Fixed Ops Journal - October 2022 - F25

and brake systems; and electrical and air conditioning
systems.
Today the organization off ers 58 certifi cation
tests in 18 diff erent service categories, including
automobile and light trucks, damage
analysis and estimating, advanced engine
performance, transit and school buses, and
medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
Technicians who pass the series of tests offered
in each category earn a " master " designation.
In
addition, tests have evolved from
old-fashioned pencil-and-paper, fi ll-in-thedot
forms to computer-based testing platforms
online.
" Technicians used to go to community colleges
to take the certifi cation tests, " Serratore
says. " Now they take them at computer test
centers that provide scores
right away. "
Another sign of the
Serratore: Goal
hasn't changed
times: Starting in 2018, the
group off ered technicians
an ASE renewal app that
helps them track their certifi
cations, as well as earn
one-year extensions of a
particular certifi cation by
taking online quizzes.
To date, 11,000 technicians
have subscribed to the app, according to
the group.
ASE doesn't write the test questions. Instead,
it relies on input from a panel of veteran industry
professionals that includes subject-matter
experts, OEM representatives, working technicians,
service managers, aftermarket manufacturers
and repair shop owners. Subject-matter
experts then write the questions,
Serratore says.
Tests refl ect new technologies
Certifi cations are valid for fi ve years. After
that, technicians must take a series of recertifi
cation tests similar to the initial test but
shorter and more diffi cult, Serratore explains.
Questions get revamped as frequently as
new technology demands it. A test for advanced-level
engine performance, for instance,
gets evaluated every year. But a test for
braking systems might be reviewed only every
two or three years because the technology
doesn't change that much.
" We continuously interact with the subject-matter
expert folks to ensure we keep up
with new technology, " Serratore says.
Th e emergence of electric vehicles portends
signifi cant additions to the list of ASE certifi -
cations. Th e group already off ers a certifi cation
test for light-duty hybrid and electric veWith
a lot of young
people coming
through the doors,
ASE continues to
push its value
and relevancy.
ASE has delivered more than 2 million certiKnow
and tell
ASE fun facts
 There are approximately 250,000
ASE-certifi ed professionals at work in
dealerships, independent shops,
collision-repair shops, auto-parts
stores, fl eets, schools and colleges
nationwide.
 ASE is the only national, industrywide
technician-certifi cation program in the
U.S.
 In 1983, ASE retired the term
" mechanic " in favor of " technician " to
refl ect the profession's growing focus
on technology.
 ASE certifi cation expanded into
Canada in 1993, then Brazil and
Mexico in 1998.
 The group switched to computer-based
testing in 2011.
 Offi cial ASE practice tests were
developed and went online in 2010.
 In 2020, ASE began offering select
automotive tests in Spanish.
hicles and is developing another for electric
vehicle safety assessments.
" We want to certify their knowledge about
safety requirements for servicing EVs, " Serratore
told Fixed Ops Journal. " We're looking at
three tiers of assessment - overall safety assessment
for anyone in a dealership that
works around high-voltage vehicles, safety requirements
for technicians that work on EVs
and battery-pack diagnosis, servicing, removal,
recycling and so forth. "
ASE recently introduced a certifi cation test
for advanced driver-assistance systems.
" Th ere's always something new to tackle, "
Serratore says.
fi cation tests since 1972, an average of 100,000
tests a year. Th at's something the organization
is very proud of, Serratore says.
She also is gratifi ed ASE has remained
strong and vibrant long enough to require 50
candles on its birthday cake.
" It's pretty rare for an industry organization
to last this long, " Serratore points out. " Th e
reason for ASE's longevity is the amazing and
continued long-term support from service
professionals that value ASE certifi cation.
Th at says as much about the industry as it
does about ASE.
" Obtaining ASE certifi cation still is a source
of pride for technicians and a great way to recognize
individuals working in our industry. "
Serratore credits automakers for supporting
the program, for encouraging technicians to
get their certifi cations and proudly display the
organization's distinctive ASE patch on their
work uniforms.
" As a nonprofi t group, we don't have a lot of
money to promote ASE certifi cation, " she
says. " But all of our OEM partners support
ASE certifi cation in some way, shape or form
- either as a hiring credential or to provide
recognition in their technician programs.
" Th ere are a lot of young people coming
through the doors now, " Serratore adds, " so
we always appreciate whatever additional
support we can get. It's challenging to convince
young technicians about the value of
certifi cation, so we always encourage them to
be the best they can be in their careers, as well
as continue to push the value and relevance of
what we do for the automotive industry. "
Looking ahead, is it possible another halfcentury
is in the works for ASE?
" Absolutely, " says Serratore. " We're just getting
started. We're going to be here for a long
time. " 
OCTOBER 2022 PAGE 25
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