Most automotive technicians know the central role of testing in the ASE certification process. But certification requires more than the ability to answer test questions; it also requires proof that you’ve been working in the industry, or receiving relevant training.
Experience Varies With Certification Type
To become ASE certified, you must pass an ASE test and have relevant hands-on work experience. The amount of work experience required can vary by test, and is specified in detail here. ASE recommends submitting the form after you've registered to take an ASE certification test.
You may claim experience in one or more of the following areas.
• Repair Technician – 1, 2, or 3 years
• Parts Specialist – 2 years
• Collision Damage Estimator – 2 years
• Service Consultant – 2 years
You may register and take tests (except for the X1 test) before you have the necessary experience. If you do so, you will receive a score report, but you will not earn certification or receive certificates until you fulfill the experience requirement.
Different Experience Types
The Work Experience Form has separate sections for different types of automotive industry job experience, and your work experience must match the kind of certification you are trying to achieve. For example, experience as a Repair Technician (automobile, truck, school bus, etc.) does not satisfy the experience requirements for Collision Damage Estimator (test B6), Automobile Service Consultant (test C1), or Parts Specialist (tests P1, P2, and P4).
Substitutions
You may receive credit for some of the work experience requirement by substituting relevant formal training. For specific details, click here.
A Note to Canadian Technicians:
A valid provincial automotive trade certificate is acceptable evidence of sufficient work experience to satisfy the Repair Technician 1 year and 2 year requirements. Attach a copy of your provincial license to your completed form.
ASE reserves the right to evaluate all requests for substitution of training for experience and to grant such credit as may be appropriate. Work experience other than that described above also may be credited toward fulfillment of the work experience where, in ASE’s judgment, the nature of the experience so warrants.
If you have questions about the work experience requirement or training substitutions, call ASE Customer Service at 1-800-390-6789, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
Submit the Form by clicking the link below: