The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, commonly known as ASE, was founded in 1972 to provide professional certifications for automotive technicians in the United States and Canada. ASE certification helps technicians communicate their expertise to potential clients and gives motorists confidence that they are choosing a reputable repair service. There are over 50 different types of ASE certifications, covering different areas of automotive service and repair. Here, NYADI The College of Transportation Technology, based in Jamaica, NY, provides insights into the options available.

ASE Entry-Level Certification

ASE offers a certification program specifically for high school and technical college students who are studying automotive repair. ASE Entry-Level Certification is offered through the ASE Education Foundation. There is no work experience prerequisite, making this a great option for students just starting their careers. Tests are grouped into three series: Automobile, Collision Repair, and Refinishing, and Medium/Heavy Truck Service and Technology:

Automobile Test Series

• Maintenance and Light Repair (MR)
• Automobile Service and Technology (AS)
• Engine Repair (ER)
• Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (AT)
• Manual Drive Train and Axles (MD)
• Suspension and Steering (SS)
• Brakes (BR)
• Electrical/Electronic Systems (EE)
• Heating and Air Conditioning (AC)
• Engine Performance (EP)

Collision Repair and Refinish Series

• Painting and Refinishing (PR)
• Structural Analysis and Damage Repair (SR)
• Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair (NS)
• Mechanical and Electrical (ME)

Medium/Heavy Truck Series

• Diesel Engines (DE)
• Electrical/Electronic Systems (TE)
• Brakes (TB)
• Suspension and Steering (TS)
• Inspection, Maintenance, and Minor Repair (IM)

These certifications are a great way to show potential employers your skill set and knowledge.

ASE Certification Tests

Individuals who have earned ASE Entry-Level certification can eventually pursue further credentials through the ASE Certification Test Series. Many of these tests require at least two years of relevant work experience. There are multiple tests and test series, including:

• A Series: Automobile and Light Truck Certification Tests
  • A1 – Engine Repair
  • A2 – Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
  • A3 – Manual Drive Train and Axles
  • A4 – Suspension and Steering
  • A5 – Brakes
  • A6 – Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • A7 – Heating and Air Conditioning
  • A8 – Engine Performance
  • A9 – Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
• B Series: Collision Repair and Refinish Certification Tests
  • B2 – Painting and Refinishing
  • B3 – Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair
  • B4 – Structural Analysis and Damage Repair
  • B5 – Mechanical and Electrical Components
• B6: Damage Analysis and Estimating Certification Test
• C1: Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test
• E Series: Truck Equipment Certification Tests
  • E1 – Truck Equipment Installation and Repair
  • E2 – Electrical/Electronic Systems Installation and Repair
  • E3 – Auxiliary Power Systems Installation and Repair
• F1: Alternate Fuels Certification Test
• G1: Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test
• H Series: Transit Bus Certification Tests
  • H1 – Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Engines
  • H2 – Diesel Engines
  • H3 – Drive Train
  • H4 – Brakes
  • H5 – Suspension and Steering
  • H6 – Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • H7 – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • H8 – Preventive Maintenance and Inspection (PMI)
• L1: Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification Test
• L2: Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification Test
• L3: Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Test
• L4: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Specialist Certification Test
• P Series: Parts Specialist Certification Tests
  • P1 – Medium-Heavy Truck Parts Specialist
  • P2 – Automobile Parts Specialist
  • P4 – General Motors Parts Consultant
• S Series: School Bus Certification Tests
  • S1 – Body Systems and Special Equipment
  • S2 – Diesel Engines
  • S3 – Drive Train
  • S4 – Brakes
  • S5 – Suspension and Steering
  • S6 – Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • S7 – Air Conditioning Systems and Controls
• T Series: Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests
  • T1 – Gasoline Engines
  • T2 – Diesel Engines
  • T3 – Drive Train
  • T4 – Brakes
  • T5 – Suspension and Steering
  • T6 – Electrical/ Electronic Systems
  • T7 – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • T8 – Preventive Maintenance Inspection
• X1: Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test
• MIL Series: ASE Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Certification Tests
  • MIL2 – Diesel Engines
  • MIL3 – Drive Train
  • MIL4 – Chassis
  • MIL5 – Suspension, Steering, and Hydraulics
  • MIL6 – Electrical/ Electronic Systems
  • MIL7 – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • MIL8 – Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS)
• Non-Certification Assessments
  • BMW1: BMW Associate Level Assessment
  • BMW2: BMW Member Level Assessment
  • BMW3: Collision Repair Technician Assessment
  • VOL1: Volvo Certified Level Test

Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements can register for these tests online. Testing centers are located throughout the U.S.

Learn More From NYADI

If you’re looking for a technical college that will help you prepare for ASE certification, choose NYADI The College of Transportation Technology. Located in Jamaica, NY, and serving students in the surrounding area, NYADI offers small class sizes, one-on-one student support, and robust career services. Each of NYADI’s instructors is certified in the ASE subject areas they teach. NYADI’s career-focused academic programs include:

• Associate of Occupational Studies in Automotive Technology
• Associate of Occupational Studies in Automotive and Diesel Technology
• Certificate in Truck and Diesel Service Technology
• Certificate in Automotive Service Technology
• Certificate in Collision Repair Technology

For more information about ASE certification and applying to NYADI, contact an admissions representative today.