ASE test questions are written in workshops by experts in the subject matter of each specific test. The test development teams represent a national cross-section of the motor vehicle service industry, including current technicians, training reps from auto manufacturers and aftermarket, customer service professionals and educators.

Here’s how ASE Tests are developed:

  1. Questions are developed at test-writing workshops, which typically include 10-20 working service professionals. Separate workshops are conducted for each ASE certification test.
  2. At each workshop, the participants review and modify the necessary tasks to successfully perform each particular job category (such as suspension and steering systems).
  3. Questions are written to correspond to job tasks. The diagnostic and repair scenarios are updated to reflect the most current and relevant technology and systems.
  4. Trick questions and manufacturer-specific questions are not acceptable. Each question is reviewed by the entire workshop for clarity and technical accuracy to ensure there is only one right answer and three incorrect answers.
  5. Questions that are accepted are included as non-scored “pre-test” questions and placed in “live” ASE tests to gauge performance. Since test-takers do not know which questions count, all questions are answered.
  6. By this point, test questions have been validated. Based on how well a question performs in “pre-test”, it may become a test question or be reconsidered in a future workshop.
  7. Even after a question passes “pre-testing”, ASE continues to monitor it. Each question is tracked for proper performance every time it is used in a test.
  8. When a question becomes technically outdated, it is removed from the pool of test questions.

Interested in becoming an ASE Subject Matter Expert? Submit a request and learn more!

Become an ASE Subject Matter Expert

About the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

Established in 1972 as a non-profit organization, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a driving force in the transportation industry. As an independent third party, ASE upholds and promotes high standards of service and repair through the assessment, certification and credentialing of current and future industry professionals, and the prestigious ASE Blue Seal logo identifies professionals who possess the essential knowledge and skills to perform with excellence. Today, there are approximately 220,000 ASE Certified professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country. For more information about ASE, visit www.ase.com.