ASE Master Technician Certification – A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve achieved a few ASE Certifications, you might ask yourself… what’s next?  While achieving individual ASE certifications is certainly an accomplishment, there are many technicians who choose to take their career one step further and achieve ASE Master Technician status. 

To achieve the status of ASE Master Automobile Technician, you must achieve certification in all tests A1 through A8 in the Automobile & Light Truck, A Series.  In addition, Master Technician Status may be earned by achieving certification in all required testing areas for ANY of the following series:

• Master Automobile Technician (A1-A8)
• Master Collision Repair/Refinish Technician (B2-B5)
• Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technicians (T2-T8)
• Master Truck Equipment Technicians (E1-E3)
• Master Transit Bus Technicians (H1 or H2 and H3-H8)
• Master School Bus Technicians (S1-S6)

Not sure how to get ASE Certified?  Read our Ultimate Guide to Achieving ASE Certification here.  The guide will help you understand the different certifications available, work experience required, and registering, studying for, and passing your tests to achieve ASE certification!

Why Achieve Master Technician Status?

In addition to earning an awesome certificate to be proudly displayed at your shop and patch (see above), achieving Master Automobile Technician status has many numerous benefits, including:

• Showing customers you know what you’re talking about.  Not all technicians are created equal, and customers can be skeptical.  With certifications to back-up your knowledge, customers can be put at ease knowing they will get correct, real answers from an expert.  A Master ASE certification is just another way to show “I know what I’m talking about” without having to say it.
• Tells employers you’re committed to the industry.  Some mechanics argue that ASE certification doesn’t prove you’re technically competent, but no one can argue that it shows employers that you’re serious about the automotive service industry.  ASE Master Certification is not strictly required, but if an employer has to choose between hiring an ASE certified and non-ASE certified technician, you know who they’ll choose…
• Get you the Salary and wage increase you deserve.  Many shops have defined salary increases directly tied to ASE certification.  Make sure you know your shop’s policies to maximize your earning potential.  If not, ASE certification can certainly be a conversation starter when negotiating a pay increase.
• Lifelong learning.  Studying for ASE master technician certification and help you brush up on your knowledge of the automotive service industry throughout your career.  It can keep you sharp and stay up to date on ever-changing technologies and requirements. 

What is the cost to become an ASE Master Technician?

As you achieve certification in each of the required Test Series, you will have to pay for each of the exams you are registering for.  I’ve broken down the entire cost for ASE certification in this article.  

However, the quick summary is the cost of the ASE certification tests is $47 per test plus a single $34 registration fee paid with each order.  For example, taking the A1 and A2 exams would cost 2 x $47 + $34 = $128.  Although the cost seem pricey, it can more than make up in career growth and additional pay.  Some employers even pay for ASE test fees as an added benefit!

We’ve created a handy table below to quickly calculate how much it will cost to register based on the number of tests:

Test	Name	Number of questions*	Testing time	Cost
A1	Engine Repair	60	1¼ hours	$47
A2	Automatic Transmission / Transaxle	60	1¼ hours	$47
A3	Manual Drive Train and Axles	50	1 hour	$47
A4	Suspension and Steering	50	1 hour	$47
A5	Brakes	55	1¼ hours	$47
A6	Electrical / Electronic Systems	60	1½ hours	$47
A7	Heating and Air Conditioning	60	1¼ hours	$47
A8	Engine Performance	60	1¼ hours	$47
A9	Light Vehicle Diesel Engines	60	1¼ hours	$47

Which Tests Are Required for each Master Status

It can be very confusing to figure out which tests are required for each status.  You can find the list on the ASE website, but we’ve tried to make it easy for you and break it down for you by Test Series and each subject area: 

• Master Automobile Technician (A Series)
  • A1 – Engine Repair
  • A2 – Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
  • A3 – Manual Drive Train & Axles
  • A4 – Suspension & Steering
  • A5 – Brakes
  • A6 – Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • A7 – Heating & Air Conditioning
  • A8 – Engine Performance
  • Note:  A9 is NOT required for Master Automobile Technician Status
• Master Collision Repair/Refinish Technician (B Series)
  • B2 – Painting & Refinishing
  • B3 – Non-Structural Analysis & Damage Repair
  • B4 – Structural Analysis & Damage Repair
  • B5 – Mechanical & Electrical Components
  • Note:  B6 is NOT required for Master Collision Repair Technician Status
• Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technicians (T Series)
  • T2 – Diesel Engines
  • T3 – Drive Train
  • T4 – Brakes
  • T5 – Suspension & Steering
  • T6 – Electrical/ Electronic Systems
  • T7 – Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • T8 – Preventive Maintenance Inspection
  • Note:  T1 is NOT required for Master Medium-Heavy Truck Technician Status
• Master Truck Equipment Technicians (E1-E3)
  • E1 – Truck Equipment Installation & Repair
  • E2 – Electrical/Electronic Systems Installation & Repair
  • E3 – Auxiliary Power Systems Installation & Repair
• Master Transit Bus Technicians (H1 or H2 and H3-H8)
  • H1 – Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Engines  OR  H2 – Diesel Engines
  • H3 – Drive Train
  • H4 – Brakes
  • H5 – Suspension & Steering
  • H6 – Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • H7 – Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • H8 – Preventive Maintenance & Inspection (PMI)
• Master School Bus Technicians (S1-S6)
  • S1 – Body Systems & Special Equipment
  • S2 – Diesel Engines
  • S3 – Drive Train
  • S4 – Brakes
  • S5 – Suspension & Steering
  • S6 – Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • Note:  S7 is NOT required for Master School Bus Technician Status

Maintaining your Master Technician Status

Now that you’re a certified Master Technician, make sure that you maintain that status by keeping your certifications current.  All ASE credentials are valid for up to 5 years, and technicians must retest every five years to retain their certification.  The good news is that all recertification tests (A1R-A8R) are approximately half the number of questions as the initial tests for certification.

Because certifications expire after 5 years, to maintain Master Technician Certification, all Automotive / Light Truck Tests A1-A8 Recertification tests must be passed every 5 years.  Pro Tip: If you register for all recertifications in one registration window, the maximum you’ll have to pay is $175 (no limit cap on number of tests taken in 1 window).  Instead of having to pay the cost of all 9 exams is 9 x $47 + $34 = $457, you can pay just $175, which saves you $282 every 5 years.  Make sure you take advantage of this when renewing your certification!

What if one of my certifications expires? 

Although you temporarily lose Master Technician status while a credential is expired, as soon as you renew that certification your status will be valid again.  Therefore, there is no need to worry about having to start all over again!  However, it always helps to renew your certification on time to prevent any lapse in status.

Enjoy your Master Automotive Technician Status

Now that you’re officially an ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician, get the most out of your Master certification status by displaying your certificate proudly and ensure your employer and customers are aware of your credentials.  Since there are 6 Master Technician certifications, consider tackling another area of expertise within the automotive service industry.

Also, be sure to display your ASE Master Technician shoulder insignia patch, wallet I.D. card and a certificate to frame on the wall in your shop.  Master Automotive Technicians are considered to be well-rounded experts in automotive repair and service.  Master Technician Certification may be that extra push to land you that promotion, salary bump, or land your next job within the industry.