Automobiles and auto repair technicians are a crucial part of our daily lives. Whether it is commuting for our jobs, getting ready for our next family trip, or running errands, most of us prefer our own SUVs for the same. We love our cars so much that we always want someone as qualified as an auto repair technician to take charge of all the repairs and maintenance.
Becoming certified helps put clients at ease and ensures their confidence in you. More skills attract more customers; you become more viable, your prospects of a higher salary are maximized, and you could possibly kickstart your own auto repair business. Before watching out for the certifications you need to become an auto technician, it is imperative to decide which type of auto technician you want to become.
Types Of Automotive Technicians
Brake Technicians
A brake technician ensures that your brake linings, brake fluids, brake pads, and rotors work adequately. They repair, and replace the braking system of your car in case it malfunctions.
Front-end Technicians
These technicians are accountable to diagnose the riding and handling aspects of a vehicle, such as the vehicle’s wheel alignment, steering, tires, and suspension systems.
Diagnostic Technicians
These technicians diagnose the health of the car’s engine, check its engine performance, identify the problems, and perform engine repair to keep the cars running efficiently and smoothly.
Transmission Technicians
This auto body technician works on transmission systems of cars, such as the clutches, gear trains, and couplings.
Automotive Air-conditioning Technicians
This type of auto technician mechanic specialises in automotive air-conditioning. They install and repair the cooling and heating systems in your car.
Automotive Body and Glass Repairers
They replace and restore vehicle bodies, window glasses and windshields. They refinish the paint and dents on cars.
What Is The ASE Certification?
The independent, non-profit organization called the ‘National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence’ tests and certifies skilled auto mechanics and technicians. The ASE certification is the set standard credential that helps identify auto repair mechanics who have the desired skills and knowledge to effectively diagnose, repair, and maintain cars, trucks, SUVs, and every type of automobile.
One has to be present at the testing center for a CBT(computer-based test) which consists of about 40-75 multiple choice questions that helps assess the incumbent’s knowledge. One can prepare for the test and familiarize themselves with the testing environment by taking the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence’s sample tests online.
Once a person has registered for the test and is done paying the testing fee, he/she can give the certification test on the allotted date. Once the test is cleared, the person is certified to become an auto mechanic.
The Core Areas Of The Auto Mechanic Certification
ASE offers 8 different and core certificates for different vehicle types, such as cars, buses, trucks, and secondary systems. These certifications for each vehicle type ascertain one’s knowledge of repair and maintenance.
The career path for an auto repair mechanic generally starts at the Automobile repair shops and service centers. Recent graduates and the entry-level mechanics can kick start with the A-series exams, also known as the core areas necessary for a fulfilling career in the industry.
The A-series core certificates comprise Automobile and Light Truck certification exams which identify auto technicians who are able to render basic automotive services.
ASE also furnishes an additional A9 certificate for certain light vehicles. These below mentioned are the nine certificates that an auto mechanic can apply for:
A1: Engine Repair
A2: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
A3: Manual DriveTrain & Axles
A4: Suspension & Steering
A5: Brakes
A6: Electrical/Electronic Systems
A7: Heating & Air Conditioning
A8: Engine Performance
A9: Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
How To Become A Master Technician?
ASE recognizes candidates who have passed all the A-series eight tests as Master Technicians. One can even obtain this Master technician’s status by clearing certain exams in a particular series like the collision repair (B series), E series, parts specialist(P series), and many more.
All the certificates in a series must be up to date. If their validity in the series expires, one loses their status of being a master technician and even a prosperous career in auto mechanics. If that is the case one will have to refer to recertification.
How to get an ASE Recertification?
An ASE certification is acceptable for five years only after which one can apply for the recertification tests to get recertified. He/She can do the same by paying the prescribed fee. One can also use the ASE Renewal App to easily extend the date of their certification using their phones, tables, or PC without visiting the test center in person.
Conclusion
An ASE certification is a great way to demonstrate one’s ability and skills as a qualified and proficient auto repair technician. The certification shows the customers that the technician is well-versed with their craft and also demonstrates that they have invested their time and effort into being a professional auto mechanic. ASE certifications boost one’s credibility and indicate a noteworthy achievement.
