What ASE Certifications Cover

ASE certifications are credentials issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a nonprofit organization that tests and certifies automotive technicians. ASE does not train people — it tests knowledge that technicians have already gained through work experience, formal schooling, or both. A technician who passes an ASE exam receives a certificate in that specific area and can use the ASE logo on business cards and shop signage.

ASE offers separate tests in nine different automotive specialties. Each test covers the technical knowledge needed to diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles in that area. The tests are multiple-choice, taken on computer, and scored when ready. You do not need to pass all nine to work as a technician — many shops hire technicians with just one or two certifications, and some technicians specialize in a single area over their entire career.

ASE also issues certifications for heavy truck technicians, collision repair specialists, and school bus technicians. This guide focuses on the automotive technician certifications, which are the most common.

Key Takeaways

  • ASE certifications test knowledge in nine automotive specialties: engine repair, automatic transmissions, manual drivetrains, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, and light vehicle diesel engines.
  • To take an ASE test, you need either two years of hands-on work experience in that specialty, or one year of experience plus a high school diploma or equivalent in automotive technology.
  • Each test costs between $130 and $160, takes about 40 to 60 minutes, and you receive your score when ready after finishing.
  • ASE certifications are valid for five years, then you must pass a recertification test to keep the credential current.
  • ASE certification is not required by law to work as a technician, but many employers prefer or require it, and some states recognize it for licensing purposes.

The Nine ASE Automotive Technician Tests

The A1 test covers engine repair — diagnosing and fixing problems with pistons, valves, gaskets, and internal engine components. The A2 test is automatic transmissions and transaxles, including fluid, filters, seals, and shifting problems. The A3 test covers manual drivetrains and axles — clutches, gearboxes, differentials, and driveshafts.

The A4 test is suspension and steering systems: springs, shocks, alignment, and steering components. The A5 test covers brakes — pads, rotors, hydraulic systems, and anti-lock brake systems. The A6 test is electrical systems: batteries, alternators, starters, wiring, and lighting.

The A7 test covers heating, ventilation, and air conditioning — refrigerant, compressors, controls, and airflow. The A8 test is engine performance — fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions controls, and computer diagnostics. The A9 test covers light vehicle diesel engines, a specialty that has grown as diesel trucks become more common.

A technician who holds all nine certifications is called ASE Master Certified and can display the Master Certified badge. This usually takes several years to achieve and signals broad informed across all vehicle systems.

What You Need Before Taking a Test

ASE requires hands-on work experience before you can sit for a test. You need either two years of full-time work experience as an automotive technician in the specialty you are testing, or one year of experience plus a high school diploma or equivalent in automotive technology. Some vocational schools and community colleges offer automotive programs that count toward this requirement.

You do not need to work at a dealership or large shop — experience at an independent repair shop, fleet maintenance facility, or even as a mobile technician counts. The experience must be in the specific area you are testing. For example, two years working on brakes qualifies you for the A5 test, but you would need separate experience in engine repair to take the A1 test.

When you register for a test, ASE asks you to confirm your work history. You will need to provide the names and dates of employers where you gained that experience. ASE may contact your employers to verify the information you provided.

How to Register and Take the Test

You register for ASE tests through the ASE website at ase.com. Create an account, select which test or tests you want to take, and choose a testing date and location. ASE tests are offered year-round at testing centers across the United States — you can find a center near you through the website.

Each test costs between $130 and $160, depending on whether you register early or close to the test date. You pay when you register. The test itself takes 40 to 60 minutes and consists of 40 to 50 multiple-choice questions. You sit at a computer in a testing center, and your score appears on the screen as soon as you finish.

You need to bring a valid photo ID to the testing center. You cannot bring study materials, phones, or other devices into the testing room. The testing center provides scratch paper and a pencil if you need to work through calculations.

What Your Score Means

ASE scores range from 200 to 800. A score of 350 or higher means you passed and earned the certification. A score below 350 means you did not pass and will need to retake the test if you want the certification.

You receive a detailed score report that breaks down your performance by topic area — for example, on the A1 engine repair test, you see how you performed on questions about gaskets, valves, and other components. This report helps you identify which areas to study if you retake the test. You can retake any test as many times as you need, but you must pay the full fee each time.

Once you pass, ASE mails you a certificate within two to three weeks. You can also read a digital badge to use on your resume or social media. Some employers ask to see the physical certificate, so keep it in a safe place.

How Long Certifications Last and Recertification

An ASE certification is valid for five years from the date you pass the test. After five years, your certification expires and you can no longer use the ASE logo or claim to be ASE certified in that area. To keep your certification current, you must pass a recertification test before the five-year mark.

The recertification test is shorter than the original test — usually 30 to 40 questions instead of 40 to 50 — and costs the same as the original test. Many technicians recertify every five years throughout their careers. If your certification expires and you do not recertify within a grace period, you lose the credential and would need to retake the full test to regain it.

Whether ASE Certification Matters for Your Job

ASE certification is not legally required to work as an automotive technician in any state. You can be hired and work without it. However, many employers prefer technicians who hold ASE certifications, and some require it as a condition of employment or promotion. Dealerships, in particular, often expect technicians to be ASE certified or to work toward certification.

ASE certification can also affect your pay. Technicians with certifications often earn more than those without, though the difference varies by employer and location. Some shops offer bonuses or raises when a technician earns a new certification.

A few states recognize ASE certification as part of their licensing or registration process for technicians. For example, some states allow ASE Master Certified technicians to skip certain requirements for a state license. Check with your state's automotive licensing board to see whether ASE certification has any official standing in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take an ASE test without work experience?

No. ASE requires either two years of work experience in the specialty or one year of experience plus a high school diploma or equivalent in automotive technology. If you do not have the required experience, you cannot register for the test. Some people gain experience through vocational school programs while working part-time, which can shorten the timeline.

What happens if I fail an ASE test?

You receive a score report showing which topic areas you struggled with. You can retake the test as many times as you need, but you must pay the full fee each time. Many people study the weak areas identified in their score report before retaking the test.

Do I need all nine certifications to work as a technician?

No. Many technicians work with just one or two certifications, and some shops hire technicians without any ASE certification. However, some employers require or prefer multiple certifications, and dealerships often expect broader certification coverage.

Can I use an expired ASE certification on my resume?

Technically you can list it, but you should note that it is expired. Most employers understand that certifications expire and will ask whether you have recertified. It is better to recertify before your credential expires if you want to keep it active.

How much does it cost to get all nine ASE certifications?

Each test costs between $130 and $160, so getting all nine certifications would cost roughly $1,170 to $1,440 in test fees alone. Most technicians do not take all nine tests at once — they spread them out over several years as they gain experience in different areas.