It's Worth Becoming an ASE Certified Automotive Technician

by Jane Smallman
jane.smallman@careertrainingdirectory.com
Career Training Directory Columnist

The non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests and certifies automotive repair and service technicians. Motorists and employers know that ASE certified automotive technicians have demonstrated technical competence by passing rigorous tests and fulfilling a two year work experience requirement. The ASE claims that its program is national, testing 200,000 applicants each year, and enjoys industry-wide recognition and acceptance. Many of the applicants attend training classes prior to sitting for these difficult exams.

Just like so many other things in life automobiles are now under the influence of computers. Their insides contain more electronic systems than ever before, and these days an automotive technician is more likely to start examining a car by hooking it up to a computer than taking it apart with a spanner.

Motorists want to be sure that their repair technician has up to date knowledge and demonstrated competence before letting him or her take apart their expensive machines. Employers want to know that their automotive technicians will be a credit to their operation and enhance their reputation. Earning ASE certification is a great way for technicians to increase their marketability and their income. Those who want to take their education and earning potential further can pass a battery of additional tests and attain Master Technician status.

Distance Learning for Automotive Technicians

A quick search on the Internet will show you that a number of schools and colleges are now offering distance learning programs specially geared for automotive technicians and the ASE exams. If you are already working in automotive repair you can stay employed while earning your certification, completing your 2 year work requirement while studying for your exams.

One of the advantages online schools have over traditional campus-based programs is that they are experts in the use of 3-dimensional graphics, animation and color illustrations. Detailed images can be delivered directly to your own computer screen so you can actually see complicated components up close in all their glory, look at them from every angle, and even see how they fit together with other parts of the automobile.

Sources:

National Institute for Automotive Excellence
U.S. Dept Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics
Rutgers

About the Author

Jane Smallman combines free-lance writing with running a mountain guiding business with her husband. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the Social Sciences.