What ASE Certification Classes Teach You

ASE certification classes prepare you to pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exams, which test your knowledge of vehicle repair and maintenance. The classes cover the eight main automotive specialties: engine repair, automatic transmissions, manual drivetrains, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance. Each class focuses on one specialty, though some programs bundle multiple topics together.

The classes themselves do not award the certification — only passing the actual ASE exam does that. What the classes do is teach you the technical knowledge and troubleshooting methods the exam tests. Instructors walk through real repair scenarios, explain diagnostic procedures, and show you how to interpret test questions. Most classes include hands-on work in a shop or lab, not just lectures.

You do not need to take a class to sit for the ASE exam. You can study on your own using textbooks, online resources, or practice tests. But classes give you structure, an instructor who can answer questions, and classmates working through the same material. They also tend to move faster than self-study because an instructor knows which topics appear most often on the actual exam.

Key Takeaways

  • ASE classes teach the technical knowledge tested on the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exams, but passing the class does not automatically certify you — you must pass the exam itself.
  • Classes are offered through community colleges, trade schools, manufacturer training programs, and online platforms, with costs ranging widely depending on the provider and format.
  • Most programs require you to have some hands-on automotive experience before enrolling, typically one to three years of paid work in a shop.
  • A single class usually covers one ASE specialty and takes four to twelve weeks, depending on whether it meets full-time or part-time.
  • After passing an ASE exam, you must renew your certification every five years by retaking the exam or earning continuing education credits.

Where to Find ASE Certification Classes

Community colleges offer ASE classes as part of their automotive technology programs. These are usually the most affordable option and often meet in the evenings or on weekends so you can work while studying. Contact your local community college's automotive or technical department to ask which ASE exams they prepare for and when classes start.

Trade schools and private automotive training centers also run ASE prep classes. These tend to cost more than community college but may offer more flexible scheduling or more intensive instruction. Some are accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), which means their curriculum has been reviewed against ASE standards.

Manufacturer training programs — run by Ford, GM, Toyota, and others — sometimes include ASE prep as part of their technician training. If you work for a dealership, ask whether your employer offers or pays for these classes. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and industry-specific sites offer ASE prep courses, though these are usually self-paced study materials rather than instructor-led classes with live interaction.

What You Need Before Enrolling

Most ASE classes require you to have hands-on automotive work experience before you start. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence itself requires two years of paid work as a technician to sit for most exams, though some programs accept one year of experience plus completion of an accredited automotive program. Check with the specific class provider about their entry requirements.

You will also need a high school diploma or GED. Some programs ask to see it before enrollment; others do not check until you register for the actual ASE exam. Bring documentation with you when you enroll to avoid delays later.

Beyond that, you need access to a vehicle or shop environment where you can practice. If the class includes lab time, the school provides this. If you are studying on your own or in an online class, you may need your own vehicle or access to one through work.

How Long Classes Take and What They Cost

A single ASE class typically runs four to twelve weeks, depending on whether it meets full-time or part-time. Full-time programs compress the material into four to six weeks of daily classes. Part-time classes meet one or two evenings a week or on weekends and take eight to twelve weeks. Some schools offer self-paced options where you move through the material on your own schedule within a set window, usually three to six months.

Cost varies significantly by provider. Community colleges typically charge between $300 and $800 per class. Trade schools and private centers range from $500 to $2,000 per class. Online courses are often cheaper, from $100 to $500, but provide no hands-on instruction. Some employers reimburse tuition if you work in their shop, so ask before paying out of pocket.

The ASE exam itself costs money to sit for — currently around $150 per test — and that fee is separate from the class cost. You pay it when you register to take the exam, not when you enroll in the class.

What Happens During a Typical Class

Most ASE classes start with a diagnostic overview — how to read a work order, identify the customer's complaint, and plan a repair sequence. The instructor then moves through each major system covered by that exam: engine components, electrical circuits, brake hydraulics, and so on. Each topic includes both theory (how the system works) and practice (how to diagnose a problem when something goes wrong).

Lab time is where you explore what you learned. You might replace a transmission filter, diagnose an electrical short, or bleed a brake system. Some classes use training vehicles or components that are not running; others use actual customer cars in the school's shop. The instructor or a technician supervises and corrects your technique.

Toward the end of the class, most programs give you practice exams that mimic the real ASE test. These show you which topics you still need to review and what the actual question format looks like. The instructor reviews your results with you and points out areas to study harder before test day.

How to Register for the Actual ASE Exam

Finishing the class does not automatically register you for the exam. You must register separately through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence website or by phone. You will need to provide proof of your work experience, your high school diploma or GED, and payment for the exam fee.

The exam is offered year-round at testing centers across the country. You choose your test date and location when you register. Most people schedule the exam within a few weeks of finishing their class while the material is still fresh. You can take multiple exams on the same day if you want to pursue certifications in more than one specialty.

On test day, bring a photo ID and arrive early. The exam is computer-based and takes about two hours. You receive your score when ready after finishing. If you pass, you are certified in that specialty. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam after waiting a set period — usually 14 days — and paying the fee again.

Keeping Your Certification Current

ASE certifications expire five years after you earn them. To keep your certification active, you have two options: retake the exam before it expires, or earn continuing education credits through approved courses or training programs. Many technicians choose to retake the exam because it is straightforward and costs less than pursuing multiple continuing education credits.

If your certification expires and you do not renew it, you lose the credential. You can retake the exam to recertify, but you will need to pay the exam fee again and meet the current work experience requirement at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a class to pass the ASE exam?

No. You can study on your own using textbooks, practice tests, and online resources. However, a class gives you structured instruction, an instructor to answer questions, and typically moves faster because instructors focus on the topics that appear most often on the actual exam.

Can I take ASE classes while I am still learning to work on cars?

Most programs require one to three years of paid automotive work experience before you enroll. If you are new to the field, start with an entry-level technician job or a general automotive program first, then move into ASE prep classes once you have the required experience.

What if I fail the ASE exam after taking a class?

You can retake the exam after waiting 14 days and paying the fee again. Review the topics you missed on your first attempt, either by going through class materials again or by using practice tests to identify weak areas. Many people pass on their second attempt.

Will an ASE certification help me get a job?

ASE certification is widely recognized in the automotive industry and many employers prefer or require it for technician positions. It shows you have met a national standard for technical knowledge. However, the certification itself does not may provide employment — you still need to explore for jobs and interview.

How much does it cost to get ASE certified?

Class costs range from $300 to $2,000 depending on the provider, plus $150 per exam. If you study on your own, you only pay for the exam. Some employers cover tuition costs, so ask your current or prospective employer before paying out of pocket.