What ASE certification training programs teach you
ASE certification stands for Automotive Service Excellence. These training programs prepare you to pass ASE exams, which test your knowledge of specific automotive repair and service areas. The exams themselves are created and administered by ASE, an independent nonprofit organization, but the training programs that prepare you for them are run by vocational schools, community colleges, private training companies, and some dealerships.
ASE offers exams in nine different automotive specialties: engine repair, automatic transmissions, manual drive trains, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, and light vehicle diesel engines. There is also a separate exam for collision repair and refinish. A training program may cover one specialty deeply, several specialties, or all of them — it depends on the program's length and focus.
The training teaches both theory and hands-on work. You learn how systems function, how to diagnose problems, what tools to use, and how to perform repairs safely. Most programs include time in a shop or lab where you work on actual vehicles or training equipment under supervision.
Key Takeaways
- ASE training programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, private training companies, and some dealerships, not by ASE itself.
- Programs vary in length from a few weeks to two years, depending on how many ASE specialties they cover and whether they include general automotive knowledge.
- You do not have to complete a training program to take an ASE exam — work experience alone can may have access to you — but training programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on shop time.
- After completing a program, you still must pass the actual ASE exam to earn certification; the program prepares you but does not grant the credential.
- Program costs range widely based on length, location, and whether the school is public or private, and some programs offer payment plans or financial aid.
Types of ASE training programs and how long they take
Community colleges and public vocational schools typically offer ASE training as part of a longer automotive technology or diesel technology program. These programs usually run one to two years and lead to an associate degree or certificate. They cover multiple ASE specialties and include general automotive knowledge alongside exam preparation. Because they are public institutions, tuition is usually lower than private alternatives, though costs vary by state and school.
Private training companies and technical schools often offer shorter, more focused programs — sometimes as little as four to twelve weeks — that target specific ASE exams or a small group of related exams. These programs move faster and may cost more per month, but you finish sooner. Some are offered in-person, and some are hybrid or online with a hands-on component at a physical location.
Dealerships and independent repair shops sometimes run their own training programs for employees or prospective employees. These are often shorter and tailored to the shop's specific work. If you are already working in a shop, your employer may offer or subsidize training.
What you need before enrolling in a program
Most ASE training programs require a high school diploma or GED. Some programs have no formal prerequisites beyond that. A few programs, particularly longer associate degree programs, may require placement testing in math or reading, or may ask you to complete remedial coursework first if your scores are low.
You do not need prior automotive experience to enroll in most programs. Programs designed for beginners teach foundational knowledge first. However, some shorter, specialized programs assume you already have basic automotive knowledge or some hands-on shop experience, so check the program description before you explore.
You will need access to transportation to get to the school or training location, since most programs include in-person lab or shop time. Some schools offer evening or weekend classes to accommodate people who work during the day, but the hands-on portion usually requires daytime attendance.
How training programs prepare you for the ASE exam
ASE exams are multiple-choice tests administered on computer at testing centers. Each exam covers a specific specialty and includes 40 to 80 questions depending on the subject. You have a set amount of time to complete the exam, usually between 45 minutes and two hours. To pass, you typically need to score around 70 percent or higher, though the exact passing score varies slightly by exam.
A good training program teaches you the content that appears on the exam and also teaches you how to think through diagnostic problems the way the exam expects. Instructors often use practice exams and sample questions that mirror the real test format. Some programs include access to online practice tests or study materials after you finish the classroom portion, so you can review before you take the actual exam.
The hands-on lab work is equally important. You learn to use diagnostic tools, perform repairs correctly, and understand why procedures matter — knowledge that shows up in the exam questions. Many instructors have taken the ASE exams themselves and know which topics are tested heavily.
Cost and payment options for ASE training
Program costs depend heavily on whether the school is public or private and how long the program runs. A two-year associate degree program at a community college might cost between $3,000 and $8,000 in total tuition, though this varies significantly by state and school. A private technical school offering a shorter program might charge $5,000 to $15,000 or more for a few months of training. Some shorter online or hybrid programs cost less; others cost more.
Public community colleges and vocational schools often offer payment plans, allowing you to pay tuition in installments rather than upfront. Many also participate in federal financial aid programs, meaning you may be able to use federal student loans or grants if you meet income requirements. Contact the school's financial aid office to learn what options are available.
Private training companies sometimes offer payment plans as well, though terms vary. Some employers will pay for employee training if you commit to working there for a set period after certification. If you are a veteran, the GI Bill may cover vocational training at participating schools.
Choosing between a program and self-study with work experience
You do not have to attend a training program to become ASE certified. ASE allows you to take the exams based on work experience alone — typically two to five years of hands-on automotive repair work, depending on the exam. Many technicians take this route, learning on the job and studying for the exam independently using books, online resources, or practice tests.
The advantage of a formal program is structure and hands-on access. If you are starting from scratch with no automotive background, a program gives you foundational knowledge and supervised practice in a short time. If you are already working in a shop, you may learn faster by combining your job experience with focused exam study.
The advantage of the work-experience route is cost and flexibility. You earn while you learn, and you can study at your own pace. The disadvantage is that it takes longer — you need several years of work before you are may be able to access to test — and you may not learn systematically. Some shops teach well; others do not.
What happens after you complete a program
Finishing a training program does not automatically make you ASE certified. You must register for and pass the actual ASE exam. You can take the exam at a testing center; ASE maintains a list of locations on its website. You pay a fee to take each exam — the fee varies but is typically between $100 and $200 per exam. You can take one exam or multiple exams on the same day if you choose.
After you pass an exam, you receive a certificate for that specialty. If you pass four exams in related areas, you become an ASE Certified TechnicianASE Master Technician. Certifications are valid for five years, after which you must retake the exams to recertify.
Many employers require or prefer ASE certification for technician positions. Some shops display their technicians' certifications in the waiting area. Certification often leads to higher pay and more job security, though the exact benefit depends on your employer and location.
Finding and comparing ASE training programs near you
Start by searching for "ASE training programs near me" or "automotive technology programs" in your area. Community colleges and public vocational schools usually appear first. You can also visit the ASE website, which lists accredited training providers by state, though this list is not exhaustive — many programs are not formally accredited by ASE.
When comparing programs, ask about the length, cost, schedule (full-time, part-time, evening, weekend), which ASE specialties are covered, and whether the program includes hands-on lab time. Ask whether instructors are ASE certified themselves and how recently the equipment and vehicles in the shop have been updated. Request information about job placement — many schools track where graduates work and what they earn.
Visit the school if you can, or ask to speak with a current student or recent graduate. Ask what the pass rate is for students taking the ASE exam after completing the program. A high pass rate suggests the program teaches effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to finish a training program before I can take the ASE exam?
No. You can take the ASE exam based on work experience alone — typically two to five years of hands-on automotive repair, depending on the exam. A training program is not required, but it can help you prepare faster if you are new to the field.
How long does it take to become ASE certified after finishing a training program?
That depends on you. Most programs take a few weeks to two years to complete. After you finish, you can take the exam whenever you are ready — some people take it within a week, others study for several months. The exam itself takes between 45 minutes and two hours. You receive your results when ready after testing.
Will ASE certification help me get a job?
Many employers prefer or require ASE certification for technician positions, and certified technicians often earn more than uncertified ones. However, the benefit varies by employer, location, and the specific job. Ask employers in your area whether they hire uncertified technicians and what they pay compared to certified ones.
Can I take ASE exams online?
The exams themselves are taken at testing centers on a computer, not at home. However, some training programs are offered online or hybrid, with classroom instruction online and hands-on lab work at a physical location. Check with individual programs about their format.
What if I fail an ASE exam?
You can retake the exam. There is no limit on how many times you can test, though you pay the exam fee each time. Many people retake an exam after studying the areas where they scored lowest. ASE provides a score report showing which topics you struggled with.