http://www.asecert.org
ASE
Profile
Until
the early 1970s, consumers had no way to distinguish between
incompetent and competent mechanics. In response to this
need, the independent, non-profit National Institute for
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was established in 1972.
ASE's
mission is to improve the quality of vehicle repair and
service through the testing and certification of repair
and service professionals.
At
present there are over 420,000 professionals with current
certifications. They work in every segment of the automotive
service industry: car and truck dealerships, independent
garages, fleets, service stations, franchises, and more.
Here's
how ASE certification works: Prospective candidates register
for and take one or more of ASE's 40-plus exams. The tests
are grouped into specialties for automobile, medium/heavy
truck, truck equipment, school bus, and collision repair
technicians as well as engine machinists, alternate fuels
technicians, parts specialists, collision damage estimators
and auto service consultants.
Upon
passing at least one exam and after providing proof of two
years of relevant work experience, the test taker becomes
ASE certified.Certification, however, is not for life. To
remain certified, those with ASE credentials must be retested
every five years.
The
tests, which are conducted twice a year at over 700 locations
around the country, are administered by ACT, known for its
academic and occupational testing programs. The exams stress
knowledge of job-related skills. They are no cinch to pass;
approximately one out of three test takers fails.
Consumers
benefit from ASE certification. It is a valuable yardstick
by which to measure the knowledge and skills of individual
technicians as well as the commitment to quality of the
repair facility employing ASE-certified professionals.
ASE-certified
professionals usually wear blue and white ASE insignia and
carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of expertise
(brakes, engine repair, etc.), while employers often display
their technicians' credentials in the customer waiting area.
Consumers
should look for facilities that display the ASE Blue Seal
of Excellence ASE logo.
http://www.asecert.org
