Getting ASE or a similar certification

[altaylar]

Merry Christmas you all

I have started to work on my cars about 2 years ago, and that process is a good mixture of fun, fulfillment and at times, frustration. While learning as I go is fine, I want to see if getting some sort of a certification/training that is aimed for a car mechanic could be a good option.

Does anyone know how ASE (or any other program) trainings and certification works for someone not employed by a shop? I worked as an engineer in engine manufacturing (casting and finishing) before moving to the business side, in case that helps.

 

[GW.]

You can take the ASE tests but will need shop experience(can’t remember if it’s 2-3 years) to get the actual certification.

 

[JN94]

You can take the ASE tests but will need shop experience(can’t remember if it’s 2-3 years) to get the actual certification.

My highschool shop teacher is a ASE Master Technician. He told me that he had to have a licensed shop verify 3 years experience before he could take his tests for it.

 

[GW.]

My highschool shop teacher is a ASE Master Technician. He told me that he had to have a licensed shop verify 3 years experience before he could take his tests for it.

I took the tests early but this was in the 80’s. Got the actual certificates after time at the dealership. Things may be different these days. GM actually didn’t even recognize ASE until sometime in the 2000’s long after I changed careers. Now it’s required to be ASE Master certified before you can get GM World Class certification. I was ahead of the curve

EDIT: looks like you can still take most tests early.

 

[D60]

I've seen some sort of daily ASE quiz pop up in my FB feed. Point being this is something you could try to find to get a feel for it.

 

[Chris142]

I dropped my ASE 25 years ago as no employers cared, did not offer more pay etc and I don't want to spend the $$$ to renew them

 

[altaylar]

I dropped my ASE 25 years ago as no employers cared, did not offer more pay etc and I don't want to spend the $$$ to renew them

Oh wow.
I have seen a "starter" designation, i wodner if that is something that does not need renewal

 

[AutoMechanic]

I had my student ASE certifications but they have all expired. I need to get them again but my dealership doesn’t want to send me to get them I guess because they know they will have to pay me more lol. I work for Toyota and they let us use ASE for credit towards Toyota certifications so that way we don’t have to go up to Baltimore for all the in person classes. Most independent shops I know of don’t care about them. My friend who works at an independent shop they told him they didn’t care about ASE and just worry about his state inspection license so that’s what he did. I didn’t know you needed shop experience to get the ASE I thought it was just whoever could pass a test.

 

[Dave Hess]

I dropped my ASE 25 years ago as no employers cared, did not offer more pay etc and I don't want to spend the $$$ to renew them

Where were you working 25 years ago ?

Tire shop, dealership, mom & pop business, etc… ?

 

[JohnnyG]

If you wouldn't mind working on diesel engines, find your nearest Freightliner dealer/repair shop. Also listed under Velocity now, since they bought a bunch of those dealerships.

Anyway, they'll train you, give you a Huge discount on tools, AND pay you about $100,000.00 a year to do it!

 

[altaylar]

If you wouldn't mind working on diesel engines, find your nearest Freightliner dealer/repair shop. Also listed under Velocity now, since they bought a bunch of those dealerships.

Anyway, they'll train you, give you a Huge discount on tools, AND pay you about $100,000.00 a year to do it!

I have to say that is a very sweet deal, but i am just looking to improve in this hobby

 

[Owen Lucas]

I don't think it matters for most shops, but if they want to display the ASE badge for credibility, I believe you are supposed to have at least 1 certified tech.

 

[02SE]

Most independent shops I know of don’t care about them. My friend who works at an independent shop they told him they didn’t care about ASE and just worry about his state inspection license so that’s what he did.

Well, that explains in part the ever-increasing stories about parts changers masquerading as Mechanics. They can connect a code reader, but ask them to diagnose anything, and it's parts-cannon time.

 

[GW.]

For those who have taken ASE tests know they are very broad based. Factory training and certs are much much more detailed and specialized. I would not choose a shop based solely on an ASE plaque.

 

[paulo57509]

For those who have taken ASE tests know they are very broad based. Factory training and certs are much much more detailed and specialized. I would not choose a shop based solely on an ASE plaque.

This is what my father (independent) told me after he took certification tests back in 1972-73. He also mentioned that answers to some of the test questions were ambiguous. He had to get re-certified after he sold his business and got a job at Nightmare Garage (Wyotech). His Chevrolet training that he received at Fremont Assembly are definitely obsolete now.

I found these in his desk after he passed in 2009.

 

[GW.]

This is what my father (independent) told me after he took certification tests back in 1972-73. He also mentioned that answers to some of the test questions were ambiguous. He had to get re-certified after he sold his business and got a job at Nightmare Garage (Wyotech). His Chevrolet training that he received at Fremont Assembly are definitely obsolete now.

View attachment 316668
I found these in his desk after he passed in 2009.

View attachment 316669

Very nice! Keep those!

 

[Owen Lucas]

For those who have taken ASE tests know they are very broad based. Factory training and certs are much much more detailed and specialized. I would not choose a shop based solely on an ASE plaque.

Once you have the part code year make model, run it through Ai and now you have a more precise parts cannon. So the techs diagnostic ability has partially replaced by a data center.

 

[Chris142]

Where were you working 25 years ago ?

Tire shop, dealership, mom & pop business, etc… ?

Pep boys then a Good year shop where we did pretty much everything

 

[clinebarger]

ASE's are nothing more than multiple choice exams, Some employers give pay bumps or bonuses for certifications.

Monetary gain is about the only reason to have ASE certifications in my opinion.