Until the early 1970's, consumers had no way to distinguish
between incompetent and competent mechanics. In response to
this need, the independent, non-profit National Institute for
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was established in 1972.

ASE's mission is to improve the quality of vehicle repair and
service through the testing and certification of repair and service
professionals.

At present there are about 420,000 professionals with current
certifications. They work in every segment of the automotive
service industry: car and truck dealerships, independent
garages, fleets, service stations, franchises, and more.

Here's how ASE certification works: Prospective candidates
register for and take one or more of ASE's 40-plus exams. The
tests are grouped into specialties for automobile, medium/heavy
truck, truck equipment, school bus, and collision repair
technicians as well as engine machinists, alternate fuels
technicians, and parts specialists, and collision damage
estimators.

Upon passing at least one exam and after providing proof of two
years of relevant work experience, the test taker becomes ASE
certified. Certification, however, is not for life. To remain certified,
those with ASE credentials must be retested every five years.

The tests, which are conducted twice a year at about 800
locations around the country, are administered by ACT, known
for its academic and occupational testing programs. The exams
stress knowledge of job-related skills. They are no cinch to pass;
approximately one out of three test takers fails.

Consumers benefit from ASE certification. It is a valuable yard
stick by which to measure the knowledge and skills of individual
technicians as well as the commitment to quality of the repair
facility employing ASE-certified professionals.

ASE-certified technicians usually wear blue and white ASE
shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of
expertise (brakes, engine repair, etc.), while employers often
display their technicians' credentials in the customer waiting
area.

Consumers should look for facilities that display the ASE Blue
Seal of Excellence logo on outdoor signs, in the customer
waiting area, in the Yellow Pages, and in other advertisements.