ASE certification classes prepare you to pass the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) exams that test your knowledge of vehicle repair and maintenance

ASE certification is a credential issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a nonprofit organization that sets standards for automotive technicians. The classes themselves are not run by ASE — they're offered by vocational schools, community colleges, trade schools, and private training providers. The classes cover the specific topics that appear on ASE exams, and passing an exam earns you a certificate in that specialty.

You don't have to take a class to sit for an ASE exam. You can study on your own using practice tests and study guides. But classes give you structured instruction, hands-on shop time, and instructors who know what the exams actually test. Most people who work toward ASE certification do take at least some formal training.

Key Takeaways

  • ASE classes are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and private training companies — not by ASE itself — and cover the topics tested on ASE exams.
  • There are eight main ASE exam categories (engine repair, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, and light vehicle diesel), and you can take classes in any or all of them.
  • Most ASE classes run between four weeks and two years depending on whether you take a short focused course or a full automotive technician program.
  • You need hands-on shop experience to sit for most ASE exams, and classroom-only training does not count toward that requirement.
  • Class costs vary widely — from a few hundred dollars for a single-topic short course to several thousand for a full technician program.

The eight ASE exam categories and what each class covers

ASE offers eight main certification exams for light-duty vehicles. Each one tests a specific repair specialty. A class in any one of these areas teaches the theory, tools, and procedures for that specialty.

Engine Repair covers diagnosis and repair of engines — timing, compression, valve systems, and engine block work. Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles focuses on transmission fluid, torque converters, planetary gears, and shift problems. Manual Drive Trains and Axles covers clutches, manual transmissions, differentials, and four-wheel-drive systems.

Suspension and Steering teaches springs, shock absorbers, alignment, and steering geometry. Brakes covers hydraulic systems, disc and drum brakes, anti-lock braking systems, and parking brakes. Electrical Systems focuses on batteries, alternators, starters, wiring, and lighting.

Heating and Air Conditioning teaches refrigerant systems, compressors, and climate control diagnosis. Engine Performance covers fuel systems, ignition systems, emissions controls, and computer diagnostics — often the most complex exam.

You can take a class in just one specialty or enroll in a full automotive technician program that covers all eight. Many people start with one or two areas that match their job or interest, then add more later.

How long classes take and what the schedule looks like

ASE class length depends on the format and depth. A short focused course on a single topic — say, brakes or air conditioning — typically runs four to twelve weeks, meeting one or two evenings a week or on weekends. These are designed for people who already work in the field and want to fill a knowledge gap or prepare for one specific exam.

A full automotive technician program that covers all eight specialties usually takes one to two years of full-time study, or two to four years part-time. Community colleges often offer both formats. Some programs are structured as a two-year associate degree; others are certificate programs that can be completed faster.

Most classes combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab time in a shop. The classroom portion covers theory, diagnostics, and safety. The lab portion puts you in front of actual vehicles or training equipment where you practice the skills. The ratio varies — some programs are 50/50 classroom and lab, others lean more heavily toward one or the other.

What you need before you can sit for an ASE exam

Taking a class does not automatically may have access to you to sit for an ASE exam. ASE requires that you have hands-on work experience in the area you want to test. For most exams, you need two years of full-time work experience as an automotive technician, or one year of experience if you also have a high school diploma or equivalent in automotive service.

Classroom time does not count toward this requirement. Only paid work in a shop counts. This means you typically need a job at a dealership, independent repair shop, fleet maintenance facility, or similar workplace before you can test. Some employers will hire you as an apprentice or entry-level technician while you're still in school, which lets you build experience at the same time.

Once you have the required experience, you register for the exam through ASE's website, pay the exam fee (which varies by test but is typically $50 to $100 per exam), and take the test at a testing center. Most testing centers are open year-round, so you can schedule your exam when you feel ready.

Where to find ASE classes in your area

Start by searching for "ASE classes near me" or "automotive technician program" in your city. Community colleges almost always offer ASE-aligned programs, and many are accredited by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation), which means they meet ASE standards for curriculum and equipment.

Trade schools and private training companies also offer ASE classes, often with more flexible scheduling. Some are online or hybrid, though the hands-on lab portion must happen in person. Check whether the program is NATEF-accredited — it's not required to take the exam, but it signals that the curriculum is solid and the instructors are vetted.

Your local workforce development office or community college can point you toward programs. If you're already working at a shop, ask your employer — many shops have partnerships with local training providers or offer tuition support for employees who want to get certified.

What ASE classes cost and how to pay for them

A short single-topic course typically costs $300 to $800. A full automotive technician program at a community college runs $2,000 to $6,000 for the entire program, depending on whether it's a certificate or degree and whether you attend full-time or part-time. Private trade schools are often more expensive, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 or more for a full program.

If you're enrolled in a community college, you may be may be able to access for federal student aid (Pell Grants or loans) by filling out the FAFSA. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees who complete training. Some trade schools offer payment plans or financing options. Ask the school directly what payment options they offer.

The ASE exam itself costs money — typically $50 to $100 per test — but that's separate from class costs. You pay the exam fee directly to ASE when you register to test.

How to know if an ASE class is worth your time and money

An ASE class makes sense if you want to work as an automotive technician, move into a more specialized repair area, or prove your skills to an employer. Many shops prefer or require ASE certification for certain positions, and certified technicians often earn more than uncertified ones.

If you're already working in a shop and your employer will pay for the class or give you time off to attend, the cost and time commitment are much lower. If you're paying out of pocket and taking time away from other work, calculate whether the certification will lead to a job or a raise that justifies the expense.

Check whether the school is NATEF-accredited and whether it has partnerships with local shops. Schools with strong shop connections often help graduates find jobs. Read reviews from former students if you can find them, and ask the school what percentage of graduates pass the ASE exams on their first try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a class to get ASE certified?

No. You can study on your own using ASE study guides and practice tests, then sit for the exam if you have the required work experience. However, most people find that classroom instruction and hands-on lab time make it easier to understand the material and pass the exam on the first attempt.

Can I take ASE classes online?

Some schools offer online classroom instruction, but the hands-on lab portion — where you work on actual vehicles or training equipment — must happen in person. Look for hybrid programs that combine online theory with in-person lab sessions at a physical location.

How long does it take to become ASE certified after finishing a class?

It depends on when you have the required work experience. If you already have two years of shop experience, you can sit for the exam as soon as you finish the class. If you're building experience while you study, it may take longer. Once you pass an exam, you receive your certificate within a few weeks.

What happens if I fail an ASE exam?

You can retake the exam. There's no limit on how many times you can test. Most people who fail review the topics they struggled with and retake the exam within a few weeks or months. Your class instructor can help you identify weak areas.

Will an ASE certificate help me get a job?

Yes. Many shops prefer certified technicians and some positions require it. Certification shows employers that you know the material and have met a standard. It often leads to higher pay and better job prospects, though the actual benefit depends on your local job market and the specific shop.