaden your knowledge base and create even more opportunities for advancement. Becoming a more valuable employee is how ambitious mechanics can use the certification process as ASE.

The Testing Procedures

The actual certification process for becoming a master mechanic is not an easy one, but it can be obtained with hard work, study and perseverance.

Mechanic Training: Before you can become a master mechanic, you must have training and experience as a mechanic. This means that you will need accredited vocational training plus one year of work that is relevant to being a mechanic or two years of relevant mechanic work experience if you have no vocational training. You will need the proper documentation of your work experience as well in order to advance.

Register: You will need to register with the Automotive Service Excellence and pay the proper fee. This act will allow you to take the test and earn the credential that are needed.

Study: Here, in order to pass the master mechanic certification exam you will need to study for a variety of advance level tests and certifications for each particular type of automotive repair and maintenance that you want to excel. The different types of auto repair include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Automobile
• Collision
• Medium Truck
• Heavy Truck
• School Bus
• Transit Bus
• Truck Equipment

You’ll want to study and work to pass each one in the testing series in order to become the master technician in that particular field. Naturally, this will mean paying the fee for each test.

Review: You’ll want to review the test preparation materials and then purchase the appropriate vouchers for each one of them. You may find that there are discounts that are available when paying for multiple vouchers. Using the test preparation material can be of enormous help when you are trying to past the test for master certification.

Take the Test: You will want to take and pass each test that is required in the particular discipline that you want to excel. Each of these disciplines does require a series of tests that must be taken at the appropriate center. Once completed and passed, you will receive the proper certification by the ASE.

Why Master Mechanic Training is So Important

Becoming a master mechanic is considered by many to be the ultimate high ground of auto repair. The master mechanic status is that of having several years of training and experience in handling all types of vehicle repairs and services. For those who want to get the most out of their careers, becoming a master mechanic is certainly a goal that is worthy of obtaining not only for the career advancement, but having a proper platform where your own abilities are recognized.

This is especially true for those who want to open their own repair shop someday as being a master mechanic with ASE recognition offers instant respect in the field. The training will lead to having ASE advanced certification that will help you in more ways as well when it comes to your own personal satisfaction of knowing that your standing as a mechanic is now recognized all across the US and in most of Canada as well.

Becoming a master mechanic and being recognized for your efforts can lead to significant career advancement which may include running your own auto repair shop or center.