Repair And Fix it

The ASE was established in 1972 as an independent certification agency for mechanics to provide consumers with a means of determining if a mechanic is qualified. The ASE offers over 40 different certification exams in different mechanical specialties. Beginning in 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency began requiring all mechanics servicing air conditioning systems in motor vehicles to become ASE 609 certified, indicating competence in the proper environmental handling of refrigerant. As of 2010, ASE 609 certification is available online for a fee of $15.

Instructions

1

Review the training materials provided by the ASE on its website (see Resources). Study the material until you are confident you know it.

2

Go to the ASE campus website (see Resources) and create a profile by selecting the "Create an ASE Campus profile to get started" on the drop-down box under the ASE Refrigerant Recovery & Recycling Program heading. Follow the directions provided to create a profile.

3

Login to the ASE campus website and follow the prompts to select and purchase the ASE Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Program test.

4

Follow the prompts to complete the test; 24 of 30 questions must be answered correctly to pass the test and become certified.

An ASE certified parts specialist has expert knowledge of the parts used in automobile and heavy truck service and repair. Getting certified requires passing a series of six exams issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. ASE certification as a parts specialist must be renewed every five years.

Testing Centers

Paper versions of the tests can be taken at over 700 testing centers nationwide. Testing is done each May and November, and the deadlines for registering are March 31 and September 30.

Registrations

According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, applicants may register for the ASE parts specialist exam by mail, telephone or online. To register for computer based testing, applicants must register and create a profile at the ASE Online Testing and Education Center.

Fees

Taking the paper and pen version of the tests costs a $32 registration fee and $26 per test taken as of 2010. Registration for computer-based testing costs $70 and each test taken costs $37.

The Tests

The test questions are written by a cross section of parts industry experts and are entirely job related. The exams include test questions on every aspect of auto and heavy truck parts knowledge as well as questions covering parts cataloging, communications and sales skills.