What is an ASE Certified Auto Mechanic?

Drive Away With Peace of Mind

ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Today over 300,000 automotive technicians hold certifications from ASE. Finding an ASE-certified auto mechanic is of utmost importance. Vehicles are much more complex than they used to be, especially when you start adding in different parts, makes, and models. Mechanics need a specialized set of skills and knowledge that goes beyond checking fluids or putting air in a tire. You need the peace of mind of an ASE auto repair shop you know and trust. 

Why is it Important to Use an ASE Certified Auto Shop?

ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Today over 300,000 automotive technicians hold certifications from ASE. Finding an ASE-certified auto mechanic is of utmost importance. Vehicles are much more complex than they used to be, especially when you start adding in different parts, makes, and models. Mechanics need a specialized set of skills and knowledge that goes beyond checking fluids or putting air in a tire. You need the peace of mind of an ASE auto repair shop you know and trust. 

Why is it Important to Use an ASE Certified Auto Shop?

Always look for the ASE logo; it could be embroidered on the side of a technician’s shirt, hanging on a plaque on the wall, or on a company sign. It’s important to support an auto repair shop with ASE-certified technicians because you can trust they’re well trained and educated on all the latest vehicle technologies.

One of the major benefits of using an ASE-certified auto mechanic is you know for a fact that they have at least a minimum of two years of experience. It’s essential you insist that only a skilled ASE technician works on your vehicle. This is especially important if you drive an import. Since ASE technicians need to pass rigorous tests, you will have the peace of mind that a qualified expert will be working on your vehicle.

What Does ASE Certified Actually Mean?

As mentioned above, ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. This line of certifications is the industry standard for determining the skill of auto mechanics. To obtain this certification, you must pay to take a computer-based exam held at a monitored testing location.

The fact that a technician has invested their time and money to further their education and become ASE certified indicates they’re dedicated and serious about the trade. 

Not all repair shops require technicians to be certified; those who do are going above and beyond and want to stand out, separating themselves from a person who just wants to do mechanic work as a side job. An ASE certified technician wants to become an expert on vehicle maintenance and repairs. Simply put, ASE certification means you are leaving your vehicle with mechanics who will provide optimal service.

How Does a Technician Become ASE Certified?

The ASE certification in the automotive world is very similar to what the CPA certification means to accountants – it means these individuals are driven and focused on being the best in their career and deserve to be recognized for it.

Auto repair technicians earn the distinction of becoming ASE-certified by studying and passing a very thorough ASE certification test, which contains questions about all vehicle systems and components. The exam covers engine repair, automatic transmission, transaxles, manual drive trains, axles, brakes and suspension, electrical systems, as well as heating and air conditioning systems. 

The test is very challenging, which is why not everyone elects to take it. In fact, one-third of test-takers fail the test the first time they take it. The technician must also possess two years of on-the-job training or a year of training and a degree in auto repair.

Once a technician passes the test and achieves ASE certification, that technician is still required to retest every five years to stay ahead of changes in technology.

What is Master-Level ASE Certification?

After becoming ASE-certified, mechanics have the option of continuing on in the testing process to achieve a “master-level” ASE certification. A master-level certification ensures that your auto technician has an even higher level of skill and expertise.

The examinations are broken up by type:

• Automobile 
• Collision Repair 
• Truck Equipment

To acquire a master-level ASE certification, an individual mechanic must pass a specified number of tests within a certain group. Just like the standard ASE certification, a master-level certification must be renewed every five years.

How Do You Know if Your Auto Mechanic is ASE Certified? 

ASE certification is a widely recognized and sought-after credential. Finding an ASE-certified auto mechanic will put your mind at ease that you have a knowledgeable professional working on your vehicle. Usually, the auto shop will have this information on their website. You can also call and ask, or simply visit the shop and look for the logo on a sign, certification on the wall, or on the technicians’ uniforms. 

You can also do a more specific search of a particular geographic area by visiting the ASE website and contacting them about a shop in your area with an ASE certified auto mechanic. Or, when in Sunrise Florida, you can trust your vehicle to Broward Auto.