What ASE Certification Is and Where to Take the Test
ASE certification (Automotive Service Excellence) is a credential that shows you have passed a test on automotive repair knowledge. The tests are administered by ASE, a nonprofit organization, and are offered at testing centers in most areas — not through a single national office you call or visit.
To find a testing center near you, you go to the ASE website and use their testing center locator tool. You enter your zip code, and it shows you which centers in your area offer ASE tests, their addresses, phone numbers, and the test dates they have scheduled. Some centers are vocational schools, community colleges, or independent testing facilities. You contact the center directly to register for a specific test date and pay the test fee.
The test itself covers a specific repair area — for example, engine repair, transmission, brakes, or electrical systems. You choose which test to take based on the work you do or want to do. Each test is multiple choice and takes about an hour.
Key Takeaways
- ASE tests are given at local testing centers you find through the ASE website locator, not through a central office.
- You contact the testing center directly to register and pay the fee, which varies by center and test type.
- Each test covers one repair specialty and takes about an hour to complete.
- Many community colleges and vocational schools offer ASE testing and may also offer prep courses.
- You must pass the test on your first or second attempt to earn the credential; retakes are allowed but cost extra.
Using the ASE Testing Center Locator
Go to the ASE website (ase.com) and look for the "Find a Test Center" or "Testing Centers" link. Enter your zip code and select the radius you are willing to travel — typically 5, 10, 25, or 50 miles. The tool will list all centers within that distance, along with their hours, phone numbers, and the test dates they have available in the coming weeks or months.
Call the center directly to ask about registration. Some centers let you register online; others require a phone call or in-person visit. Ask about the test fee (it varies), what documents you need to bring (usually a photo ID), and whether they offer study materials or prep courses. Some centers require you to register a few days in advance; others allow walk-in testing on certain dates.
If no centers appear in your search, expand the radius or check whether your state has any vocational schools or community colleges nearby — they often host ASE testing even if they do not appear in the first search results. You can also call ASE directly at their customer service line to ask for testing center recommendations in your area.
Preparing for the Test Without a Formal Course
You do not need to take a prep course to sit for an ASE test, but most people study beforehand. ASE publishes official study guides for each test, available in print or digital form. You can buy them directly from the ASE website or through retailers like Amazon. The guides walk through the topics covered on each test and include sample questions.
Many testing centers also sell or lend study materials, so ask when you call to register. Some centers offer short prep classes — usually a few evenings or a Saturday — that walk through the test content. These are not required, but they can help if you have been out of school for a while or want to brush up on specific topics.
Online resources exist as well: YouTube has channels dedicated to ASE test prep, and some websites offer free practice questions. The key is to spend time on the topics the test covers — you do not need to memorize everything, but you should understand the main repair procedures and diagnostic steps for your chosen specialty.
What Happens After You Pass
Once you pass a test, ASE sends you a certificate in the mail within a few weeks. You can also view your score and certificate status online through your ASE account. The certificate is valid for five years. After five years, you can retake the test to renew it, or you can let it expire.
Many employers ask to see your ASE certificate as proof of your knowledge, especially for higher-paying positions. Some shops require technicians to hold current ASE certification. You can list the credential on your resume and job applications. ASE also maintains a public registry where employers can verify that your certificate is current and valid.
Testing Fees and What to Bring
The test fee varies by testing center but typically ranges from $100 to $150 per test. Some centers charge a registration fee on top of the test fee. Ask about the total cost when you call. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test, but you will pay the fee again.
Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to the testing center. Some centers also ask for a second form of ID or proof of address. Arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to check in. You will not be allowed to bring study materials, phones, or other devices into the testing room — the center will provide scratch paper and a pencil if you need them.
Finding Training Programs That Include ASE Prep
If you want more structured training than self-study, look for automotive technician programs at community colleges or vocational schools in your area. Many of these programs include ASE test prep as part of the curriculum and may even cover the test fee for students. Some programs are full-time (one to two years) and lead to an associate degree; others are shorter certificate programs that focus on one or two repair specialties.
Contact the automotive or diesel technology department at your local community college to ask whether they offer ASE prep. Ask whether the program includes the test fee, how long it takes, and what it costs. Some programs also have partnerships with local shops, which can lead to job placements after you finish.
Apprenticeship programs in your area may also include ASE testing. These are paid, on-the-job training programs where you work under a licensed technician while learning the trade. Apprenticeships typically last three to five years and often cover the cost of ASE tests as part of the program.
What to Do If No Testing Centers Are Nearby
If you live in a rural area or a place with no testing centers within a reasonable distance, ask the testing center locator whether any centers offer remote or proctored testing. Some centers have begun offering online tests with a proctor watching via video, though this is not yet available everywhere.
Another option is to travel to the nearest testing center on a scheduled test date. If that is not practical, contact ASE directly to ask whether they know of any upcoming testing events in your region — sometimes ASE holds testing sessions at trade shows, conferences, or special events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high school diploma or GED to take an ASE test?
No formal education requirement exists. However, you should have some hands-on experience working on vehicles — most people take the test after working in an automotive shop for at least a year. ASE does not verify your work history before you sit for the test.
Can I take multiple ASE tests on the same day?
Yes. Many testing centers allow you to take two or more tests in one visit if you register for them in advance. Each test takes about an hour, so plan accordingly. You will pay the fee for each test.
What score do I need to pass?
ASE does not publish a specific passing score. Instead, your score is compared to the performance of other test-takers, and you either pass or do not pass. You will receive your result when ready after the test or within a few days, depending on the testing center.
How long does it take to get my certificate after I pass?
ASE mails physical certificates within two to four weeks of your passing score. You can view your certificate status online when ready through your ASE account, even before the physical certificate arrives.
Can I take the test if I am not currently working as a technician?
Yes. You do not have to be employed to sit for an ASE test. However, the test assumes you have some practical knowledge of automotive repair, so self-study or formal training beforehand is important.