ASE certification costs between $130 and $165 per exam, depending on which test you take

ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) exams are administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a nonprofit organization. Each exam costs money to register for and take. The exact price depends on which specific test you choose — there are different exams for different vehicle systems and specialties — but you can expect to pay somewhere in the $130 to $165 range per test.

Most people take more than one exam. If you want to become an ASE Certified Technician, you need to pass at least one exam and have two years of hands-on work experience in that area. Many technicians take four or more exams to cover different vehicle systems and increase their job prospects. That means your total cost could be several hundred dollars when you add up multiple exam fees.

Beyond the exam fees themselves, there are other costs to consider: study materials, practice tests, and possibly a test center fee if you take the exam at a location that charges for proctoring. This guide walks you through what each piece costs and where that money goes.

Key Takeaways

  • Each ASE exam costs between $130 and $165, and most people take multiple exams to earn full certification.
  • You can take exams online from home or at a test center, and some test centers charge an additional proctoring fee on top of the exam cost.
  • Study materials like practice tests and prep books are not included in the exam fee and cost extra, usually $20 to $100 depending on what you choose.
  • ASE offers fee waivers and discounts for military members, students, and people in certain training programs, which can reduce your total cost.
  • You need to renew your certification every five years, which costs the same as the initial exam fee.

Breaking down the exam fee and what it covers

When you pay the $130 to $165 exam fee, you are paying ASE directly to take one test. That fee covers the cost of the exam itself, the scoring, and your results. It does not include study materials, practice tests, or a test center location.

The exact amount varies slightly depending on when you register. ASE sometimes offers early-bird pricing if you register well in advance, and prices may be slightly higher if you register close to your test date. You pay through ASE's website when you create your account and schedule your exam.

If you take the exam at a physical test center rather than online at home, some centers charge an additional proctoring fee — usually $15 to $50 — on top of the ASE exam fee. This fee goes to the test center for providing a find location and monitoring your test. Not all test centers charge this; some are free. You can see the proctoring fee before you book your test center appointment.

How many exams you might need and total cost

The number of exams you take depends on your goals and your job. An ASE Certified Technician credential requires passing at least one exam plus having two years of work experience. However, most employers expect technicians to pass at least four exams to show broad knowledge across different vehicle systems.

The eight main exam categories are: Engine Repair, Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles, Manual Drive Trains and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning, and Engine Performance. A technician might take four of these exams to earn a general certification, or take all eight to show mastery across all systems.

If you take four exams at $150 each, your total exam cost is $600. If you take eight exams, you are looking at $1,200 in exam fees alone. Some people spread their exams out over time, taking one or two per year, which also spreads out the cost.

Study materials and practice test costs

ASE exam fees do not include study materials. You have to buy those separately if you want them. The most common study options are practice tests, study guides, and video courses.

Practice tests are the most popular study tool. ASE's official practice tests cost around $25 to $35 per exam. Third-party providers like Delmar, Cengage, and other automotive training companies sell practice tests and study bundles ranging from $20 to $100 depending on how much material is included. Many people buy one or two practice tests per exam they plan to take.

Study guides and textbooks range from $30 to $80 per book. Video courses and online prep programs typically cost $50 to $150 per course. Some are subscription-based, meaning you pay a monthly fee to access them for a set period. Others are one-time purchases.

You do not have to buy study materials to pass the exam — some technicians study using free resources like YouTube videos and manufacturer manuals — but most people find at least one practice test helpful. Budget an extra $50 to $200 for study materials if you are taking multiple exams.

Discounts and fee waivers that can lower your cost

ASE offers reduced fees and waivers for certain groups. Military members and veterans can receive discounts on exam fees. Students enrolled in ASE-certified training programs may also receive discounted rates or fee waivers, depending on their school's agreement with ASE.

Some employers cover ASE exam costs for their employees as part of professional development. If you work at a dealership or repair shop, ask your manager whether they will pay for your exams or reimburse you after you pass.

ASE also runs occasional promotional pricing during certain times of the year. You can check ASE's website or sign up for their email list to learn about current discounts. The savings are usually modest — $10 to $20 off per exam — but they add up if you are taking multiple tests.

Renewal costs and maintaining your certification

ASE certification is valid for five years from the date you pass your exam. After five years, you need to renew your certification to keep using the ASE Certified Technician credential. Renewal requires passing the same exam again, which costs the same $130 to $165 fee.

You do not have to renew all your exams at once. Each exam has its own five-year expiration date based on when you passed it. So if you passed four exams in 2024, you would renew them in 2029. If you passed one exam in 2023 and three in 2024, the 2023 exam expires in 2028 and the 2024 exams expire in 2029.

Some technicians let certain certifications expire if they no longer work in that specialty. Others renew everything to maintain their full credential. Plan to budget for renewal fees every five years if you want to keep your certification active.

Comparing online and test center exam costs

You can take ASE exams either online from your home or at a physical test center. The exam fee is the same either way — $130 to $165. The difference is whether you pay an additional proctoring fee.

Taking the exam online at home is free in terms of location. You do not pay extra for a test center. However, you need a quiet space, a computer with a webcam, and a stable internet connection. ASE uses remote proctoring software that monitors you during the test.

Taking the exam at a test center means you go to a physical location where a proctor watches you take the test on a computer. Some test centers charge $15 to $50 for this service on top of your exam fee. Others do not charge extra. You can find test centers near you through ASE's website and see their fees before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my money back if I fail an ASE exam?

No. ASE does not refund exam fees if you do not pass. However, you can retake the exam by paying the full fee again. Many people budget for at least one retake when planning their certification costs, especially for their first exam.

Do I have to pay for study materials, or can I study for free?

Study materials are optional and cost extra. Many technicians use free resources like manufacturer service manuals, YouTube videos, and on-the-job training. However, official practice tests and study guides are designed specifically for ASE exams and help many people pass on their first try.

What if my employer pays for my exam but I fail — do I have to pay to retake it?

That depends on your employer's policy. Some employers cover retakes; others do not. Ask your manager or HR department about their retake policy before you take your first exam so you know what to expect.

Are there payment plans for ASE exams?

ASE does not offer payment plans. You pay the full exam fee upfront when you register. However, some training programs and employers may offer their own payment arrangements or reimbursement options.

How much does it cost to get ASE certified if I take the minimum number of exams?

The minimum is one exam at $130 to $165. However, you also need two years of hands-on work experience to earn the credential. Most people take at least four exams, which costs around $520 to $660 in exam fees alone, plus study materials.