History

• ASE is the abbreviation for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The organization was established in 1972 to test and certify the qualifications of professional repair specialists. It has since grown to encompass all areas of the automotive repair industry and is active in automobile manufacture, repair, parts replacement, truck repair and collision estimates and repair.
  
  

Certification

• Applicants for ASE certification must pass a written test and demonstrate at least two years of experience in their chosen automotive field. Upon successful completion, applicants are certified. Certification is not permanent and must be reaffirmed through retesting every five years.
  
  

Specialization

• ASE certification does not automatically grant qualification in all areas of automotive repair. Applicants are tested in specific areas, and must pass ASE tests for each area of expertise for which they wish to be certified. Professionals wishing to be certified in more than one area of expertise must pass the test for each area of specialization.
  
  

Testing

• The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence conducts tests twice a year. Applicants have the options of taking a written test or a computer-based test. Successful applicants are given credentials which list their areas of expertise and certification, and are authorized to display the ASE insignia on their uniforms and in their workplace.
  
  

Benefits

• ASE testing provides a way for consumers to measure the competency of repair professionals. ASE certification also benefits the repair professional by helping him to gain the confidence and trust of prospective customers.
  
  

Size

• The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence covers the automotive repair industry for the entire United States. There are approximately 400,000 ASE-certified professionals in all segments of the automotive industry. Testing is conducted at over 750 locations across the United States and is administered by the education and testing organization known as ACT.