An Auto mechanic certification can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and abilities necessary for a profession in automotive repair, heating, and air conditioning installation and maintenance, or electrical and electronic systems repair.
We\’ll go over what an auto mechanic certification is, the top mechanic certifications, and how to get them in this article.
What is Auto Mechanic
Certification?
Automobile mechanics, often known as \”automotive service technicians,\” must be up to date on how to fix and operate the latest generation of automobiles due to computer chips and codes, greater safety features, and improved mechanics.
Certification as an auto mechanic confirms your expertise and understanding in specific areas of car maintenance.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization that examines and certifies auto mechanics and technicians in more than 50 disciplines, offers a wide range of mechanic qualifications.
Mechanics who have completed a certification program and have the required work experience are preferred in the automobile repair business.
For example, an ASE certificate allowing you to operate with refrigerants is essential if you wish to install or repair air – conditioning systems in vehicles.
16 Types of Certifications from the American Society of
Automotive Engineers (ASE)
Different ASE certifications are available for various kinds of vehicles and secondary systems. There are three levels of certification: entry-level, professional technician, and master technician.
More than 50 exams are available to help you expand your knowledge and put your skills to the test. A series code represents each specialty and certification, and the range of topics within each expertise varies.
Various series focuses on different types of vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, hybrid vehicles, diesel vehicles, medium-heavy trucks, and even alternative fuels.
Certification test series include, but are not limited to:
- A Series: Automobile and Light Truck Certification (9 tests).
- B Series: Collision Repair and Refinish Certification (4 tests).
- B6: Damage Analysis and Estimating Certification.
- C1: Automobile Service Consultant Certification.
- E Series: Truck Equipment Certification (3 tests).
- F1: Alternate Fuels Certification.
- G1: Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification.
- H Series: Transit Bus Certification (8 tests).
- L1: Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification.
- L2: Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification.
- L3: Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Certification.
- MIL Series: ASE Military Technical Wheeled Vehicle Certification (8 tests).
- P Series: Parts Specialist Certification (3 tests).
- S Series: School Bus Certification (7 tests).
- T Series: Medium-Heavy Truck Certification (8 tests).
- X1: Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems.
- For example, entry-level car mechanics typically begin with the A Series of ASE\’s Automotive and Lightweight Truck (up to Class 3) tests.
- It consists of nine main test sites for vehicles such as automobiles, SUVs, and trucks. In the series, there are tests:
- Automatic transmission/transaxle.
- Automatic service technology.
- Brakes.
- Electrical/electronic systems.
- Engine repair.
- Heating and air conditioning.
- Maintenance and light repair.
- Manual drive train and axles.
- Suspension and steering.
If you complete all of the certifications in a series, you may sit for the ASE-Certified Master Automotive Technician test, which allows you to make more money and have more career options.
Employers and consumers can see that you have a broad understanding of auto maintenance with the Master Technician qualification.
You must have at least two years of needed professional experience in the certification field for all ASE certifications.
If you want to get your collision damage certification, for example, you\’ll need to have a minimum of two years of experience as an automotive collision estimator. This is due to the fact that not all ASE certificates need the same amount of work experience.
Other Auto Mechanic Certifications
Although the American Society of Engineering (ASE) is the most well-known credentialing body, other programs and organizations also provide mechanic certificates. Some independent organizations, for example, provide emission technician accreditation, which is necessary by many jurisdictions in order to fix automobiles that fail emissions testing.
Auto mechanics may be interested in auto manufacturer certificates, which recognize training and certified abilities for repairing certain automobiles. These manufacturer-specific credentials demonstrate to employers and consumers that you have a deep grasp of the brand you\’ve been certified in.
Those who receive these qualifications are qualified to diagnose faults, follow specialized repair processes, comprehend the design of the engine and its fuel needs, and work on the vehicle\’s safety systems and electrical equipment. They frequently work at dealerships or brand-specific auto shops.
How to Become a Certified Mechanic
Becoming a qualified mechanic is only the first step toward becoming a professional technician. As you work for your mechanic certification, follow these steps:
Obtain your high school Diploma:
Obtaining a high school diploma is one of the most common criteria for working as an auto mechanic. While some firms will hire technicians with no formal training or certification, most mechanic roles need this level of knowledge.
Participate in a Vocational or Collegiate program:
Many firms prefer technicians who have completed official training, such as a mechanic vocational school.
Many schools, such as community colleges, offer mechanics\’ vocational programs, which typically last nine months to two years and lead to a two-year associate degree.
Determine which credentials you Require or want:
Once you already have worked as a mechanic, talk to your boss about which credentials might be most advantageous to your future career.
If you don\’t have mechanical employment yet or want to go into a certain sort of mechanic career, do some study to find out which certificate will let you accomplish the work you want to do.
Take examinations to earn the certifications you want:
To get certified by the ASE, you must pass an exam on the subject. The examinations are available online at testing locations around the country. You can register online and pay your registration cost.
The majority of ASE certification exams are 40 to 75 multiple-choice questions. If you want to get numerous certifications, you should spread out your examinations so you have enough time to prepare. Sample exams are available online from the ASE to aid in preparation.
Work as an Auto Mechanic:
It\’s conceivable that you were currently working as a mechanic before taking a certification exam, or that you waited until you passed a few certification tests before looking for a job as a mechanic.
In either case, working as a technician is one of the finest methods to get extra qualifications and progress in your career.
Obtaining Certification:
If you pass the ASE certification exam and complete the work experience criteria, you will be certified. Work experience requirements vary by exam type, so do your study to find out what you\’ll need to acquire your certification.
You can take the exam before you have adequate work experience to be certified, but you will not be certified until you have met all of the testing and experience criteria.
Maintain Your Certificates:
Many mechanics get certificates during the course of their employment, depending on their interests, the company they work for, and the project they\’re working on. Furthermore, once you acquire an ASE certification, it is valid for five years until you need to re-certify.
As a result, even if you only require one certification, you would need to keep it up to date over time.
You may get a master\’s degree after receiving your auto mechanic certification and acquiring more experience in the sector, allowing you to work more flexible hours and further your career.
You can also choose to specialize in maintaining and repairing certain car elements, such as brakes, electrical systems, or the engine. Those with a business sense can create their own shop and work as independent vehicle mechanics.
With so many advantages, now is an excellent moment to explore your passions and begin your auto mechanic education.
If you loved reading this article, you can read our blog on \”10 Fascinating Facts About Pursuing an Automotive Mechanical Career\”